Lessons from a smart girl will delight readers as Flossie matches wits with a fox. Enjoy this American version of Little Red Riding Hood.

When Big Mama sends little Flossie on an errand, Big Mama warns her to watch out for a sly fox. Flossie proclaims that she doesn't know what a fox looks like and challenges him to prove his identity.

Before reading the story:

Remind children that animals in literature are usually thought to have certain qualities (e.g., lions are brave, rats are untrustworthy, etc.). Get children to think of examples for themselves.

After reading the story:

Ask the children to describe what kind of a girl Flossie is. Have them give examples to support their reasoning. Ask if they believe that Flossie didn't know what a fox was.

Follow-Up Activities

Learning from the illustrations:

Help the children discuss the clues that tell the "where" and "when" of the story. Is it a warm, rural, woodsy setting? Do the clothes give clues as to when the story takes place?

Out Smarting the Fox

When she meets up with the dangerous fox, Flossie uses quick thinking to keep herself safe. Discuss the following situations and how the children would act in each one.