A Well-Mannered Young Wolf by Jean Leroy -NO

Leroy, Jean A Well-Mannered Young Wolf, Illustrated by Maudet, Matthieu. PICTURE BOOK. Eerdman, 2016. $16.99. Content: G

A wolf is sent alone into the forest to capture dinner. He meets a variety of animals, all of whom get a chance to have a last wish granted. Each animal asks for something that the wolf must go back to his house to get, and they promise to wait. Of course, not wanting to be eaten, they break the promise and are gone. When wolf meets a human who keeps his promise, things go much differently, especially for those who broke their promises.

This is an odd book. Is the moral of the story that lying is so bad you deserve to be eaten for it? or that humans are just oblivious? The ending is a bit grim for many readers. The illustrations feature simple and subdued colors.

EL(K-3) -NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.