Scholastic Australia
November 2026
ISBN: 9781761720925
ISBN-10: 1761720929
RRP: $26.99
As you would expect from Aura Parker, this is just beautiful. As you might not expect, it’s a complete departure from Bowerbird Blues. I am already seeing how many rich conversations and juicy questions will spring from sharing this with kiddos as it explores themes of love overcoming fear, nurture v nature, and even the long evolution of domesticated dogs.
When Nellie and Mateo find a lost wolf cub in the woods, they immediately want to take him home. They are worried his mama wolf will be looking for him but they also don’t want to leave this cute pup out to fend for himself.
But Granny warns that wolves are not to be trusted, that they are dangerous, that they are not friends. Let’s face it, wolves do get a pretty bad rap in most stories – and I just adore the way Aura has referenced many fairytales in one particularly stunning double spread and also in her delicious endpapers, in which there are also Easter eggs to find – always so much fun! But soon even Granny is bewitched by this charming little pup.
The children try to find where the Wolf Baby might belong but no luck and as he grows bigger, stronger, more sharp-toothed there is perhaps just the tiniest frisson of fear. They can also see that Wolf Baby is looking for his own kind when he jumps on his own shadow. One day when Mama Wolf appears, it is both a joyous and sad occasion – bitter-sweet for the children and Granny to say goodbye to their furry friend but so happy that he is back with his own.
It’s just a delight from start to finish. Aura’s artistry is always sensational and this particular narrative is so evocative even with a relatively spare text. I love, love, love it! so very special.
Watch out for this one on the awards lists because I have a very strong feeling it will be there. Perfect fit for fairytale/fractured fairytale units as well as your EI learning sessions and some gentle philosophy lessons as well. Congratulations Aura on yet another book that will, I predict, become an instant contemporary classic. A very lupine 5 🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺 for readers from Prep and well into upper primary for some deep conversations.
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