Chilean author and illustrator Paloma Valdivia may not be known far and wide, but she has an impressive body of work.

Including illustrating Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral’s (1889-1957) version of Little Red Riding Hood. It’s a visual treat.

Modernising Little Red Riding Hood

Okay, so some of our book reviews recently stray into unusual territory—away from the traditional paper book form.

That includes comic books such as Calvin and Hobbes. Plus, interactive works such as Choose Your Own Adventure Books and text adventures.

Interactive fiction, then, for the latter two. Which is where Caperucita Roja fits in. It’s a book, work of art, and an app.

The artistic style reminds us of the fantastic indie game Gris with its sense of rather joyous melancholia; startling, but captivating. Non?

French author Charles Perrault (1628-1703) was one of the contributors to the fairy tale genre. And this work from Valdivia is the logical adaptation of it all.

As with other books of this sort (such as Bear and Wolf), in many respects the visuals come before the narrative.

Not necessarily a bad thing, but this is the type of work you stare at. Rather than read. Which is why it’s ideal for kids.

They get the pretty artwork, whilst reading through one of the most famous fairy tales of all time. Happy memory forming possibilities.

There was an app for this at some point, but it now appears to no longer be available. Which is a bit of a shame.

As an art book for kids, we think it looks positively delightful.

But do note, the words are all in Spanish. That may make you think, “Well, Euripides Jnr. doesn’t speak Spanish yet! Only Russian, Japanese, and Welsh!”

Calm yourself, parent. Why not consider it for the imagery? Or why not consider it for a touch of diversity in your library? Indeed.

About Paloma Valdivia

After studying graphic design in Santiago de Chile in the late 1990s, she went on to do illustration in Spain. Now, she’s the author of some 20 works.

These are largely books for children. You can find her active and colourful over on here Instagram account.

Over there, she does clever arty things such as the below. With an explanation in the second picture on how to make such a contraption.

This is a video clip, if you can’t tell. Click on it to behold the glory!

Although not an international name, her cult following looks set to grow. As her work has featured in the likes of The New York Times and Maria Popova’s Brain Pickings site.

And let’s not forget the greatest privilege of them all—her artwork now graces the website of Professional Moron. Career highlight achievement #1.