R.W. Alley
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THERE'S A WOLF AT THE DOOR
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ReviewsStarred reivew in September 1, 2008 issue of KIRKUS REVIEWS A hungry wolf just can’t catch a break in these five loosely connected folktales. All are familiar, and amiably retold in large, sequential cartoon panels. Looking dapper in top hat and three-piece suit, the wolf first takes on three pigs (all of whom escape), moves on to the bored and foolish lad who cries “Wolf!” then is subjected to a fashion smackdown by Little Red Riding Hood. He unsuccessfully tries his luck again with the sheep under a woolen fleece snatched from Grandma’s house, and finally proves no match for seven hyperactive goslings whose mother has gone off on an errand. Readers drawn by the unusually large trim size and Alley’s animated, loosely posed figures will linger over the snappy dialogue (“ ‘I’ll teach you to be rude to my granny, you fake!’ screamed Rhonda, now clearly upset. ‘And did no one ever tell you not to wear white after Labor Day?’ ”) and almost feel sorry for the feckless predator—who is last seen eyeing a sign pointing toward Mr. McGregor’s garden and considering turning vegetarian. (Graphic folklore. 7-9) Starred review in August 1, 2008 issue of BOOKLIST Poor Wolf. He travels through six tales—"The Three Little Pigs," "The Boy Who Cried Wolf," "Little Red Riding Hood," "The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing," and "The Wolf and the Seven Little Goslings"—in sartorial splendor, but never manages to satisfy his hunger. Each of Wolf's intended meals trickily turns the kitchen table on him, leaving Wolf considering vegetarianism as he contemplates the sign pointing the way to Farmer McGreger's garden. This over-size comic book is cannily designed, with the traditional cartoon boxes often morphing into shapes to suit the action. The stories' narrative paths tend to follow the originals, but now they're layered with humor. The transitions between tales, visual and verbal, extend the fun, while dialogue balloons with pithy commentary (and adaptable font size) enrich the tongue-in-cheek narrative. Detailed watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations have a buoyant appeal; the cocky personalities of both animal and human characters are clearly indicated through expressive postures and expressions. This is a giggly read-aloud as well as a snortingly funny read-alone. Hand it to the transitional or reluctant reader, and listen for the laughs. |
