A short story little red riding hood for early readers.
Once upon a time, in a cozy little village nestled at the edge of a vast forest, there lived a kind-hearted, talented boy named Dergen. He was a carpenterโs apprentice skilled in crafting beautiful furniture, but lately, he felt a bit weary and uninspired. Seeking fresh air and a break from his routine, he decided to walk in the forest.

As Dergen strolled along the winding path, a sudden rustling in the bushes caught his attention. Bursting through the foliage, a magnificent fox with fur as vibrant as a fiery sunset sprinted towards him, its eyes wide with fear. Close behind, a group of determined hunters pursued the frightened creature.

Dergen hid the fox in a hollow tree, saving him from danger. The fox, named Reddy, was deeply grateful and vowed to repay Dergen’s kindness.

Over the next few days, Reddy observed Dergen. One evening, he said, โFollow me. I will help you find a new purpose in life.” Dergen was ready for change and agreed to follow the fox.
That very same day, Little Red, her cloak billowing behind her, set off for the sunny side of the valley to gather herbs for one of her grandmotherโs remedies. As she rounded a bend, a large, gray wolf emerged, his eyes narrowed and his stomach rumbling.

Though startled, Little Red remembered her grandmotherโs lessons about staying calm. “Good morning, sir,” she said politely. I’m gathering herbs for my grandmother. She’s not feeling well.โ
The wolf’s ears perked up. “Is that so? And where might your grandmother live?”
Little Red hesitated, but the wolf’s friendly demeanor disarmed her. “Just beyond the clearing, in the little cottage with the blue door,” she explained.
The wolf smiled. “Well then, why don’t you take this shortcut? It will get you there much faster.” He pointed to a narrow, overgrown trail. Little Red thanked him, eager to get home quickly, and skipped off down the path.
The wolf, full of a mischievous plan, raced ahead to the cottage.
Moments later, Little Red arrived, her basket overflowing with herbs. The front door was slightly ajar, and she stepped inside.
Thatโs when Dergen and Reddy, the fox, heard the call for help. They ran toward the call, and there in the clearing was a quaint cottage, its paint peeling and overgrown garden. A young girl with a bright red cloak, worry etched on her face, cried, โItโs my Grandmother! Something strange has happened!โ

Degen and Reddy burst into the cottage. To their surprise, they found the wolf lounging in bed, dressed in grandmother’s nightgown and cap. Just then, as they tried to make sense of this peculiar scene, Grandmother emerged from the root cellar where she had been hiding.

The wolf, realizing his plan had failed, hung his head in shame. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice quivering with remorse. “I let my mischievous nature get the best of me. I never meant to cause any harm.โ
The fox, Reddy, quickly took charge of the situation. “Why are you scaring this little girl?” he demanded, his eyes locked on the wolf.
The wolf, in desperation, revealed his situation. โI am alone and hungry,โ he confessed. โI didnโt know what else to do.โ
Dergen, seeing the wolfโs distress, saw not a monster but a creature needing help. Reddy, ever the keen observer, sensed the wolf’s sincerity. “Perhaps,” he said thoughtfully, “instead of scaring folks, you could lend a paw around the homestead? You seem strong enough to till the garden or chop firewood.โ
Grandmother, though initially hesitant, saw hope in the wolfโs face. “Indeed,” she added, “we could use extra help around here.
Huddled around the kitchen table, they sipped warm tea and watched the gentle flames dance in the stove as they exchanged stories and ideas.
Little Red shared her dream of carrying on her grandmother’s legacy as a healer. Their lives, she explained, revolved around tending to their garden, foraging for wild plants, and brewing soothing teas. However, their once-cozy homestead needed repairs and their supplies were running low.
Sensing an opportunity, Reddy devised a brilliant plan. “Dergen,” he exclaimed, “together, we can restore this place to its former glory! With your carpentry skills and my resourcefulness, we’ll breathe new life into this homestead.”
The group eagerly agreed to unite their efforts to restore the homestead to its former glory.
Life at the cottage blossomed. Little Red’s grandmother recovered her health, and under her guidance, Little Red’s knowledge of herbalism grew. The wolf, who now called himself Grey, proved to be a steadfast worker and a protector, and Reddyโs quick wit kept everyone on their toes.

News of their unique household spread throughout the village, and soon, people sought out Little Red for her healing remedies and Dergen for his beautiful crafts.
Dergen, Little Red, her grandmother, Reddy the Fox, and Grey the Wolf formed a loving and unconventional family. Their unique bond reminds us that forgiveness and second chances can transform lives in magical ways.
A combined adaptation of Prince Csihan from The Folk-Tales of the Magyars by W. Henry Jones and Little Red Riding Hood in the book Grimms Fairy Tales by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm
0 Comments