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Diary of a Big Bad Wolf

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Once upon a time was only the start... welcome to the Fairytale Woods! Listen to the big bad wolf's hilarious secret diary in this instant bestseller from author, comedian and actor Ben Miller.

'I need to raise my game again now spring is here, and get back in shape. Show the pack and the rest of these woods I’m BIG and I’m BAD, and I’m not to be messed with.'

The big bad wolf hasn’t had a great winter. He's cold, lonely and hungry . . . But things are about to change – he’s going to take the Fairytale Woods by STORM.

But while he knows he’s BIG and BAD, no one else seems to be scared of him, they just keep meddling with his plans – the troll under the bridge, the three annoying pigs, and that pesky Little Red Riding Hood! This is going to take all his brain power and his most cunning smile, to catch Grandma and reclaim his place at the top of the food chain!

Come down to the Fairytale Woods and discover what your favourite characters are really thinking in the bestselling series from Ben Miller, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2024

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Ben Miller

26 books139 followers

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5 stars
80 (41%)
4 stars
78 (40%)
3 stars
29 (14%)
2 stars
5 (2%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Rosemary Standeven.
1,073 reviews59 followers
January 19, 2025
A short, very amusing story by Ben Miller with our anti-hero, the Big Bad Wolf, and a number of other well-known fairytale figures such as Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs (of course), The witch from Hansel and Gretl, and the troll from Billy Goat Gruff.
The Big Bad Wolf (BBW) is not quite the great lupine specimen he would like to think he is. He is lazy (thrown out of the pack for not pulling his weight), unfit and very, very hungry. He is also arrogant, rude, bigoted about his food and gullible. Despite these flaws, a number of the characters try to help him, but he rejects them – suspecting ulterior motives (granted, sometimes they just want a good laugh) and/or vegetarian food. BBW is a carnivore plain and simple, and his pride would never allow him to eat plants. He would rather die. And it soon becomes apparent, that might be his fate if he doesn’t get to eat something soon.
Little Red Riding Hood is not so naïve in this story as usual. She is very clever, and constantly keeping the BBW on his toes. She is also very kind hearted.
The story reminded me a bit of ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ crossed with the cartoon ‘Road Runner’. What the BBW has to learn is to not look a gift horse in the mouth, appearances can be deceiving and friends can be found in strange places.
I listened to this book on Audible. Ben Miller did a very good ob of the narration, with some great voices (especially the troll). I didn’t think much of his wolf howl – but then we are talking about a rather pathetic wolf, so it probably fit.
Highly recommended either to read or to listen to.
Profile Image for Helen.
1,673 reviews43 followers
May 18, 2024

This book looked so much fun so I bumped it up my TBR pile.
The big, bad wolf hasn’t had a great winter. He's cold, lonely and hungry . . . But things are about to change – he’s going to take the Fairytale Woods by STORM.

But while he knows he’s BIG and BAD, no one else seems to be scared of him, they just keep meddling with his plans – the troll under the bridge, the three annoying pigs, and that pesky Little Red Riding Hood! This is going to take all his brain power and his most cunning smile, to catch Grandma and reclaim his place at the top of the food chain!

