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Wolf Won't Bite!
A giggles-guaranteed picture book from the acclaimed Emily Gravett, starring three little pigs and a wolf who (maybe) won’t bite.
I can stand him on a stool! I can dress him in a bow...I can ride him like a horse but WOLF WON’T BITE!Come along on a wild circus adventure about three little pigs who have captured a wild wolf. They can make him do all sorts of tricks, but don’t worry—he would NEVER bite.From award-winning and beloved creator Emily Gravett, Wolf Won’t Bite! contains charming text that begs to be read aloud, and quirky humor fills every page of this playful take on “The Three Little Pigs.”
66 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2011
6 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Emily Gravett
79 books278 followersEmily Gravett is twice winner of the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal and the Nestlé Children's Book Prize Bronze Award for WOLVES and LITTLE MOUSE'S BIG BOOK OF FEARS. An author/illustrator of unique talent and tremendous skill, she has a host of critically acclaimed books to her name, including BLUE CHAMELEON, WOLF WON'T BITE! and AGAIN! Emily lives in Brighton with her partner and their daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
April 20, 2012
Sorry, why did the pigs think the wolf wouldn’t bite? He’s a wolf! This could be all me too. I have always liked the wolf. Even as a kid, I rooted for the wolf! :D
Beautiful illustrations as always with an Emily Gravett book, but I just didn’t feel the humor in this one.
4/19/12
Beautiful illustrations as always with an Emily Gravett book, but I just didn’t feel the humor in this one.
4/19/12
September 8, 2024
I love Gravett's books: they're pretty, and funny with a nice twist, and the production values are high. In this case, the story actually begins on the front endpapers and ends on the back endpapers. Actually, we all love Gravett. The kids won't check out her books on their own, but if I do they will be happy to read them.
And yes, the pigs do remind us of Olivia, in a good way.
Library copy.
And yes, the pigs do remind us of Olivia, in a good way.
Library copy.
April 4, 2015
This is an odd little book. There's a strong implication that these are the three little pigs, who have somehow started a circus in which they basically abuse the heck out of the big bad wolf, everything from dressing him in tutus to firing him out of a cannon. Eventually, the wolf snaps and does indeed chase them, apparently with intent to eat them. What's odd here is that I can't quite figure out what the author is trying to do. Is this supposed to be a sequel of sorts to The Three Little Pigs? If so, how did they get the wolf in this position? Is this supposed to be a book against the wild animal acts present in a lot of circuses, a lot of which seem to be inhumane? I kept waiting for some kind of explanation, but I never got one. I just sort of hated the pigs in this and began hoping the wolf would indeed bite.
September 11, 2012
Wolf Won't Bite shows the three little pigs who have captured the big bad wolf and are parading him around a circus, forcing him to do various tricks. The pigs believe that "wolf won't bite" after every trick, but at the end, he escapes and does in fact attempt to bite them.
The illustrations in this book are fabulous, and children will enjoy seeing familiar fable characters in a new setting. At first, I didn't quite get the ending, but realized that it teaches children that everyone has a breaking point, and that mistreating someone will always come back to "bite" you, which is a good lesson to learn.
I would recommend this book as a read-aloud for both primary students. It would also be appropriate as part of an intermediate LA fairy-tale or point-of-view unit.
The illustrations in this book are fabulous, and children will enjoy seeing familiar fable characters in a new setting. At first, I didn't quite get the ending, but realized that it teaches children that everyone has a breaking point, and that mistreating someone will always come back to "bite" you, which is a good lesson to learn.
I would recommend this book as a read-aloud for both primary students. It would also be appropriate as part of an intermediate LA fairy-tale or point-of-view unit.
April 23, 2012
Three pigs show all the things they can do to (or have done to) wolf knowing that "wolf won't bite!" It almost feels like those three little pigs are finally getting their revenge on a puppy-looking wolf. But like many of Gravett's picture books there is a surprise ending that is just as much fun as the brilliant illustrations. I also adore the illustrations. The black, grey, white, pink, and red colors (with a touch of gold or brown here and there) give the pigs a cohesive feeling vs the lone grey wolf. Really, after so many good Gravett books, I shouldn't be surprised! Such fun!
