Wolves

July 31, 2006
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.

Starred review from August 1, 2006
Gr 1-3 -This imaginative, cleverly designed story unfolds in a delectable blend of spare text and eloquent multimedia illustrations. A textured welcome mat serves as background for title and publisher information, the pages feel somewhat scratchy, and the wolves are expressively drawn with charcoal pencil. In the story, Rabbit borrows "Wolves" by Emily Grrrabbit from the West Bucks Public Burrowing Library and leaves with his nose already stuck in the red book. His long, wavy ears ooze movement. The author ingeniously develops her story on two levels: children will absorb the information that the rabbit is reading - -An adult wolf has forty-two teeth - -but also enjoy the suspenseful tale of what is happening to the rabbit as he walks along. As a -real - wolf becomes gradually more threatening, Rabbit becomes progressively smaller. Expressive illustrations show him obliviously walking up a bushy tail onto the back, and then the snout, of a wolf; but it is the uh-oh expression on his face as he slowly realizes that he is in trouble that is so piercingly vivid. The following page depicts a partially eaten book, and no rabbit. However, the author then reassures readers that -no rabbits were eaten during the making of this book - and thoughtfully provides an alternative ending for -sensitive children. - This delightful picture book is best shared with children who can appreciate the sly humor." -Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 4, 2006
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.

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2006
The story couldn't be simpler: a rabbit borrows a book about wolves from the Public Burrowing Library. Lost in the pages of his good book as he strolls home, the rabbit fails to recognize that he has encountered the real thing--an honest-to-goodness, knife-and-fork-wielding, big bad you-know-what. But not to worry. This is a postmodern picture book that has fun with narrative convention; there's an alternate ending, accompanied by playful interjections from the author-illustrator (who bills herself as "Emily Grrrabbit" on the title page). " Wolves" is a long way from being " The True Story of the Three Little Pigs," but it's a bit of a lark for younger readers and listeners, and its sly celebration of libraries and reading is a treat for older ones.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2007
Rabbit goes to the library to read a book about wolves and unknowingly calls forth a wolf from the pages. The story includes two endings, one in which the wolf eats Rabbit and another (for "sensitive readers") where they become best friends. The mixed-media art is creative and enticing, but this sly story seems more for adults than children.

(Copyright 2007 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)