Wolves

Wolves

What do wolves really like to eat? It isn't little girls in red hoods.

Rabbits shouldn't believe what they read in fairy tales, but this book has the facts.

(This book follows the National Carroticulum.)

"When Rabbit goes to West Bucks Public Burrowing Library and becomes immersed in a book called Wolves, he can't wait to start reading, and buries his moist little nose in its pages on his way home. In British author-artist Gravett's series of sly pencil spreads, the wolf book's pages serve as a backdrop for Rabbit's absent-minded journey. Children will notice the appearance, menacingly close to Rabbit, of certain furry and very large animal parts: 'They have sharp claws...' Rabbit's book tells him, while four hairy legs dwarf the long-eared hero, who stands between two evil-looking claws, 'bushy tails...' which Rabbit, not looking where he's going, starts to climb, 'and dense fur...' through which Rabbit, still oblivious, begins to trudge, as if it were a grassy field. Will Rabbit escape from the wolf's jaws, which his book says are 'twice as powerful as those of a large dog'? Graciously, Gravett provides two endings: one for children who long for excitement, featuring a ravaged red book cover, the other for more faint-hearted readers-take your pick. ('No rabbits were eaten during the making of this book,' Gravett explains primly. 'It is a work of fiction.') A smaller number of children may decide the book is too heartless, but those who have grown past the fuzzy bunny stage and on to irony will howl at the fun. Ages 4-8." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"A dreadful end seems evident from the clawed and chewed book on the next spread. But we are reassured, as the author slyly offers an alternative and amusing happy ending." Children's Literature

"This delightful picture book is best shared with children who can appreciate the sly humor." School Library Journal

"[A] bit of a lark for younger readers and listeners, and its sly celebration of libraries and reading is a treat for older ones." Booklist

"Like many postmodern picture books, the mixed-media illustrations call attention to the book itself, and establish an ironic relationship between the deadpan text and the endearingly expressive rabbit stalked by the slavering wolf. Brilliant fun." Kirkus Reviews

WOLVESWhat do wolves really like to eat? It isn't little girls in red hoods.

Rabbits shouldn't believe what they read in fairy tales, but this book has the facts.(This book follows the National Carroticulum.)

Emily Gravett is the author and illustrator of The Rabbit Problem, Dogs, Spells, The Odd Egg, Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears (winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal), Monkey and Me and Meerkat Mail. Her first book, Wolves, was the winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor Award for Illustration. Her second book, Orange Pear Apple Bear, a Quills Award finalist and on the shortlist for the Kate Greenaway Medal, was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year and a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year. Emily lives in Brighton, England, with her partner, their daughter, and the family dog.  Visit her at emilygravett.com.