The Story of Little Red Riding Hood For Kids
In this Article
“Little Red Riding Hood” is a European fairy tale that can be traced back to the 10th century. Having taken extracts from several European folk tales, including one from Italy called The False Grandmother, two of the most well-known versions were written by Charles Perrault in the 17th century and later by the Brothers Grimm. However, anthropologist Tehrani believes that the story may have actually originated from an 11th-century poem recorded by a priest from Belgium.
“Little Red Cap” or “Red Riding Hood” were some of the other names of the story. Interpreted in numerous ways in a different culture, this classic story has been subjected to countless modern adaptations in literature, television, animation and films, music, musicals and games to become a favourite among its readers. This folktale embodies fantasies, experiences and mysteries that stretches our imagination making little red riding hood bedtime story a favourite among kids of all ages. Let us find out what exactly happens to the little girl wearing a red tunic who wanders off to the woods and encounters a wolf.
Short Story of Little Red Riding Hood for Children
In a small cottage on the edge of a thick forest, lived Little Red Riding Hood and her mother. The girl was called so, for she wore a cloak made of red velvet, given to her by her grandmother. One summer day, Little Red Riding Hood was sent by her mother to visit her granny as she was unwell.
“Take this basket of cakes to gran, Little Red, keep to the path and don’t talk to strangers,” said her mother.
“Yes, mummy!” came the cheerful reply.
Grandma lived on the forest’s other side, and Little Red Riding Hood set out towards her cottage. When she was well into the forest, she heard a sudden rustle behind her that made her heart start beating faster. A dark shadow came to stand beside her and a low, gruff voice spoke.
“Where are you going all alone in the woods, Red Riding Hood ?”
“I’m to visit my poorly grandma, Mister Wolf, she lives at the edge of the forest in a cottage under the oak trees, you must be knowing it,” said Little Red, forgetting her mother’s wise advice.
“No, I don’t think I do. Well, I think those bluebells over there would make a wonderful nosegay for granny, don’t you?” asked the wolf, but poor Red didn’t see his intentions; he was planning on eating her and her gran up!
“You’re right, I do! Thank you, Mister Wolf!” said she, and skipped to the blue dotted thicket.
The wolf quietly stepped back and ran all the way to grandma’s cottage. He called out, pretending to be gran’s beloved Red Riding Hood.
“Granny, let me in! It’s me, Little Red Riding Hood!”
“Let yourself in dear, I’m too tired!” Gran replied in a hoarse voice.
Slinking in, the wicked wolf latched the door behind him. Soon after, he had locked Gran up in the cupboard, worn her clothes, drawn the curtains, and laid himself in the bed, pulling the covers over his nose.
Meanwhile, Little Red had picked out some bluebells and cornflowers. As she was about to turn back to the path and continue on her journey, she noticed some lilies up ahead.
“I’ll take a few for mummy, she wouldn’t mind…they are her favourite, after all,” thought Little Red Riding Hood.
Happy with all the flowers she had picked, she realised she was lost. Then, she met a woodcutter and asked him where the path was. Soon she reached her Gran’s cottage and knocked on the door.
“Let me in Gran, it’s Red Riding Hood, and I’ve brought you cakes!” Red called.
“How lovely darling, open the latch and come inside! And don’t forget to shut the door behind you,” cried the evil wolf.
“Gran, your voice sounds odd…have you caught a cold?” asked Little Red.
“Oh..er..yes, darling, I have a dreadful cold,” the wolf replied.
“Goodness, what big eyes you have, Grandma!” said Red, as she set the basket on a table.
“All the better to see you with!” replied the wolf.
“And what big ears you have!” said Red, as she inched closer to the bed.
“All the better to see you with, my dear!” said the wolf slyly.
“Oh my! What big teeth you have, Gran!” exclaimed Little Red, her voice trembling.
“All the better to EAT YOU WITH!” screamed the wolf, as he pounced on the poor girl as she tried to squirm out of his grip.
Red Riding Hood screamed for help, remembering the woodcutter who had helped her find her way. Fortunately, the man was near the cottage and rushed there at once. He broke down the door and beat the wolf unconscious. Then, Red rushed to let her Gran out, who had started shouting for help. They thanked the woodcutter, who’d carried the wolf outside. And so they were safe from the wicked wolf forever.
Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale for kids is a story is about the never-ending fight between good and evil, about greed and hope, and about responsibility and second chances. It teaches children to obey their parents, never speak to strangers and not to judge people based on their appearances as that can be utterly deceptive. It also stresses the fact that one should not share any personal information with strangers which can be utilized by criminals to hurt us or our loved ones. Parents too must prioritize the safety of their children no matter how responsible or independent they may seem. The wolf is shown here as an embodiment of a malicious and savage being who in the present times would be represented by people lacking in morals and values. The lumberjack could be the police preventing crime. Thus, the moral of this famous story stays relevant even today, highlighting the fact that it’s necessary to be cautious and act smart at every step as who knows what dangers are lurking around the next corner?
Also Read:
The Snow Queen Story for Children
The Story of Elves and the Shoemaker for Children
Adam and Eve Bible Story for Children
