Pretty Salma: A Little Red Riding Hood Story from Africa

I personally really enjoyed this children's book because it was a similar folktale of the American version but told from Africa. Its a great book to introduce to kids, the illustrations are really engaging ( )

I did not like this book. The language in this book was difficult to read since I do not know how to pronounce the African words like, "ntama", "Ka Ka Matobi", and "Goema Goema". I do not even know what this means. If I were reading this to a class I would be pronouncing these words wrong and I would not know how to explain what they were if I was asked by a student. In order for me to read this to them, I would need to do research. I like the plot of this story because it is one of my favorites from when I was a child; Little Red Riding Hood. But, I do not like this version of it. This version seems even more unrealistic in the sense that this girl gave up not only the basket of food but also her clothes and shoes. The main message of this book is to not talk to strangers. ( )

When Granny asks Pretty Salma to go to the market one day, she warns her not to talk to strangers. But cunning Mr. Dog tricks Salma, and before she knows it, he’s wearing her stripy ntama, her pretty white beads, and her yellow sandals. And he’s on his way to Granny’s house! African culture and flavor infuse this inventive retelling of the favorite "Red Riding Hood" fairy tale, and the vibrant lively illustrations bring it to life.

This book is an African version of the classic Little Red Riding Hood story. The message and theme of the book is the same as the classic Little Red Riding Hood, but the use of language and culture is different. There are no woods or wolves. Salma wears typical African clothing and in the story they use the African tales to help save granny. ( )

Lively African based version of Little Red Riding Hood. ( )