The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier (review)

When Ruby decides to build a fort with some old boards she found, her brothers Oscar Lee, Rodrigo, and José all scoff at her and refuse to help, but Ruby is undeterred. She doesn't know how to build something? She'll figure it out. They don't want to help with drawing the plans, gathering materials, or hammering nails? Ruby can do it herself. It isn't long before Ruby has a cool new fort, and now her brothers all want in—but not so fast. "The Little Red Hen" gets an appealing girl-power update with Ruby's fort. Scribbly, energetic artwork is as busy and joyful as Ruby, and the determined little girl in her red boots always draws the eye as she leaves her brothers behind. Young makers of all genders will be inspired by Ruby, and it's pleasing that the book avoids stereotypical roles—while Dad helps with the plans, Mom and Grandma are experts with the tools, and the boys gain entry privileges to the fort by painting it and planting a garden. Repetitive rhyming dialogue will make this a lively readaloud, while large blocky text that resembles stenciled letters will also appeal to new readers. A final illustration suggests some forts readers can build with couch cushions and chairs, and an author's note gives some background on "The Little Red Hen" and its adaptations. SS