Wolfie by Emma Barnes

Wolfie by Emma Barnes
Buy Wolfie by Emma Barnes at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
Category: Confident Readers
Reviewer: Anne Thompson
Summary: This is a delightful book with appealing characters, gentle humour and a touch of magic. An enjoyable read and recommended both for newly independent readers, or to read aloud to younger children.
Buy? Yes	Borrow? Yes
Pages: 132	Date: August 2012
Publisher: Strident Publishing
External links: Author's website
ISBN: 9781905537273
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Lucie has always wanted a dog and then one day her Uncle Joe arrives at her front door with one especially for her. However Lucie’s new pet is very big, with pointed ears, sharp teeth, a silvery coat and glinting eyes. Lucie realises instantly that her present is in fact a wolf but, incredibly, no-one else thinks so. Not only is the animal a wolf but a talking wolf with magical powers that becomes a trusted and wise friend to the little girl. Unfortunately, it is increasingly difficult to hide a talking wolf from family, friends, teachers and especially from the horrible bully who lives next door. Gradually Lucie realises that her new friend is in great danger and she resolves to help Wolfie before it is too late.

There have been wolves in fiction and in particular in children’s fiction for many, many years. From the Big Bad Wolf of traditional fairy tales to wolves in fantasy fiction and thrillers for teens they have been characters that have been feared. Emma Barnes has concentrated on a very different aspect of the wolf in this delightful story for young children. Lucie’s wolf, Fang, or Wolfie as she is known, is dignified, proud and gently supportive of her young friend. I liked the character of Lucie, she is an appealing, thoughtful girl curious about the world about her and as an only child she is rather left to her own devices by her loving but distracted and extremely unobservant parents. They are unaware that the unpleasant boy next door, Marcus, is bullying Lucie at school and generally making her life a misery. Thankfully another boy, Alex, comes to her aid and he and Fang make Lucie’s life much happier. But then one day Fang does something brave and helpful that results in her being put in danger herself and Lucie decides that she must do something to help the animal that has become so important to her.

There is a lot to talk about in this story including coping with bullies, how humans treat endangered animals and learning to be more observant of those around you and their feelings. However this never becomes an issues book being a thoughtful story with gentle humour in places too. It would make a lovely read for newly independent readers as it has short chapters and a clear, uncluttered appearance. The striking illustrations by Emma Chichester Clark really add to the book and capture the essence of the story and Wolfie herself very well. I enjoyed reading this very much; a lovely book and recommended for both boys and girls.

Many thanks to the publishers for providing the Bookbag with this copy.

If you would like to read another story about a child desperate for a dog I would recommend One Dog And His Boy by Eva Ibbotson and Sharon Rentta For younger children who would like to meet a wolf with a difference I love the picture book Wolf Won't Bite by Emily Gravett

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You can read more book reviews or buy Wolfie by Emma Barnes at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
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