A classic fairy tale has been reimagined to highlight the need for more positive representations of disability in children’s literature.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has created Red and the Wolf, a version of Little Red Riding Hood, and positioned a young girl living with a vision impairment as the main character.
Written for children aged three to seven by author Deborah Fajerman, the book’s leading character uses a long cane and is highly skilled at martial arts.
The RNIB conducted research among parents and grandparents while developing the book and found that 78% would like to increase children’s awareness and understanding of disabilities.
Caroline Beard, head of innovation and development at the RNIB, said: ‘Some of our earliest perceptions of the world are shaped the books we read as children. It is essential that children see disability as natural from an early age, gain an understanding of difference, and can help all children, including those with disabilities feel included in society.
‘We launched Red and the Wolf to refresh a classic story and turn it into something that celebrates difference. We hope that many children will enjoy reading about Red and how she overcomes the barriers she faces.’