October 17, 2018
I thought this book was another good adaptation of the fable 'The Three Little Pigs'. It showed a different version where the pigs had managed to capture the wolf and parade him round a circus. I was surprised within the text that the wolf acceded to their every demand right until the very end of the text. The illustrations throughout the book were lovely and the various fonts throughout were a lovely addition to the story.
November 14, 2019
Fairly predictable ending but lots of fun along the way for younger readers.
Great read aloud for kindergarten.
The pigs have captured a wolf and have made him a circus act. Watch the wolf's expression as the book progresses. No surprise ending to this one.
Great read aloud for kindergarten.
The pigs have captured a wolf and have made him a circus act. Watch the wolf's expression as the book progresses. No surprise ending to this one.
August 2, 2018
Disclaimer: I got this for free via kindle
About time someone gave Wolfie some love. Loved this.
About time someone gave Wolfie some love. Loved this.
August 26, 2020
A funny fable with the message that everyone deserves respect, and sometimes victims will lose patience with bullies. For fans of other quirky and controversial books, for example This Is Not My Hat, and of course Gravett's other works.
February 10, 2021
জলরঙা ছবির দিকে আমার বাড়তি ঝোঁক আছে। গ্র্যাভেটের কাজ যতো দেখছি, ততোই ভালো লাগছে। তুলির মোক্ষম কিছু হালকা টানের কাজে ইনি দারুণ পাকা।
June 13, 2016
"Wolf Won't Bite" was simply amazing. This is the type of book where the illustrations would have been sufficient enough to tell the story. In this version of "Three Little Pigs," the pigs were on a mission of revenge to get back at the wolf. There is a strong presence of sarcasm throughout this book. This was written so that both children and adults can equally enjoy reading and hearing this story.
It is evident as to why this book has been banned and considered controversial. Revenge comes in the form of bullying, humiliation, and torture. The pigs find ways to torment the wolf until the breaking point of him "biting." The setting seems to be in the form of a circus, which in a way, is a form of mockery. In other words, their mocking ways was their way to humiliate and torture the wolf.
"Wolf Won't Bite" would be used as a teaching moment in my classroom. This book could easily be read to students up to third grade. Depending on the grade, I could use this book to teach several important lessons, as well as have my students infer and predict what will happen next. Using this book, I would teach my students the impact bullying (not necessarily use the word, torture) has on others. This story also provides the opportunity to educate students on what the negative impacts of teasing and humiliating others. First and foremost, before reading any controversial book, I will email and ask for parents' consent.
It is evident as to why this book has been banned and considered controversial. Revenge comes in the form of bullying, humiliation, and torture. The pigs find ways to torment the wolf until the breaking point of him "biting." The setting seems to be in the form of a circus, which in a way, is a form of mockery. In other words, their mocking ways was their way to humiliate and torture the wolf.
"Wolf Won't Bite" would be used as a teaching moment in my classroom. This book could easily be read to students up to third grade. Depending on the grade, I could use this book to teach several important lessons, as well as have my students infer and predict what will happen next. Using this book, I would teach my students the impact bullying (not necessarily use the word, torture) has on others. This story also provides the opportunity to educate students on what the negative impacts of teasing and humiliating others. First and foremost, before reading any controversial book, I will email and ask for parents' consent.
August 27, 2016
Okay, I'm a Gravett fan and enjoy her shocking endings that are at times almost too twisted for children's books. At least they aren't for wimpy children (or adults) without a sense of humor. So, I was waiting...waiting...for the moment that the bite might happen as we are assured that "wolf won't bite"! So will he or won't he? I loved it from cover to cover and my children giggled and giggled.
July 16, 2012
I confess I am conflicted over this book. I absolutely adore the illustrations and the idea, but I am not sure if it's just a little too creepy for its intended audience. They cut the wolf in half, and then, in fact, the wolf DOES bite. I can see most kids thinking it's funny and giggling, but I would be a little nervous of that one kid in the class who it might actually upset. I'd have to really know my students to read this one aloud.
