3.25.2011

Little Red Riding Hood

Illustrated by Arthur Rackham

Folk tales and fairy tales are at the top of the list when it comes to vintage children's books. The Brothers Grimm folk tale, Little Red Riding Hood, has been a beloved and enduring story. Originally titled Little Red Cap, the story has a strong lesson. Since it's publication, Little Red Riding Hood has been illustrated by many artists over the years. Here is just a sampling of the different artistic interpretations of Little Red Riding Hood. 





Retold and illustrated by Andrea Wisnewski
David R. Godine, 2006

Little Red Riding Hood
Retold and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman


Chromolithograph from a 1920's FairyTale Gems book 
Illustrated by Jennie Harbour

A little history on the Grimm's brothers: Jacob Ludwig Carl Grimm (1785-1863) and Wilhelm Grimm (1786-1859) were born in Hanau, Germany. In their university years they started to collect folk tales and fairy tales. They did so because at this time these stories were passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth. They wanted to preserve these stories, especially ones that involved German heritage and culture.

Their first book, Children's and Household Tales (1812), had 86 stories. It was a big success. Readers were happy to see stories they had been told as children collected together. The next volume titled Grimm's Fairy Tales, had 70 additional stories. There were six more editions until the book contained over 200 stories.



Illustrated by Bernadette



German Illustration


Illustrated by June Goldsborough


Illustrated by Pablo Ramirez
Photo Credit



Illustrated by Winnie Fitch
Photo Credit


Illustrated by Susan Blair


Little Whitman book


Little Red-Cap

Red Riding Hood Inspired Schedule Books


Illustrated by Florence and Margaret Hoopes, 1938

The Grimms brothers became known throughout Europe as experts on folk tales, language and all things German. Wilhelm and Jacob had a close relationship. They went to the same university and were always together. Jacob continued to live with his brother even after Wilhelm married. In addition to being professors at the University of Berlin, they both became librarians. Total book lovers, they published many other books such as German Mythology, Old German Tales, The History of the German Language and a German Dictionary.

2 comments:

  1. great post! BTW, did you came across any Red Riding Hood picturebook with scary illustrations, such as the wolf eating humans or the wolf being pictured with a fat stomach? Thanks in addvance!

    kelly

    ReplyDelete
  2. No, but I wasn't looking for that. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete