Little Wolf's First Howling

PreS-Gr 2--As night falls, a canine father and son head to a hilltop for an important rite of passage. First, Little Wolf watches as Big Wolf models proper howling form: he stands tall, points his muzzle skyward, and sings out a thrilling "AAAAOOOO..." Eager to give it a try, Little Wolf echoes the classic cry but can't stop himself from adding a few ear-pleasing, scat-style embellishments ("dibbity dobbity skibbity skobbity/skooo-woooo-woooo..."). Despite his father's patient tutelage and repeated demonstrations of the accepted method, Little Wolf's creative voice will not be quelled, and he lets loose with howls that trumpet the "wildness and joy" found in his heart. Big Wolf is finally won over and joins his son in exuberant--if unconventional--song. The perfectly paced narrative is filled with warmth and humor. Full-bleed illustrations done in gouache portray stunning natural landscapes aglow with crisply rendered details and luminous twilight hues. The animal characters are endearingly depicted yet still retain a touch of realism, adding a sense of the untameable mystery of the wilderness to a sweet story about parent/child affection.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Kvasnosky's story celebrates all that is fresh and original in the creative spirit of children, and her text will be great fun as a read-aloud, especially after some practice. Kvasnosky and McGee's collaborative illustrations are done in gouache resist with digital colorization, a striking technique that particularly emphasizes the black night and the bright moonlight. All double-page spreads, the illustrations successfully evoke the vast beauty of the country the wolves inhabit. Visually lovely and sure to be a read-aloud hit; put on some Ella Fitzgerald, too.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

From the woodland, meadow, and mountain settings to the appealing depictions of the wolves, the distinctive illustrations were created collaboratively: Kvasnosky contributed the bold, black line drawings and textured effects, while her sister McGee—a landscape artist—added beautiful, soft, dusky colors. Written with economy and wit, this handsome picture book is a natural for reading aloud, and kids will be ready to help when it's time to cut loose and howl.
—Booklist (starred review)

The perfectly paced narrative is filled with warmth and humor...Fun to read—and howl—aloud, this tale of tackling a first experience with originality and élan is ideal for storytime or family sharing.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

Little Wolf wants to make howling his own. In its nod to individuality and originality, this wise book is not just about growing up but also about being yourself.
—San Francisco Chronicle

Laura McGee Kvasnosky and Kate Harvey McGee, captures the solemnity and playfulness of a wonderful father-son relationship. In moonlit illustrations, Big Wolf demonstrates proper howling form, but though his cub makes a sincere effort, he keeps veering into improvisation ('skibbity skobbity skooo-wooooo'). It's so endearing that eventually Big Wolf can't help joining in.
—The Wall Street Journal