December 1, 2020
An unusual twist on the story of the three little pigs and the big bad wolf. It features the pigs gloating and essentially bullying the wolf, saying all of the things they can do to him because they think that he won't bite them. We could talk about how the wolf is feeling during this ordeal and why we should be kind to others.
June 26, 2012
Emily Gravett is slowly working her way up to being my favorite illustrator. The story is so-so, but the illustrations are endearing. The wolf's sheepish expression in every panel is fantastic. Especially in the last panel with the pig's heads in his mouth. Beautiful. Amusing.
December 23, 2014
I find some of Emily Gravett's books a bit hit and miss. Not really a fan of this one. It could be used for looking at issues such as teasing, bullying, cruelty, etc. or even the treatment of animals in circuses.
October 23, 2018
This was kind of disappointing. I felt bad for the poor wolf and the ending was not satisfying enough to make up for it. I much prefer Gravett's Wolves
October 30, 2018
Three circus Pigs have captured a wild wolf, and exploit him to no end. The three pigs make him stand on a stool, dress him in a bow, ride him like a horse, jump through hoops, dance jigs, and various other circus acts, but a wild wolf can only take so much abuse...
September 22, 2016
Un libro para niños muy divertido sobre 3 cerditos circenses que han atrapado a un lobo, el final me hizo reír y estoy segura que a los niños les divertirá mucho.
April 26, 2024
What's the point of this book!
February 3, 2019
This book would terrify me as a child.
August 8, 2019
I always like a twist or alternative ending to a traditional story. Partly because it cements the need for children to hear and experience traditional stories, partly because the characters and events of traditional stories are so firmly embedded in our culture and partly because I appreciate someone's love and devotion to the original story so much that they feel they can 'get inside it' and use and adapt it to create something that is both new and familiar for us.
Emily Gravett has loved The Three Little Pigs and turned the pigs into circus masters in control of a caught and down-beaten wild wolf. This story starts on the front cover and proceeds confidently on to the end pages; don't whizz past them! The wolf is caught, the advertising posters displayed and the story can begin. The language is typical circus fare; 'roll up! roll up!', and wolf performs many expected circus tricks; jumping through hoops, doing a jig, knife throwing and acting as a 'wolf canon ball'! My favourite double page spread is the one showing the wolf being sawn into two; the angles of his legs are fabulous! All through the circus 'show' the pigs confidently declare the 'wolf won't bite'; their noses high in the air, their ears alert and the tails of the eldest pig's ring masters coat flying proudly behind. Until they are a little too confident and place their heads between the wolf's mighty jaws and with a subtle glint in his eye, and how cleverly Emily Gravett illustrates this, you know what is going to happen next! Both a twist in the tale and then an unexpected change of plot sees the wolf snap his jaws and BITE the pigs! We see them running away from the wolf's previously unseen teeth and tongue!
Lovely! The colours are a very careful palette of grey wolf shades and pink pigs with the use of the red ring master's coat to pick out the objects needed within the illustrations to detail the circus events. I really like the white background; this book is so easy on the eye. The expressions on the wolf's face are a joy throughout the book and give away so much of what and how he must be feeling!
Emily Gravett has loved The Three Little Pigs and turned the pigs into circus masters in control of a caught and down-beaten wild wolf. This story starts on the front cover and proceeds confidently on to the end pages; don't whizz past them! The wolf is caught, the advertising posters displayed and the story can begin. The language is typical circus fare; 'roll up! roll up!', and wolf performs many expected circus tricks; jumping through hoops, doing a jig, knife throwing and acting as a 'wolf canon ball'! My favourite double page spread is the one showing the wolf being sawn into two; the angles of his legs are fabulous! All through the circus 'show' the pigs confidently declare the 'wolf won't bite'; their noses high in the air, their ears alert and the tails of the eldest pig's ring masters coat flying proudly behind. Until they are a little too confident and place their heads between the wolf's mighty jaws and with a subtle glint in his eye, and how cleverly Emily Gravett illustrates this, you know what is going to happen next! Both a twist in the tale and then an unexpected change of plot sees the wolf snap his jaws and BITE the pigs! We see them running away from the wolf's previously unseen teeth and tongue!
