Big Bad Wolf Goes on Vacation

Delphine Perret is the author-illustrator of numerous children's books published in France. The Big Bad Wolf and Me (Sterling) was the first to be published in the United States, and now, seven years later, she decided she was ready to revisit Bernard and his best friend, Louis. Delphine lives in Lyon, France, with her family.

"Bernard, the Big Bad Wolf who lives in Louis' closet, is back ("The Big Bad Wolf and Me," 2006). Huzzah! Bernard is pretty much under control, and he's even vegetarian (except for fish), so why shouldn't he go on vacation with Louis and his grandpa? It's not as easy as one might imagine. Grandpa takes to the talking wolf quite easily, although Bernard hates pretending he's a dog. He can't help choose sandwiches, for example, since Louis is afraid the wolf will forget to walk on four legs and not to talk. 'I am wounded by your lack of trust' says Bernard haughtily. They even argue over who will be first in the water (it turns out to be grandpa). Twelve chapters are done in comic-book style, with multiple squiggly sketches that seem artless but are vividly funny. Human figures are blue, the elongated and angular wolf is brown and solid (everyone else is linear), and the occasional crab or cow is done in rust or maroon. The language remains simple, accessible, charming and quite funny in this nifty follow-up. Readers may find metaphors about imaginary friends, taming one's fears or having special fun with grandparents, but mostly, they will go from giggles to guffaws with this disarming trio." --"Kirkus Reviews" (STARRED REVIEW) "'The Big Bad Wolf Goes on Vacation' is Delphine Perret's very smart and thoroughly beguiling follow-up to the similarly marvelous 'Big Bad Wolf and Me' (2006), both of which were originally published in France. A hybrid picture book/chapter book/graphic novel for young children and newly confident readers, both books tell the story of Louis, a young boy with an active imagination and a Big Bad Wolf for a companion. His name is Bernard. And he's a secret.He's also, occasionally, a distraction. He gets crumbs on Louis's neck while the child tries to finish his homework. 'You want me to leave you alone?' the Wolf asks, and when Louis says yes, can't help adding, 'I see you've made a few mistakes on your homework.' You can understand why Loui