Brave Red, Smart Frog: A New Book of Old Tales
Author: Emily Jenkins
Illustrator: Rohan Daniel Eason
Published September 5th, 2017
Summary: Step into a wintry forest where seven iconic fairy tales unfold, retold with keen insight and touches of humor.
There once was a frozen forest so cold, you could feel it through the soles of your boots. It was a strange place where some kisses broke enchantments and others began them. Many said witches lived there — some with cold hearts, others with hot ovens and ugly appetites — and also dwarves in tiny houses made of stones. In this icy wood, a stepmother might eat a girl’s heart to restore her own beauty, while a woodcutter might become stupid with grief at the death of his donkey. Here a princess with too many dresses grows spiteful out of loneliness, while a mistreated girl who is kind to a crone finds pearls dropping from her mouth whenever she speaks. With empathy and an ear for emotion, Emily Jenkins retells seven fairy tales in contemporary language that reveals both the pathos and humor of some of our most beloved stories. Charming illustrations by Rohan Daniel Eason add whimsical details that enhance every new reading.
Discussion Questions include:
- “Snow White”
- At the beginning of the story, dwarves are included with witches and sprites, making them feel villainous. How is this
different from the seven dwarves we meet later in the story? Do they fit the negative connotation or are they different
from what the villagers assume?
- At the beginning of the story, dwarves are included with witches and sprites, making them feel villainous. How is this
- “The Frog Prince”
- After the frog leaves, Crystal is looking for him. Why does she miss his company? How is his company different from those of her ladies-in-waiting and family?
- “Red Riding Hood”
- What information that Red shared does the wolf use to his advantage? Do you think he would have successfully been
able to get into Grandmother’s house without this information?
- What information that Red shared does the wolf use to his advantage? Do you think he would have successfully been
- Author’s Note
- Emily Jenkins explains her intention behind rewriting these stories in the simple way that she did. How did she adhere
to the traditional stories while also putting her own spin on them?
- Emily Jenkins explains her intention behind rewriting these stories in the simple way that she did. How did she adhere
- Entire book
- Consider the names of the characters throughout the book. How does each name give a clue to the character’s
personality or looks?
- Consider the names of the characters throughout the book. How does each name give a clue to the character’s
Discussion Guide Created by Me (Kellee):
You can also access the teaching guide through Candlewick’s website here.
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