Granny isn't feeling up to snuff today,'' so Red Riding Hood is on her way to the other side of the woods. The well-mannered wolf has a charming straw hat; he takes the trusting little girl by the hand. Surprise!'' he cries upon entering granny's chambers. And with the gusto of an uninvited guest, he gobbles her up, with dreams of thedessert'' ahead. After-dinner mints and a siesta follow, but the brave hunter arrives at an inconvenient moment and spoils the wolf's fun. This is a fresh retelling that invigorates the spirit of the classic tale without wreaking havoc with its fundamental structure. Marshall's Red Riding Hood is irresistibly vulnerable. An utterly funny version in which the lesson obviously has been learned: a final shot shows Red declining the kind offer of another friendly carnivore. Ages 4-8. (September)

PreS-Gr 3 This irresistible retelling of the familiar tale will rank high in popular appeal while still maintaining the integrity of the Grimm Brothers' version, with both Grandma and Red Riding Hood eaten and later rescued by a hunter. Through simple words and a restrained use of line in the art, Marshall masterfully imbues his characters with humorous personality traits. The heroine is a considerate, bouncy sort of kid; Grandma, an avid reader, is feisty; and the wolf, a charming villain, is just a bit guilty about his behaviorafter his second meal he admits, ``I'm so wicked. . .so wicked.'' With just a flick of the whiskers even Grandma's heavy-set feline looks both outraged and scared. The cartoon styled ink and watercolor illustrations play harmoniously along with the spare story, and as the drama heightens viewers are treated to fresh perspectives and enticing peeks into Grandma's bedroom. Cheery colors predominate, with a judicious use of black effectively conveying tense moments. Throughout, comic touches are understated (a box of empty imported after-dinner mints lay discretely beside the snoring wolf). A marvelous offering that begs to be added to everyone's storytelling repertoire. Caroline Ward, Nassau Library System, Uniondale, N.Y.