Lovely! The colours are a very careful palette of grey wolf shades and pink pigs with the use of the red ring master's coat to pick out the objects needed within the illustrations to detail the circus events. I really like the white background; this book is so easy on the eye. The expressions on the wolf's face are a joy throughout the book and give away so much of what and how he must be feeling!
September 26, 2014
"Wolf Won't Bite" by Emily Gravett is a very short post modern picture book, and it contains the classing 3 pigs and wolf interaction. This book starts off with the 3 pigs putting up somewhat of a poster for their "show" which is also the cover of the book. The 3 pigs have captured a wild wolf, and they have taught it to do a lot of stuff, including jump through hoops, stand on a tiny stool, and ride him like a horse, but for some reason, the wolf won't bite the pigs. Each page goes on to show in the illustrations and in the text, what the 3 pigs can do with the wolf. On the last page, they tell the reader that they can even put their heads in the wolves mouths, but it still won't bite. As the pigs say that, the wolf ends up biting down, and they wolf starts the chase the pigs. That is the end of the book, and there is no plot structure in this book really. It is more of a flatline plot, which can be just an entertaining as plots with climaxes, but I failed to find the entertainment and enjoyment in this book. I thought this book was very boring and it didn't necessarily teach a lesson (not one that I could find, anyway) and it just wasn't very exciting or interesting to read.
The one thing that I did enjoy about this book, was it felt like the 3 pigs were directly talking to me. The book really does a nice job of creating this interesting interaction between the characters and the reader. Also, I enjoyed the illustrations and the style of text in this book. The illustrations lay on a white background, and I like this style of illustration because it makes the drawings pop, and there is no background to distract the reader. Also, the illustrations are very fun and enjoyable to look at. The way that the author/illustrator incorporated text into the story was also very interesting. There are many times in the book where the text alone kind of shows whats going on in the story. For example, on the page where the pig says they can shoot the wolf through the air, the text is going from small to big, following the wolf as he is being shot through the cannon. I thought that was a very nice touch, and it makes the book that much more enjoyable to read.
The one thing that I did enjoy about this book, was it felt like the 3 pigs were directly talking to me. The book really does a nice job of creating this interesting interaction between the characters and the reader. Also, I enjoyed the illustrations and the style of text in this book. The illustrations lay on a white background, and I like this style of illustration because it makes the drawings pop, and there is no background to distract the reader. Also, the illustrations are very fun and enjoyable to look at. The way that the author/illustrator incorporated text into the story was also very interesting. There are many times in the book where the text alone kind of shows whats going on in the story. For example, on the page where the pig says they can shoot the wolf through the air, the text is going from small to big, following the wolf as he is being shot through the cannon. I thought that was a very nice touch, and it makes the book that much more enjoyable to read.
June 18, 2012
With every new Emily Gravett book my hopes are lifted. Her picture book Wolves is hilarious (and creepy). Her Odd Egg is comical and surprising. Blue Chameleon is terrifically clever. Orange Pear Apple Bear is adorable (and provides an interesting look at the importance of word order). Her illustrations are just the cutest, and she has a wicked sense of humor.
This book has both of those: cute illustrations and a wicked sense of humor. The pigs are, quite possibly, the cutest pigs I've ever seen in children's literature. That's a pretty tall order, what with John Himmelman's Pigs to the Rescue!, the silly swine Michael Martchenko painted for Robert Munsch's book Pigs, and Holly Hobbie's Toot & Puddle. They're kind of cuter versions of Falconer's Olivia. Anyway, it's a close race.
That said, I was disappointed with Wolf Won't Bite!. I count on Gravett to give me the unexpected, and I saw the ending here coming about a mile away (although I will admit I thought the wolf would just EAT the pigs). That's not to say that kids will see the ending coming. They might, but I have a feeling they will take great delight in it anyway. I can picture a classroom of kids right now, sitting on the carpet listening to this story, when I turn to the pivotal page: eyes widen, brows go up, mouths open, and a collective, "OH!", followed by some mini giggle fits. That's what I imagine.
Okay, now I have to try a read-aloud. Maybe I like this book better than I thought....
UPDATE: I just read this to a classroom of 4-year-olds. They giggled through the entire book...except the end. The exact opposite of what I expected. Then they asked, "Why did he bite?" Even though I'd just read a classic version of The Three Little Pigs, so they knew big bad wolves like to eat little pigs. Hmmm....
