One bright morning, a little girl stood in the doorway of her home.
She wore a soft red hood that her grandmother had sewn for her.
Because of the bright hood, everyone in the village called her Little Red Riding Hood.
Her mother placed a small basket in her hands.
Inside were warm bread, a jar of honey, and a little pot of soup.
“These are for your grandmother,” said her mother kindly. “She is feeling unwell today.”
Little Red Riding Hood nodded.
“I will take them to her right away.”
Her mother knelt beside her.
“Stay on the forest path,” she said gently. “Do not wander, and do not speak with strangers.”
“I promise,” said the girl.
She waved goodbye and began walking toward the forest.
The path was narrow and shaded by tall trees.
Sunlight slipped through the branches in golden beams.
Birds chirped cheerfully.
Butterflies fluttered from flower to flower.
Little Red Riding Hood walked happily along the path.
Step by step, she moved deeper into the forest.
She did not notice a pair of watchful eyes behind the bushes.
A large gray wolf had been resting in the shade.
The wolf lifted his head and watched the little girl carefully.
“Well now,” he thought, licking his lips. “Where is she going all alone?”
The wolf stepped quietly onto the path.
“Good morning, little girl,” he said in a smooth voice.
Little Red Riding Hood looked up.
The wolf seemed polite, so she was not afraid.
“Good morning,” she replied.
“Where are you going with that basket?” asked the wolf.
“I am going to my grandmother’s house,” she said. “She is not feeling well, so I am bringing her some food.”
“Your grandmother must be very lucky,” said the wolf.
“Where does she live?”
Little Red Riding Hood pointed down the path.
“Her cottage is just past the tall oak trees, near the little stream.”
The wolf’s eyes gleamed.
“That is quite a walk,” he said.
Then he looked toward a field of colorful wildflowers nearby.
“Your grandmother would surely love a bouquet of flowers,” he suggested.
Little Red Riding Hood turned to look.
The flowers were beautiful.
Red. Yellow. Purple. Blue.
She imagined how happy her grandmother would be.
“That is a lovely idea,” she said.
So she stepped off the path to gather flowers.
Meanwhile, the wolf quietly slipped away.
He ran quickly through the forest.
Faster and faster he went.
Soon he reached the small cottage beside the stream.
The wolf knocked on the door.
Knock. Knock.
“Who is there?” called a gentle voice from inside.
“It is your granddaughter,” said the wolf, trying to sound sweet. “I have brought you some food.”
The grandmother slowly opened the door.
Before she could say another word, the wolf rushed inside.
But the grandmother was clever.
She quickly slipped into the large wardrobe and shut the door quietly.
The wolf looked around the room.
“Hmm,” he muttered. “No matter.”
He put on the grandmother’s nightcap and climbed into her bed.
Then he pulled the blanket up to his chin and waited.
A little while later, Little Red Riding Hood arrived at the cottage.
She knocked softly.
Knock. Knock.
“Come in,” said the wolf in a low voice.
Little Red Riding Hood stepped inside.
The room felt strangely quiet.
“Good morning, Grandmother,” she said, walking toward the bed.
The wolf pulled the blanket closer.
“My, my,” said the girl, looking carefully. “Grandmother, what big ears you have.”
“All the better to hear you with,” said the wolf.
Little Red Riding Hood stepped closer.
“And what big eyes you have,” she said.
“All the better to see you with,” replied the wolf.
The girl tilted her head.
“And Grandmother,” she said slowly, “what big teeth you have!”
The wolf suddenly threw off the blanket.
“All the better to eat you with!” he growled.
But just then, the cottage door burst open.
A woodcutter from the forest had heard the noise.
He rushed inside and shouted loudly.
The wolf jumped in surprise.
He leaped out of the bed and ran straight out the door.
Faster than the wind, he disappeared into the forest.
The grandmother stepped safely out of the wardrobe.
Little Red Riding Hood ran to hug her.
“Oh Grandmother! I was so worried!”
The woodcutter smiled.
“You both are safe now,” he said.
Soon they sat together at the little table.
Little Red Riding Hood opened her basket.
They shared the bread, the honey, and the warm soup.
The cottage filled with laughter once again.
And Little Red Riding Hood remembered her mother’s words.
From that day forward, she always stayed on the path and listened carefully to wise advice.
Moral of the Story
It is important to listen to elders, stay alert, and be careful when speaking to strangers.
Think and Answer
- Why was the girl called Little Red Riding Hood?
- What did her mother ask her to do before going to the forest?
- Why did Little Red Riding Hood stop in the forest?
- How did the wolf trick Little Red Riding Hood?
- What did the wolf do when he reached the grandmother’s cottage?
- Who helped chase the wolf away?
- What lesson did Little Red Riding Hood learn at the end of the story?
Word Power
Hood
A covering for the head, often attached to a coat or cloak.
Cottage
A small, cozy house, usually in the countryside.
Bouquet
A bunch of flowers picked and arranged together.
Stream
A small flowing river or water channel.
Wardrobe
A large cupboard used for storing clothes.
Woodcutter
A person who cuts wood in the forest.
Advice
Helpful guidance given by someone older or more experienced.
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