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Book Cover for: Little Red and Big, Bad Fred, Ashley Belote

Little Red and Big, Bad Fred

Ashley Belote

Little Red Riding Hood like you've never seen before! This fractured fairy-tale will have kids in stitches as Little Red optimistically befriends Fred (who may or may not try to EAT Little Red), reminding readers to always see the best in others, even when they have sharp teeth and are definitely the big, bad wolf.

Once upon a time. . . . Little Red loves to visit his great-grandfather. He makes the trip through the woods any time of year! The best part is when Little Red meets Fred along the way. Fred is the bestest, fluffiest, most amazing KITTY in the whole wide world (nevermind that Little Red is completely oblivious to the fact that Fred is, in fact, a very hungry wolf that is trying to EAT HIM). When Fred gets hurt (from a trap HE set for Little Red), Little Red takes his injured friend to Great Grandfather's house. That's when Great Grandfather tells Little Red that Fred is actually ... a DOG?! EVEN BETTER. (Poor Fred.)

Little Red's positive outlook is contagious in this picture book about an unlikely friendship, the power of kindness, and keeping an open heart from the creator of Witch & Wombat and Sheepwrecked.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
  • Publish Date: Nov 18th, 2025
  • Pages: 40
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 10.20in - 10.20in - 0.40in - 1.00lb
  • EAN: 9780593902448
  • Recommended age: 03-07
  • Categories: Fairy Tales & Folklore - AdaptationsHumorous StoriesAnimals - Pets

About the Author

ASHLEY BELOTE is the author-illustrator of Witch & Wombat, Sheepwrecked, Don't Wash Winston, The Me Tree, and Listen Up, Louella. She also illustrated picture books like Frankenslime and Valenslime. Ashley studied traditional animation under the direction of Don Bluth. She also serves as the regional illustrator coordinator for the Carolinas chapter of SCBWI.

Praise for this book

"A meaty tale of unlikely friendship." --Kirkus Reviews

"A sweet and silly twist on a classic tale, with preschool-friendly pacing and a heartwarming bond at its center. A ­whimsically absurd love letter to childhood imagination and animal companionship." --School Library Journal

"This retelling of the classic fairy tale explores innocence, compassion, and unconditional love at its core....Young readers familiar with Little Red Riding Hood, and especially those intrigued by fairy-tale themes, can pick it up and read its lively, cartoonesque pages again and again." --Booklist