If anyone tries the recipe at the end, I would love to know how it comes out!

Little Red Ruthie: A Hanukkah Tale by Gloria Koster and illustrated by Sue Eastland was a book I reviewed awhile back for my stores newsletter. I picked it up again to see if it was still the fun Little Red Riding Hood story with a Hanukkah twist. And it is still that fun Little Red Riding Hood story with a Hanukkah twist, turn and lots and lots of sour cream and applesauce to go along with the yummy latkes.

Ruthie is going to Grandmothers house and meets the Wolf. Who she convinces she is far too thin for him to eat. Of course, the Wolf (being a wolf) is hungry and chases after her to get to Grandmothers house first. Now, he will have TWO snacks! Lucky for Ruthie the Wolf cannot read the note Grandmother has left telling Ruthie she is on an errand. But Ruthie can read so when she sees a light on in the house, she is careful and sees the Wolf in Grandmothers clothes. And she tricks that wolf big time!

The only reason this is a 4 is I wanted to know what the jelly doughnut is for at the end (is it a traditional Hanukkah treat or a special one for Ruthie’s family)? Plus, I would like to have seen a little more description about Hanukkah as the story is geared towards those of the faith who already know the Hanukkah story. Which is fine but had there been a little more description this would have a slightly broader audience for it. But the illustrations are a delight. Cleaver, cute and not too much, they are the perfect addition to the story.