This book has both of those: cute illustrations and a wicked sense of humor. The pigs are, quite possibly, the cutest pigs I've ever seen in children's literature. That's a pretty tall order, what with John Himmelman's Pigs to the Rescue!, the silly swine Michael Martchenko painted for Robert Munsch's book Pigs, and Holly Hobbie's Toot & Puddle. They're kind of cuter versions of Falconer's Olivia. Anyway, it's a close race.
That said, I was disappointed with Wolf Won't Bite!. I count on Gravett to give me the unexpected, and I saw the ending here coming about a mile away (although I will admit I thought the wolf would just EAT the pigs). That's not to say that kids will see the ending coming. They might, but I have a feeling they will take great delight in it anyway. I can picture a classroom of kids right now, sitting on the carpet listening to this story, when I turn to the pivotal page: eyes widen, brows go up, mouths open, and a collective, "OH!", followed by some mini giggle fits. That's what I imagine.
Okay, now I have to try a read-aloud. Maybe I like this book better than I thought....
UPDATE: I just read this to a classroom of 4-year-olds. They giggled through the entire book...except the end. The exact opposite of what I expected. Then they asked, "Why did he bite?" Even though I'd just read a classic version of The Three Little Pigs, so they knew big bad wolves like to eat little pigs. Hmmm....
January 22, 2013
Emily Gravett, Wolf Won't Bite! (Simon and Schuster, 2012)
I have been a rabid Emily Gravett fan since I first came upon Wolves way back when. Wolves is still one of my favorite modern childrens' books, and I have adored almost all of Gravett's work since. Wolf Won't Bite!, unfortunately, falls into that not-quite-”almost” category. I can't quite figure out what she's on about here. There's obviously a cautionary-tale aspect here, but is it the tale of the frog and the scorpion? Or the three little pigs, except without houses? Or is it some sort of twisted pre-lit adaptation of Alex de la Iglesia's wonderful movie Balade Triste de Trompeta? Or... you get the idea. We don't get quite enough original source for me to be able to tell, and it's kind of maddening. That said, the story is pretty standard Gravett, with a trio of circus-performer pigs with a seemingly tame wolf they can make do all sorts of tricks, until they overstep their bounds in the most dangerous of ways. It's certainly not bad, I'm just not sure it's up to the standard of so many of Gravett's other excellent books. ***
I have been a rabid Emily Gravett fan since I first came upon Wolves way back when. Wolves is still one of my favorite modern childrens' books, and I have adored almost all of Gravett's work since. Wolf Won't Bite!, unfortunately, falls into that not-quite-”almost” category. I can't quite figure out what she's on about here. There's obviously a cautionary-tale aspect here, but is it the tale of the frog and the scorpion? Or the three little pigs, except without houses? Or is it some sort of twisted pre-lit adaptation of Alex de la Iglesia's wonderful movie Balade Triste de Trompeta? Or... you get the idea. We don't get quite enough original source for me to be able to tell, and it's kind of maddening. That said, the story is pretty standard Gravett, with a trio of circus-performer pigs with a seemingly tame wolf they can make do all sorts of tricks, until they overstep their bounds in the most dangerous of ways. It's certainly not bad, I'm just not sure it's up to the standard of so many of Gravett's other excellent books. ***
November 2, 2017
I really wish I'd have known about this book when teaching about alternative fairytales. I took in and made a book display each week and this would have worked really well, particularly for an EAL pupil with limited knowledge English fairytales.
Year 2's loved the "Three little wolves and the big bad pig" and "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" and been a perfect further recommendation. It is a simple plot with no direct explanation that it is in fact the same three little pigs, only inference. It maintains the same kind of role reversal as Scieszka's "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" without stating or directly relating it to the original story.
The poor wolf's patience gets tested a lot and Gravett paints the pigs as the antagonists in a child-like playful way. I feel like pupils would be able to relate to the Wolf either due to playground or may be even anger issues despite it being narrated by the Pigs throughout.
It is beautifully illustrated and I found it a really accessible yet enjoyable read.
