I came
across this book in Bergerac, South West France whilst on holiday with my
family this summer. We were wandering through the old town and there, tucked in
behind the vegetable market was an amazing bookshop with one of the most
exciting children’s sections I have ever come across. There was an entire section devoted to
wolves! My family took a rather long coffee break and returned for me two hours
later, when I was still reluctant to leave! I left with an armful of books,
including this marvellous tale.
Sadly, my
French is little more than basic but that didn’t deter from my enjoyment of
this book even before I turned to Google translate for assistance. And then
when I did, the tale became more hilarious still not only through having the
words brought to life but then in turn, through the delightful inaccuracies in
translation!
Edmond
Bigtarin is a very hungry wolf and is really quite partial to rabbit, one that
is grain fed and has fine hair. Edmond cycles off to the city from his lonely
cabin in the woods in search of said rabbit, knife in hand. On reaching the city he comes across a rather
tall building. He glances through the
names on the bells at the door and comes to an abrupt halt at the nameplate for
'Max Omatose, Rabbit, 5th Floor'. Edmond is happy! He presses the
button on the elevator with the tip of his knife and adjusts his bow tie, “as a
greedy wolf should not be any less elegant” (according to Google!)
Numerous
animals including a turkey, a cow, a bear and a polecat appear on the scene in
his elevator journey and interrupt Edmond’s efforts to reach the rabbit’s
apartment. They all enquire as to whether he is the new neighbour? Edmond, not
wanting to reveal the true purpose of his quest, confirms that indeed he is. The
enchanting final page depicts Edmond's change of heart (he becomes a
vegetarian!) after realising through his experiences en route to rabbit, that
friends are infinitely more important than a tasty rabbit supper. He relocates to
the city and becomes the President of the Good Neighbours Association.
Di
Giacomo’s illustrations are sketchy yet detailed - the wolf with his sinister
grin as he heaves the chainsaw into the elevator (having lost his knife at one
point), the sincere bear who then asks to borrow the chainsaw to cut the hedge
on the roof in preparation for a party there that night and of course, the
amiable rabbit who welcomes the wolf with open arms to join their celebrations.
I love the imagery
of a dapper, bow tie wearing wolf wandering around an apartment block with a
chainsaw in hand, the naivety of the other animals and the fabulous ending. This
is an utterly brilliant twist on the many traditional folktales starring wolves.
This book is nothing short of irresistible and will appeal to children and
adults alike (meat eaters and vegetarians!)
Recommended age 3 and a half plus
Published by Kaleidoscope in hardback and is €13.20
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