(2) PS Translated by Laura Watkinson. Illustrated by Hanneke Siemensma. "Far away, on the other side of the mountains, there lived a little wolf," begins this enticing tale. This wolf spends so much time reading books that he is known to the other animals as "Little Wise Wolf." Selfish with his time and knowledge, however, Little Wise Wolf turns away those who ask for help. Then, he is summoned to the castle to heal the ailing king. His arduous journey over the mountains is captured in textured illustrations of an enchanting landscape that becomes increasingly difficult to navigate. Crossing steep mountains, he must abandon his bicycle, he loses a boot (his bright red footwear stands out against the shadowy muted colors of the pictures), and it begins to rain. "I'm cold. My stomach's rumbling. My feet hurt. And I'm lost. Maybe I'm not as wise as everyone says." Little Wise Wolf's pride and confidence finally give way to exhaustion, and he gratefully accepts the other animals' offers of help, marking a turning point in his understanding of wisdom and its virtues as well as in his treatment of others. This thought-provoking book's warm, comforting tone conjures up that of a gifted storyteller and pairs effortlessly with the rich, absorbing art.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2021