One-line Summary:
Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China is a captivating retelling of the classic fairy tale, set in ancient China, where three clever sisters outwit a cunning wolf.
The Three Sisters and the Wolf:
In Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China, author and illustrator Ed Young presents a captivating retelling of the classic fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood, set in ancient China. The story follows three young sisters, Shang, Tao, and Paotze, who live with their mother while their father is away on business. One day, their mother leaves them alone to visit their grandmother, Lon Po Po, who lives in the mountains. As night falls, a wolf disguised as their grandmother arrives at their door, hoping to devour the unsuspecting girls. However, the sisters’ wit and bravery prove to be their greatest weapons against the cunning wolf.
The Sisters’ Cleverness:
Throughout the story, the three sisters demonstrate their resourcefulness and intelligence as they outsmart the wolf. When the wolf arrives at their home, the eldest sister, Shang, senses something is amiss and warns her younger sisters not to open the door. The wolf, using his cunning, tries to trick the girls into letting him in by imitating their grandmother’s voice. However, the sisters remain vigilant and use their wit to expose the wolf’s deceit. They ask the wolf questions only their real grandmother would know the answers to, such as the taste of ginger and the sound of a sewing needle dropping. When the wolf fails to answer correctly, the sisters refuse to let him in. This pattern repeats three times, showcasing the sisters’ cleverness and ability to see through the wolf’s disguise.
The Final Showdown:
As the night progresses, the wolf becomes more desperate to enter the house and devour the sisters. He climbs onto the roof and tries to gain entry through the chimney. However, the sisters, quick on their feet, light a fire beneath the chimney, scorching the wolf’s tail. In pain and frustration, the wolf leaps down from the roof and flees into the night, never to be seen again. The sisters’ bravery and quick thinking ultimately save their lives and teach them the importance of staying vigilant and trusting their instincts.
Key Takeaways:
- The power of wit and intelligence: The three sisters in Lon Po Po demonstrate that cleverness and resourcefulness can overcome even the most cunning adversaries.
- Importance of staying vigilant: The story emphasizes the importance of remaining alert and trusting one’s instincts, as the sisters’ suspicions about the wolf ultimately save their lives.
- Strength in unity: The sisters work together as a team, supporting and protecting each other throughout the story. Their unity is a key factor in their triumph over the wolf.
“The wolf is cunning, but we are clever.”
In Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China, Ed Young masterfully retells the classic fairy tale, infusing it with Chinese culture and folklore. The story not only entertains readers with its suspenseful plot but also imparts valuable lessons about wit, vigilance, and the strength found in unity. Through the bravery and intelligence of the three sisters, readers are reminded of the power of cleverness and the importance of staying alert in the face of danger. Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China is a timeless tale that teaches children and adults alike the value of using their wits to overcome challenges and protect themselves from harm.
