Wolfie [Illustrated] [Paperback]

The Ultimate Pet Review by The Mole Lucie loves her Uncle Joe because he always brings presents and one day he brings her a dog. Only Lucie can see it's a wolf not a dog, despite everyone insisting it is a dog. Then one day people start to notice that Wolfie might be a wolf, despite Lucie insisting he's a dog - and there is great danger for Wolfie because of it. Emma Barnes has created some great characters in this story and I especially like the parents who come over as out of touch and unbothered - but are in fact, very typical modern busy parents seen through the eyes of a child. There is Marcus, a neighbour, bully and sneak who must always be the centre of attention. Alexis is the big brother type - protective and kind. Then of course, there's Wolfie. Wolfie is magical in that she can talk, but she is also a great friend and protector of Lucie - the perfect friend let alone the ultimate pet. I simply loved Lucie and Wolfie and their magical relationship which sort of just happens from the moment they meet (I have a dog like that!) and I'm sure that children will love them too. At 132 pages in length, the story is the perfect length to attract the 7+ reader and printed in an inviting format that makes an easily read book for younger readers. Although the main characters are female, because the story is about a 'dog', well a pet I suppose, it will appeal to boys and girls alike. Throughout the story there are delightful black and white illustrations by Emma Chichester Clark which add appeal for the younger reader. Throughout the reading I found myself imagining this as a screenplay of some sort - everything just sort of fitted. A book I really enjoyed, and one that would be great as a bedtime read - although there are cliff hangers that may keep them awake! All in all a delightful story of love, loyalty and trust and told with magic and fantasy that will delight children of all ages. --Our Book Reviews Online

'...a delightful story of love, loyalty and trust and told with magic and fantasy that will delight children of all ages.' This delightful story is an ideal mix of love and loyalty, stirred together with a little magic and fantasy. Lucie is waiting with anticipation for Uncle Joe to arrive, complete with a present, but a wolf with special magic powers is something she never anticipated. Her initial anxiety gradually turns to affection as Fang helps her come to terms with her loneliness and the bully Marcus who lives next door. Also, Professor Pike, the "World Expert on Canis Lupus (Wolves)", unexpectedly comes to the resuce when it is decided that Lucie cannot keep a "dangerous" animal as a pet. The full-page black and white illustrations complete this caring, gentle tale to produce a satisfying read for young children. --Carousel

'Thoroughly recommended.' Wolves from Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs, to Peter and the Wolf, through Tolkien, C S Lewis, and Michelle Paver, they hold a special place in our imagination. Wolves run wild and free; they re clever and dangerous; friend or foe, they bring the outside in. The wolf at the centre of Emma Barnes book is a proper storybook wolf. She has sharp teeth, glinting eyes, a silvery coat - and she can talk. Though Fang is wolf through and through, with a wolf s eye view of the world, and a taste for rabbit that always upsets Lucie, the two are soon very good friends: as Fang points out to Lucie, You and I are not just pack animals, Lucie. We think for ourselves. Lucie can see from the minute they meet that the new pet her uncle has brought for her is not a dog, as he says, but a wolf. The grown-ups around her however are oblivious to this, and as Lucie and Fang get closer, the fact that adults only see what they want to see at first helps but then threatens their friendship. When hysteria about the wolf-dog mounts and it looks as though Fang will be hounded into a zoo, the two travel to a magical Wolf Meet for advice from wise old Silver Paw. He directs them to look for human help close to home, and the day is saved by Lucie s next door neighbour little old lady, Professor Emeritus of Zoology and wolf expert! There is much to enjoy in this funny, clever and very satisfying story, and lots to think about and discuss too. While being completely of the present, it feels quite timeless. Illustrations throughout by Emma Chichester Clark add to the classic feel. Thoroughly recommended. --Books For Keeps - www.booksforkeeps.co.uk

Emma grew up in Edinburgh and studied at Cambridge. Her books have been translated into several languages and broadcast on BBC radio. Her previous novels include JESSICA HAGGERTHWAITE: WITCH DISPATCHER (shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award) and HOW (NOT) TO MAKE BAD CHILDREN GOOD. She regularly visits schools, festivals and libraries, sharing her passion for books and reading. Emma lives in Leeds.