I must admit, I was unfamiliar with many of the versions of this tale. The plot of "Little Red Riding Hood" never much appealed to me; therefore, the readings were put off for the first few days of the week. I will admit I found the various versions of the tale engaging.
In "The Concept of Childhood and Children's Folktales: Test Case - "Little Red Riding Hood"", Shavit explains the lack of children's stories did not exist because the concept of childhood did not exist (317). Perrault's version has a harsh ending (unlike the the Grimms) , but also entertains while instilling fear to young children. The implication of "young girls, pretty, well-bred, and genteel" being targeted would also appeal to an older audience. Younger children are less likely to comprehend the true "wolves" preying on the young girls.
In "The Werewolf" by Carter, she immediately opens with the somber cold environment with various supernatural beings. After establishing the harsh atmosphere, the child is given instructions to "go and visit grandmother, who has been sick" (138). This opening completely breaks away from Perrault's where the emotional bond between grandmother and granddaughter is explained. The lack of relationship combined with the child effortlessly slashing off the paw of the wolf further the development of the harsh environment. Applying Shavit's model, Carter's tale appears to be geared toward an older child. While the child does show emotion when she cries out at the sight of her grandmother, she still joins in on the stoning of the grandmother. Carter's moral seems more implicit than Perrault.
I don't find that "The Werewolf" describes a typical "fairy tale" ending, but the child does prosper. Carter published The Bloody Chamber in 1979, and the role women dramatically changed during the 1970s. The child in this adaption of "Little Red Riding Hood" dramatically changes. Perhaps Carter creates an ending that is different from the other versions to emphasize the change of that time period.
KCL
Carter, Angela. “The Werewolf.” The Bloody Chamber: and Other Stories, Penguin Books, New York, 2015, pp. 137-139.
Tatar, Maria ed. The Classic Fairy Tales. New York., W.W. Norton., 1999.