How well do we know the story of Little Red Riding Hood? Well I thought I knew the story pretty well, well it turns out that we all forgot the Wolf’s side of the story.
Lawrence (the wolf) has had a hard time of it recently, he’s fresh out of hibernation, he’s hungry, he has been kicked out of his pack and accident prone.
And he’s actually not so much of a baddie.
Written in the form of a diary we follow Lawrence in this hilarious book as he tries so hard to get something to eat.
With hilarious pictures you will have the time of your life reading this book.
45 reviews
October 22, 2025
Audiobook. I loved the narration of this as it really brought the character to life. It made my daily commute much more enjoyable.
397 reviews2 followers
December 8, 2025
This was a quite amusing book that me and my child read together and enjoyed
Profile Image for Mariami.
30 reviews
April 27, 2026
უსაყვარლესობა დდ
შეიძლება არც ისეთი ბოროტი მგელი იყო წითელქუდას და სამი გოჭის შეჭმა რომ უნდოდა.... დ
Profile Image for Lieselot Mauroo.
474 reviews20 followers
July 26, 2025
This was a fantastic, funny, and imaginative book.
I loved every second of it! Just great!
Profile Image for Emma.
279 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2024
I love a twisted tale and I liked the short sharp diary style. It was fun to read like a big bad wolf. This one is a super fast read, with lots of laughs and the ending was a new finish for me. Great read allowed novel. I think I know someone who might like a lend of this one.
Profile Image for book_matula.
451 reviews7 followers
May 23, 2026
Tym razem zapraszam was do świata naszych dziecięcych bajek, bajek, które każdy, a może większość z nas zna… Nawet nie che myśleć, że ktoś nie zna bajki o Złym wilku albo Czerwonym kapturku, no proszę was! :D Oczywiście wszystko to z przymrużeniem oka. O czym jest ta książka i kogo w niej poznamy? Wyobraź sobie, że postacie z klasycznych bajek wcale nie są takie, jak nam się wydaje albo ich przygody potoczyły się zupełnie inaczej. Jestem przekonana, że jest tutaj choć jedna osoba, która chciała zmienić zakończenie albo sama być bohaterem książkowym. W książce „Wielki Zły Wilk. Dzienniki z innej bajki” głównym bohaterem jest… no właśnie, Wilk. Ale zapomnijcie o stereotypie krwiożerczego potwora, który poluje na Czerwonego Kapturka czy trzy świnki.
W tej historii poznamy Wilka (zwanego Wielkim Złym), który w głębi duszy wcale nie chce być zły. Ma swoje rozterki, uczucia i pakuje się w niezłe kłopoty, bo świat z góry przypiął mu łatkę czarnego charakteru oraz inne postacie z innych bajek, ale w mocno podkręconych, często zabawnych i zaskakujących wersjach. Autor, Ben Miller, bawi się znanymi motywami i wywraca je do góry nogami. Książka ma świetne, klimatyczne ilustracje, które zrobiła Elisa PaganElli idealnie dopełniają całą historię i sprawiają, że czyta się to błyskawicznie. Jeśli chcecie wiedzieć, dlaczego warto po nią sięgnąć, to zadam Wam pytanie. Znacie to uczucie, kiedy wszyscy wokoło mówią Wam, kim macie być albo jacy jesteście, zanim w ogóle zdążycie cokolwiek zrobić? Dokładnie z tym mierzy się bohater tej książki. „Wielki Zły Wilk” to nie jest kolejna nudna lektura, w której od pierwszej strony wiadomo, kto jest dobry, a kto zły. To super śmieszna, ale też momentami dająca do myślenia opowieść o tym, że każdy zasługuje na swoją szansę i własny głos.
Czyta się to jak tajny pamiętnik, szybko, z ciekawością i bananem na twarzy. Jeśli lubisz historie z humorem, lekkim dreszczykiem i zwrotami akcji, gdzie nic nie jest czarno-białe, to ta książka idealna będzie na wieczór.
Drodzy rodzice, znaleźliście fajną książkę. To nie jest zwykła bajeczka dla maluchów, tylko nowoczesne i zabawne spojrzenie na znane baśnie. Główny bohater próbuje udowodnić, że nie jest taki zły, jak wszyscy o nim myślą. Książka uczy empatii i tego, żeby nie oceniać ludzi (i wilków!) po pozorach. Nie wiem, jak wy, drodzy rodzice, ale lubię, gdy książka niesie za sobą coś więcej niż tylko rozrywkę. Ta książka to taka lekka „namiastka smartfona” skrolujecie strona za stroną, a w nich coraz większe emocje i chęć zostania z nią do końca. Wydawnictwo Wilga wydało świetnie zilustrowaną książkę oraz wszystkie te ochy, uchy, ćwiry, auuu i więcej innych zwrotów, dźwięków spowoduje, że czytając naszej pociesze, będzie naprawdę wesoło. Uprzedzam tylko! Nie odpowiadam za bóle brzucha, które mogą dać o sobie znać po tej masie brechów, chichotów.
Profile Image for Bravebook.
381 reviews9 followers
Read
May 31, 2026
"Wielki zły wilk" to kolejny tytuł z literatury dziecięcej od Bena Millera, w którym znów przenosimy się do baśniowego świata, tym razem jest to retelling Czerwonego kapturka, gdzie głównym bohaterem jest Wilk, Laurencjusz.

