Little Red and Big, Bad Fred

Hardcover

Grades Preschool – 2
Ages 3–7

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.

"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

ISBN 9780593902431 (Hardcover)
Published on Nov 18, 2025
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
Pages 40
Dimensions 10 x 10
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Lexile: 470L | Fountas/Pinnell: M

ISBN 9780593902448 (Hardcover Library Binding)
Published on Nov 18, 2025
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
Pages 40
Dimensions 10 x 10
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Lexile: 470L | Fountas/Pinnell: M

ISBN 9780593902455 (Ebook)
Published on Nov 18, 2025
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
Pages 40
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Lexile: 470L | Fountas/Pinnell: M

Ashley Belote

ASHLEY BELOTE is the author and illustrator of fun and silly picture books such as Witch & Wombat, Sheepwrecked, and Little Red and Big, Bad Fred. She spent second grade training to be a detective and solved several mysteries involving missing socks, misplaced car keys, and the occasional cookie disappearance. Now she uses her sleuthing skills to create fun mysteries for every detective, side kick, and squirrel to solve.

Close this overlay
Look Inside

Little Red and Big, Bad Fred

Copyrighted Material

Back to Explore Books

Back to Series

Board & Picture Books

Back to Explore Books

Back to Series

Chapter Books

Back to Explore Books

Back to Series

Graphic Novels

Back to Explore Books

Back to Series

Middle Grade

Back to Explore Books

Back to Seasons & Holidays

Spring

Back to Explore Books

Back to Seasons & Holidays

Summer

Back to Explore Books

Back to Seasons & Holidays

Fall

Back to Explore Books

Back to Seasons & Holidays

Winter

Random House Children's Books