Telling Stories Wrong

In Telling Stories Wrong, Grandpa tells Little Red Riding Hood his version of the story, adding his own imaginative elements and humorous twists. The book, written by Gianni Rodari and illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna, celebrates storytelling as a creative and interactive process that fosters connection and love.

Format: Hardback
Length: 40 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books

A New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2022




Everyone knows the story of Little Red Riding Hood. But Grandpa keeps getting it all wrong, with hilarious results!


Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Little Yellow Riding Hood. Not yellow! It's Red Riding Hood! So begins the story of a grandpa playfully recounting the well-known fairytale—or his version, at least—to his granddaughter. Try as she might to get him back on track, Grandpa keeps on adding things to the mix, both outlandish and mundane! The end result is an unpredictable tale that comes alive as it's being told, born out of imaginative play and familial affection. This spirited picture book will surprise and delight from start to finish, while reminding readers that storytelling is not only a creative act of improvisation and interaction, but also a powerful pathway for connection and love.


Telling Stories Wrong was written by Gianni Rodari, widely regarded as the father of modern Italian children's literature. It exemplifies his great respect for the intelligence of children and the kind of work he did as an educator, developing numerous games and exercises for children to engage and think beyond the status quo, imagining what happens after the end of a familiar story, or what possibilities open up when a new ingredient is introduced. This book is illustrated with great affection by the illustrious artist Beatrice Alemagna (Child of Glass), who counts Gianni Rodari as one of her spiritual fathers.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 254 x 302 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781592703609