Year 2's loved the "Three little wolves and the big bad pig" and "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" and been a perfect further recommendation. It is a simple plot with no direct explanation that it is in fact the same three little pigs, only inference. It maintains the same kind of role reversal as Scieszka's "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" without stating or directly relating it to the original story.
The poor wolf's patience gets tested a lot and Gravett paints the pigs as the antagonists in a child-like playful way. I feel like pupils would be able to relate to the Wolf either due to playground or may be even anger issues despite it being narrated by the Pigs throughout.
It is beautifully illustrated and I found it a really accessible yet enjoyable read.
May 7, 2012
Alison For Big Book Little Book
This is a picture book perfect in it’s simplicity. The illustrations are set against a stark white background using a colour scheme of black, pink and red. The colours that you may well associate with the circus. This makes the pictures very clear and they tell the story alone. This is a picture book where the words are there to add to the pictures rather than the other way round. Child or adult you know how the story will end but you still want to carry on to see just how far the pigs can push the wolf. Its simplicity means that this could be read to a fairly young child and they could understand and enjoy it, but it’s also perfect for children a bit older too, the repetition of lines within the story should appeal to them. This is another one that will be coming home to read to the four year old when shadowing is finished.
Verdict: Simple you stunning.
This is a picture book perfect in it’s simplicity. The illustrations are set against a stark white background using a colour scheme of black, pink and red. The colours that you may well associate with the circus. This makes the pictures very clear and they tell the story alone. This is a picture book where the words are there to add to the pictures rather than the other way round. Child or adult you know how the story will end but you still want to carry on to see just how far the pigs can push the wolf. Its simplicity means that this could be read to a fairly young child and they could understand and enjoy it, but it’s also perfect for children a bit older too, the repetition of lines within the story should appeal to them. This is another one that will be coming home to read to the four year old when shadowing is finished.
Verdict: Simple you stunning.
February 17, 2014
This book is another unique variation on the three little pigs. In this book the pigs work at a circus and they explain how they can make the wolf do so many tricks and he will not bite. When the end comes though the reader and pigs are in for a surprise. I really enjoy variation on the three little pigs and I am in the process of collecting and trying to accumulate as many variations of this book as possible. It seems to me that this traditional tale has the most variations. There are so many creative ways to tell this story. I would love children to use this variation and compare it to others that they have read or other that I have shared in class. After sharing so many variations with them I would challenge students to come up with their own variation and write a three little pigs story. After realizing that the sky is the limit when it comes to these stories I would be thrilled to read what students come up with!
November 27, 2012
Emily Gravett is one of my absolute favorite picture book creators. Her books contain elements of wit and whimsy, and they make readers stop and think. They always make me smile. In this cautionary tale about making assumptions about what others will or won't do, three pigs capture a gray wolf. They put him through his paces, making him stand on a stool, dressing him in a bow, and all sorts of fun (for them, but not for him). What they make Wolf do gets worse and worse as the story goes on. For instance, they fling knives at a target where he's standing and saw him in half, all the while bragging that he won't bite. As they get ready to put their heads in his mouth, his eyes show just what he's thinking--and have they got a surprise in store for them. A perfect read aloud, this picture book effectively builds suspense in readers.
August 7, 2016
I reread this book in preparation for our circus storytime. It's a cute short book that can easily be read to wide age group, as younger readers won't get bored and the older readers will enjoy the three little pigs reference. I even upped my rating by a star.
For: readers wanting books about the circus or fairy tale retellings.
Possible red flags: imprisonment and danger.
My original review is below.
***
Gravett tells an interesting version of the three little pigs. Here, the three little pigs are circus performers and they demonstrate how the wolf in question won't bite them no matter what they do to them. How do you think it turns out? It's not my favorite Gravett book but it could easily be entertaining for the target age group.
For: readers wanting books about the circus or fairy tale retellings.
Possible red flags: imprisonment and danger.
My original review is below.
***
Gravett tells an interesting version of the three little pigs. Here, the three little pigs are circus performers and they demonstrate how the wolf in question won't bite them no matter what they do to them. How do you think it turns out? It's not my favorite Gravett book but it could easily be entertaining for the target age group.
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