Wolf Won't Bite by Emily Gravett
| Wolf Won't Bite by Emily Gravett | |
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| Category: For Sharing | |
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Reviewer: Keith Dudhnath
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| Summary: Emily Gravett does it yet again, with a brilliant twist on The Three Little Pigs. Humour, gorgeous illustrations, and a simple story that will appeal to all young children. Warmly recommended. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 32 | Date: February 2011 |
| Publisher: Macmillan | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 978-0230704251 | |
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Those three little pigs have captured the big bad wolf and are showing off all the tricks they can get him to do. They make him stand on a stool, and wolf won't bite. They can ride him like a horse, but wolf won't bite. He jumps through hoops and dances, looking more and more frustrated with the pigs' shenanigans.
What a superb book! Anything that plays around with an established fairytale is immediately alright by us. Having the three little pigs turn from being the victims to the oppressors is a simple but effective touch, and, of course, when they get their comeuppance that's all the more amusing. The text is sparse but perfectly chosen, making it ideal for the very youngest book fans - ideally those who already know the story of The Three Little Pigs. The repetition of wolf won't bite is bound to have everyone joining in.
Emily Gravett's illustrations are as sublime as ever. She's one of our favourite illustrators, with a delightful style all of her own. Words and pictures are woven together perfectly, with beautiful hand-drawn fonts helping create the mood of an old circus. My favourite illustration by far was seeing the wolf covering his eyes as mahousive knives are flung at him by a blindfolded pig. Every page is beautifully silly, awash with personality, and a delight to look at.
Wolf Won't Bite ticks so many boxes: charming, funny, a quirky take on an old favourite, a twist in the tale and gorgeous illustrations. The quality will ensure it stays popular with kids when they'd otherwise outgrow it - it's perfect for a quick read for slightly older readers. If it becomes a firm family favourite - which is always a strong possibility with Emily Gravett's work - then they might even use it when learning to read for themselves. Warmly recommended.
My thanks to the publishers for sending it to Bookbag.
For another twist on the pigs, check out The Four Little Pigs by Kimara Nye and Marcin Bruchnalski. For other twists on fairytales, we heartily recommend Me and You by Anthony Browne, Previously by Allan Ahlberg and Not Last Night But The Night Before by Colin McNaughton and Emma Chichester-Clark.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Wolf Won't Bite by Emily Gravett 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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