"Mahogany" offers a fresh and clever twist on the classic Little Red Riding Hood tale, celebrating the beauty and magic of Black culture. Mahogany, a spirited and resourceful girl, embarks on a journey to deliver honey cornbread to her grandmother's house, but she encounters a hungry wolf along the way. What sets this version apart is Mahogany's quick thinking, resourcefulness, and her strong connection to her heritage.

The story is kid-friendly and empowers young readers to be resourceful and strong when faced with challenges. The fun illustrations add to the charm of this refreshing retelling. "Mahogany" is a delightful and quick read that will resonate with both children and adults. Thanks to the author for sharing this innovative version, and thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this advanced review copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for this ARC in exchange for an honest review**

Mahogany is a Little Red Riding Hood retelling about the beauty of blackness. Mahogany is asked by her mother to take some cornbread to grandma's house for dinner, which means going through the woods to get there. Little does she know what danger lurks there. When she encounters the wolf, she is able to blend in with her surroundings in order to fool him. Her curls blow with the wind of the willows, her dark skin becomes one with the deep brown of the tree trunks, and her hair smells of the same sweet lavender swaying in the forest. The story teaches young Black girls to love themselves and appreciate what makes them unique.

This version of Little Red Riding Hood is very cute. The description brings attention to its embracing of black culture. While I cannot really comment on said culture, I do like that the family is inclusive and by being so allows for the little girl to outsmart the wolf. This version is very kid friendly as the child does not allow herself to be fooled or endangered by the wolf. I think it is a great read!

This fun spin on a classic fairy tale was full of new details. Mahogany loves to sew and is incredibly smart. Even when she may not be aware of her surroundings, she thinks quickly on her feet and fools the wolf several times. I love how this story highlighted the creativity and tenacity of the main character instead of using her as a pawn to show weakness and naïveté, like the original tale does.

This is the cutest book about Little Red Riding Hood. Yes, the storyline changes somewhat, but the big picture items are there. You will love the little girl and the grandma. The illustrations are so pretty!!!

First let me say, Mahogany knows about wolves, and she is smart enough to know that wolves are up to no good, so she doesn’t tell the wolf she meets in the woods where her grandmother lives. And she hides from the fox, rather than let him eat her.

And her grandmother is no dummy either, and knows what the wolf is trying to pull, and between the both of them they win the day.

I love this retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, because Mahogany know what she should do, and does it. Of course, if she hadn’t been listening to her tunes, she might not have gotten lost in the woods, but that’s beside the point.

Fun illustrations. Good quick story. I think this will be a hit.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published the 19th of March 2024.

I loved
That this book stayed true to the story and made it a new modern story all at the same time. The illustrations were amazing as well. Great addition to a collection.