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About The Book

The beloved classic, Little Red Riding Hood, has never had a cuter, more enthusiastic star than Arnold in this witty picture book that’s perfect for reading aloud.

Arnold is an eager young sheep who is excited to be in his very first book. No problem-o! Except he’s a bit big and fluffy to play Little Red Riding Hood, and he’s a tiny bit scared of the deep dark woods. Oh, and he has a friend who would be just perfect as Granny…perhaps the author wouldn’t mind a few suggestions?

About The Author

Linda Ravin Lodding, like Arnold, has always loved talking back…and writing her own stories. Now she is the award-winning author of five children’s books. Linda is originally from New York but has spent the past twenty years in Austria, The Netherlands, and now Sweden. Today she lives in Uppsala with her husband and teenage daughter. When Linda is not writing, she works for a children’s rights organization initiated by the Swedish Royal Family. (And, also like Arnold, she is a smidgen afraid of the woods.)

About The Illustrator

Cale Atkinson may or may not be a sheep. He is also an author, illustrator, and animator from British Columbia, Canada. His work can be found in picture books including To the Sea and Explorers of the Wild, which he wrote and illustrated. See more of his work at Cale.ca.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (August 8, 2017)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781481457491
  • Grades: P - 3
  • Ages: 4 - 8
  • Lexile ® 500L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

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Raves and Reviews

"Atkinson’s artwork is charming, and every sketch and brightly painted layered spread featuring allergy-laden Einer the muskrat is particularly delightful. This is a fun lesson in storytelling with cheerful illustrations."

– School Library Journal, June 2017

“As Arnold and his friends work their magic, Lodding transforms this classic tale into a clever story about representation and inclusion . . . Atkinson emphasizes Arnold’s unfailing positivity in cheerfully colored, in-your-face digital illustrations that generate a mood of creative chaos. A strong readaloud and excellent starting point for conversations about representation, character, and story.”

– Publishers Weekly, June 5, 2017

“Arnold’s insistent requests for edits will evoke lots of participation from young listeners as they recognize allusions to their favorite fairy tale motifs and giggle at Arnold’s proposed innovations; even more giggles will ensue when it’s revealed who the author really is . . . Any kid who’s ever nagged his or her adults into changing their minds will know exactly why Arnold’s is the right ending.”

– BCCB, July/August 2017

“Atkinson’s brightly colored cartoon-style illustrations depict Arnold as a red-caped, energetic figure—and as a slightly smaller sheep when he has an illustrator make a few cosmetic adjustments to his wool. A fun, meta, fractured fairy tale.”

– Booklist, July 1st, 2017

Awards and Honors

  • Buckaroo Book Award Nominee (WY)
  • Wisconsin State Reading Association's Reading List

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images