Książka jest napisana w formie pamiętnika Wilka, który po zimie jest wygłodniały i planuje wrócić do formy oraz sprawności, by pokazać mieszkańcom Baśniowego Lasu (a także stadu, które go wyśmiewa) kto tu jest WIELKIM ZŁYM WILKIEM.

Nie wszystko idzie jednak po jego myśli, w zasadzie można by powiedzieć, że wiosna Laurencjusza jest raczej pechowa. Jest odtrącony przez watachę, ale nawet Kapturek czy Trzy świnki go oszukują czy naśmiewają. Wilk więc szykuje zemstę, a po drodze sporo się uczy.

Bardzo mi się podobała ta historia, jest zupełnie inna niż to, co do tej pory widziałam czy czytałam o bajce o Czerwonym Kapturku. Autor stworzył dynamiczną historię i wplótł w nią sporo humoru, a także tego, co w książkach dla dzieci najważniejsze - pewne uniwersalne wartości.

Oprócz tego forma pamiętnika została tu fajnie zrobiona, mamy karteczki z zapisanym treningiem Laurencjusza, jego plany, a także mnóstwo ilustracji! W zasadzie w książce nie ma zbyt wiele tekstu, ale sama opowieść jest bardzo przyjemna.

Została też tak wydana, że niektóre słowa są napisane większą czy grubszą czcionką, dając pewne podpowiedzi jak czytać ją na głos dzieciakom w sposób zabawny i angażujący, myślę że może to być niezła frajda zarówno dla dzieci, jak i rodziców.

Ten autor ponownie nie zawiódł, zaserwował świetną baśniową opowieść, z humorem i przekazem. Wspaniały tytuł dla dzieciaków, mocno polecam jeśli byście szukali czegoś dla swoich pociech lub na prezent ❤️
Profile Image for Nichola Theobald.
309 reviews
May 29, 2024
Evelyn (age 8) says "I liked that it was set in a fairytale and it was a diary of the big bad wolf. I thought it was really creative and I think Ben Miller came up with a really great idea, he spent a long time to make the book for all of us so he should be really happy and pleased."

Alice (age 5) says "I love that book because I love all of the fairy tales and Lawrence was really funny and this is the best book ever so everyone needs to read this book so you need to. And I'm going to tell you a part, that is, there is a troll under the bridge that says BRIDGE TAX and Little Red Riding Hood told the Big Bad Wolf so many lies and tricked him once. The End".

Mummy/Nichola "I saw Ben Miller promoting this book on TV recently. It sounded a funny take on the Big Bad Wolf, so treated the kids. It was a great read, kids loved it, very funny, great illustrations. A great bed time read for the kids".
15 reviews
April 24, 2024
We all know the story of Little Red Riding Hood or, do we?

In this retelling of the Classic Fairytale we hear the story from Lawrence’s point of view. Just out of hibernation he’s on the look out for his first full meal of the season.
Will that be the three pigs, whom happen to be good friends with Red? Or, will it be Red and Grandma?

