Wolfboy
by Andy Harkness; illus. by the author
Preschool, Primary    Bloomsbury    40 pp.    g
2/21    978-1-5476-0442-5    $17.99
e-book ed.  978-1-5476-0443-2    $12.59

This quick-paced tale follows young monster Wolfboy on a journey through a moonlit forest in search of rabbits, for what must surely be a nefarious purpose. Humorous tension builds with each page-turn as Wolfboy continually overlooks the (not-so-hidden) creatures. The increasingly agitated little beast (“He was HUNGRY and HUFFY and DROOLY and GROWLY and FUSSY”) finally throws a fit, prompting the rabbits to reveal themselves. A reassuring twist reveals that Wolfboy is in fact upset because they are late for their feast — as opposed to being the feast themselves. All is well after the cottontailed critters share a moonberry pie with the hangry Wolfboy. Packed with descriptive language, punchy short sentences, and a deliciously menacing refrain (“Rabbits, rabbits! Where are you?”), the text is tailor-made to be read aloud; however, the book’s illustrations, made entirely of hand-molded clay textured with wooden tools, steal the show. Harkness creates an immersive environment through an impressive range of perspectives, dramatic lighting, and a skillfully employed color palette. The majority of the environment is in brown hues punctuated with white, successfully portraying a nocturnal setting while also allowing full-color characters (particularly the Cookie Monster–blue Wolfboy) to pop. The hand of the artist is evident throughout the pictures, including countless thumbprints and smears, effectively celebrating the tactile nature of the medium. A simultaneously funny and relatable portrayal of big feelings, splendidly executed in clay and light.

From the May/June 2021 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.