Some Like It Hot; Some Not! Federico and the Wolf by Rebecca J. Gomez

Federico is suiting up to run an errand for his mama, who is planning a batch of perfect pico de Gallo. Rico pulls on his red hoodie and laces up his sneakers, putting his shopping bag in his bike's basket. 

Cuidado!" called his Mama, as he pedaled off to the shops.

"Mind Abuelo's grocery list and don't make other stops!"

At la tienda Federico chooses all the items on his list, with especial attention to picking the perfect red-ripe jalapeno pepper to give the pico plenty of pizzazz! Pedaling along toward his grandfather's shop, Rico stops to remove a branch from the walk and is surprised to be greeted, not by his Abuelo, but by a wolf, one large lobo, who eyes his basket of groceries and begs for a bite of lunch.

Federico grabs his bike and leaves the wolf far behind.

But little did he know the wolf has other plans in mind.

By this time most savvy youngsters will have guessed just where this story is going, in Rebecca J. Gomez' Federico and the Wolf (Houghton Mifflin Clarion, 2020), a saucy, salsa take-off on the classic English folktale of Little Red Riding Hood.

Federico is no babe in the woods, either, and author Gomez has some fun when Rico  arrives at his grandfather's place and recognizes that his abuelo has never been so in need of a shave nor so toothy before! Stalling for time, he inquires...

"New dentures, too?"

"They help me chew!"

... the wolf snarls.

"Here's the deal: I'll make you the meal!"

All's well that ends well with a surprised wolf with a snoot full of a perfect jalapeno, hot as a firecracker, in this rowdy remake of Red Riding Hood with a south of the border flavor. Illustrator Elisa Javarri's bright colors keep the mood light, and author Gomez provides both a succulent recipe for pico de Gallo and a handy glossary of the Spanish words that add spice to this classic story, a tasty and funny, fractured fairy tale that will leave youngsters howling.