Written in diary style, this fast paced story, allows those building their reading confidence to read short individual “chapters” (diary entries) with ease. Involving recognised characters, the reader will be familiar with, enjoy this new twist to the tale. Packed with humour, this is an enjoyable read, to read together or alone, with beautifully drawn illustrations.
Profile Image for Книжни Криле.
3,735 reviews209 followers
May 28, 2026
„Дневникът на Големия лош вълк“ от Бен Милър, издаден от Хермес, взима една от най-познатите приказни фигури и ѝ прави своеобразен „модерен прочит“, но без да бяга прекалено от класическата представа за персонажа. Вместо да превърне вълка в неразбран герой с трагично минало или в поредната пародия на злодей, книгата го оставя да бъде точно това, което е – гладен, раздразнителен, самонадеян и удивително неспособен да осъзнае колко нелепо изглежда отстрани. Прочетете ревюто на "Книжни Криле": https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...
Profile Image for Smitchy.
1,197 reviews18 followers
May 10, 2024
The Big Bad Wolf has woken up ready to feast this spring but his hunting skills are not quite up to the task. Those three annoying little pigs keep giggling at him, Little Red Riding Hood somehow outsmarted him and the wolf pack won't let him join the annual spring barbeque! But he will prevail! After all he is the biggest, baddest wolf around, isn't he?
Kids will have fun laughing at Big Bad's 'clever' ideas and Little Red being two steps ahead the whole way! This is a fun and silly story that takes fairy tales and turns them on their heads and has a bit of a message about eating vegetables (they really can be very tasty!).
Excellent for middle grade readers 7-12.
Profile Image for Amanda.
264 reviews50 followers
June 1, 2025
I listened to the audiobook for this book, and found it to be adorable and very funny.

Ben Miller does such a great job reading the story, of the big bad wolf. You feel so much empathy for the poor guy, even though he does try, to eat little red riding hood, her grandma, and the three little pigs. At times it reminded me, of the Shrek movies with the different fairytale characters, popping up and playing a part in the story.

I'm glad Ben Miller, wrote another book dealing with retelling fairytales. I'm looking forward to also listening to it as well.
Profile Image for Lee Lee.
497 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2024
Diary of A BIG bad wolf - Ben Miller

I listened to the audiobook and it was great! I didn’t really expect much from the beginning as the annoying wolf howling got on my nerves, but the story and how it was told was brilliant and would provide entertainment to a younger audience… Just a heads up the annoying howling at the end was what told me the book had finished! It really doesn’t need that to be a great story in my opinion.
Profile Image for Steph.
1,529 reviews89 followers
April 18, 2024
God, I just loved this! Funny, charming, fairy tales all muddled up. Not everyone is what you expect them to be. Made me audibly laugh many a time. Mr Wolf and the folk of the woods have brought me so much joy… and gloriously illustrated! Would love more like this!
Profile Image for not Liv Lewis.
22 reviews2 followers
May 2, 2024
This was hilarious!!! I love this spinoff of a classic tale. Felt sorry for the poor guy cause all he wanted was some sausages. It’s also got fantastic messages mixed in the story as well as a wide range of loveable characters. Spice dog honestly slays. Glad Lawrence finally made some good friends.
Profile Image for Francesca Pashby.
1,493 reviews21 followers
January 14, 2025
Another disappointment - what is going on in children's fiction?!

Gets a second star for the illustrations, but when you compare this to a classic like "Clever Polly and the stupid wolf" of the last century, well, it's an insipid imitation.
Profile Image for Isa Rive.
595 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2025
Reimagined story featuring classic fairytale characters told in diary form from the big bad wolfs perspective. Simple spacious word layout plus monochromatic illustrations. Suit those moving on from their very first chapter books (eg/Billie B Brown/Hey Jack).
Profile Image for Emma ✨.
118 reviews
May 4, 2026
Loved this read, so much fun it had me laughing out loud. I thought I knew the story of Little Red Riding Hood really well but turns out I’d not appreciated Lawrence The Wolf’s point of view!! He’s not all bad 🐺 & is actually just a bit hungry 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
18 reviews
March 23, 2024
Love it. Can't wait to read it to my class. The fairy tale references are so good.
Profile Image for Kait.
1,401 reviews224 followers
July 19, 2024
Super cute Little Red Riding Hood retelling with a great message! I love that the main POV was the wolf. And the artwork is gorgeous!
Profile Image for Lucy.
32 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2024
This book was really good, I just can’t explain it sorry ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars for me!!
Profile Image for Kelly Mucalo.
99 reviews2 followers
January 24, 2025
3.5 stars. This will be a great read aloud for our school library collection!
Profile Image for Adam Stanhope.
259 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2025
A nice little quick story, great story telling a different side to the big wolf, really enjoyed this story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews