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TL;DR: A little girl in a red hood is sent by her mother to bring food to her sick grandmother. On the way, she meets a wolf, who tricks her and gets to her grandmother's house first. What happens next depends on the version: in Perrault's tale the story ends badly, while in the Grimms' version a hunter saves her.
Table of Contents
Little Red Riding Hood at a Glance
| Author | Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm |
| First published | 1697 |
| Type | Folktale |
| Best for | parents, teachers and children who want to understand a classic fairy tale |
Little Red Riding Hood is a folktale by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm, first published in 1697. The tale has many versions. This summary follows the best-known telling, but older versions differ. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
The Tale, Step by Step (Contains Spoilers)
The errand
The girl's mother asks her to take bread and wine to her grandmother. She warns her not to stray from the path.
The wolf
The girl meets a wolf in the woods. She tells him where she is going.
The detour
The wolf suggests she pick flowers. He rushes ahead to the grandmother's house.
The disguise
The wolf takes the grandmother's place in her bed. When the girl arrives, he is dressed as her.
The questions
She remarks on the wolf's big eyes, ears and teeth. The wolf springs.
The ending
In the Grimms' version, a huntsman rescues the girl and her grandmother. In Perrault's version, the tale ends in the wolf's victory.
5 Key Takeaways
- Do not trust strangers.
- Follow the advice of those who care for you.
- Danger can be disguised.
- Stories carry warnings.
- Different versions show different values.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The tale has been told for centuries.
- The red hood is a famous symbol.
- Modern retellings change the ending.
Who Should Read Little Red Riding Hood?
Read it with children or in a folklore class. Compare different versions.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Little Red Riding Hood:
- What lesson is the tale teaching, and is it still fair today?
- How do different versions of the tale change the meaning?
- Which character would you retell the story from?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: Little Red Riding Hood by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm (1697)
- Type: Folktale
- Best for: parents, teachers and children who want to understand a classic fairy tale
- Main idea in one line: Do not trust strangers.
Reading Time and Format
A folktale takes only minutes to read. Many illustrated editions exist, and the wording differs between them, so choose one suited to the reader's age. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Little Red Riding Hood is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Little Red Riding Hood, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
Folktales exist in many versions, so the details below follow the best-known telling. Compare it with a picture-book edition and notice what changes. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
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What to Read Next
- The Complete Fairy Tales by Brothers Grimm: a collection of classic tales
- Little Red Riding Hood by Trina Schart Hyman: a Caldecott Honor retelling
- Lon Po Po by Ed Young: a Chinese variation of the tale
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote Little Red Riding Hood?
The tale was written down by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm.
Are all versions the same?
No, endings differ.
What is the moral?
Be careful of strangers and listen to advice.
Is Little Red Riding Hood worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for parents, teachers and children who want to understand a classic fairy tale. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Little Red Riding Hood?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.