Product Description

The littlest wolf is worried: "I don't roll as straight as Frankie!" "I don't run as fast as Ana!" "I don't pounce as high as Tyler!" he complains.

But his father is wise. He listens to his son's concerns. He shows him what he can do. And he helps the littlest wolf realize that all is as it should be.

Larry Dane Brimner's story is heartwarming and reassuring. Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey's paintings capture, with tenderness and humor, one special relationship. Together they have created a timeless celebration of fatherhood.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1265318 in Books
• Published on: 2002-04-01
• Released on: 2002-04-16
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 40 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Shored up by simultaneously tender and zingy illustrations, Brimner's (Country Bear's Good Neighbor) tale rises above its prosaic theme to comfort children frustrated by the achievements of their older siblings. Big Gray discovers his youngest pup hiding: "Little One, why aren't you playing with your sister and brothers?" The youngster bemoans the different ways in which he is outpaced by the bigger pups: "Ana says I am a slowpoke." The father asks his pup to demonstrate, then judiciously replies, "It is true that Ana runs like the wind and you run like a soft breeze.... That is just how it should be. Running like the wind comes later." Aruego and Dewey (How Chipmunk Got His Stripes) endow each of Little One's demonstrations of his shortfalls with humor and empathy; as he runs, for instance, the artists trace his path in craggy lines of citrus colors, exhaustion oozing from his trembling physique. With his father's encouragement, the tot seems to visibly grow in strength and confidence. The narrative occasionally lumbers in its drive to edify, but the father's thoughtful replies are right on target and consistently sound genuine. Sure to give fledgling young ones a boost of confidence. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
reSchool-Grade 2-Being the smallest wolf in the pack is not easy, especially when the other pups can roll in straighter lines, pounce higher, and run faster. Big Gray comforts Little Wolf each time he compares himself to his siblings: "It is true that Ana runs like the wind and you run like a soft breeze.-That is just as it should be.-Running like the wind comes later." His father offers equally wise thoughts about Little Wolf's other concerns. When naptime comes, he tells the pup, "Remember the acorns, Little One.-They are just as they should be. And look what they become." Brimner's gentle and encouraging story will speak to those children who feel less capable or talented than their siblings. Aruego and Dewey's charming pictures perfectly portray Little Wolf's attempts to run, pounce, and jump, and imbue the characters with lots of personality. For a storyhour on self-esteem, pair this book with Robert Kraus's Leo the Late Bloomer (HarperCollins, 1971), Helen Lester's Tacky the Penguin (Houghton, 1988), or David McPhail's Something Special (Joy Street, 1988; o.p.). A great addition to any collection.
Bina Williams, Bridgeport Public Library, CT
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review
...a wonderful and reassuring read-aloud, full of comfort, rhythm, and repetition. Move over, Leo the Late Bloomer.... -- Kirkus Reviews

Customer Reviews

it made an impression
Our six- and four-year-olds loved this book; we've read it at least three times in as many days. We spotted the younger one clearly identifying with the little wolf; she echoed his words when we read them. They both acted out the physical descriptions of the pouncing, galumphing, toddling, etc., and the next day they described themselves as running like the wind or a soft breeze, just like the little wolves. Since we're trying to discourage them from over-competitiveness and arrogance, we thought this book was a wonderful way to encourage doing things at your own pace and not worrying about what others do. This was a library book for us, but I think we may buy our own copy; it's worth hanging on to.

A really nice book for preschoolers and their parents
My kids love this book and ask to read it again and again. It has such a nice message, and the illustrations are really colorful and sweet -- so even the grownups don't tire of reading it over and over (and over). I love how the central message encouranges acceptance, perseverance, and patience for things unfolding in good time. Plus, the strong and loving parent is a Dad, which is nice for kids to see. Highly recommended!

Great for Self Esteem!
All children have doubts about themselves at one time or another. It's the wise and caring parent that takes the time to listen and really hear what their offspring is saying. In Larry Dane Brimner's book, The Littlest Wolf, Big Gray does just that for Little One.

Little One hangs back, watching his brothers and sisters because he is worried that he can't roll as straight as Frankie, run as fast as Ana or pounce as high as Tyler. But Big Gray handles Little One's concerns with love, kindness and tact. He reassures his pup and points out what he does really well.

I am encouraged that there seem to be more children's books recently that have fathers who are involved and nurturing. Big Wolf is one of those nurturing parents.

The illustrations are nice and traditional.