The Little Red Fort

Despite a lost opportunity, a mostly empowering story for children and their parents.

A lively picture book that’s fun to read aloud.

Sanchez's colorfully patterned and textured illustrations give dimension to a determined and endearing pigtailed heroine and her realistic multigenerational, multi-skin-toned family.

In this update of "The Little Red Hen," debut author Maier casts a dark-haired girl named Ruby as the lead and her older brothers Oscar Lee, Rodrigo, and Jose as the gang that declines to help her ("No way" is Jose's stock reply). Undaunted, Ruby draws plans for a fort, gathers supplies, and assembles the structure without them. Then, of course, they want to use it. The scribbly lines and bright colors contributed by Sanchez (The Curious Cares of Bears) convey exuberance on every page. She pictures Ruby dreaming up her fort in the family bathroom, then consulting her father (who has a drafting board) and her mother (who wields an impressive collection of tools). Even Ruby's grandmother gets in on the action. Maier keeps her prose spare and preserves the rhythms and taglines of the original (" 'Fine, ' said Ruby. 'I'll hammer them myself.' And she did"). Ruby's satisfaction is palpable, and readers won't fail to grasp the message of self-sufficiency. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator's agent: Teresa Kietlinski, Bookmark Literary. (Mar.)

PreS-Gr 2—This book begins with the line, "Ruby's mind was always full of ideas." When the child finds some old boards she decides that she wants to build something. So she asks her brothers for help. They tell her she doesn't know how, but she says, "Then I'll learn." Each step of the way Ruby asks the boys to help, but every time they reply: "Not me," said Oscar Lee; "I don't think so," said Rodrigo; and "No way" said Jose. So each time Ruby does everything herself. She draws the plans, gathers the supplies, cuts the boards (with her mom's help), hammers the nails (with grandma's help). Finally when the fort is complete, Ruby asked who wants to play in it. Her three brothers definitely want to do that. But Ruby tells them that they haven't done anything to help her, so she will play in the fort by herself. The boys set about to make amends by fashioning a mailbox, planting flowers, and painting the fort fire-engine red. Ruby loves it! That evening she invites her brothers to a cookie feast, which they all enjoy in the fort. The bold and dynamic artwork captures the kids' personalities and creative energy. VERDICT This delightful retelling of the old story of "The Little Red Hen" is perfect for storytime or one-on-one sharing. It also reminds girls that they can do whatever they set their minds to do.—Elaine Lesh Morgan, formerly at Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR