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The Wolf Suit
Bellwether Riggwelter is, once again, out of blackberries. This time, rather than tiptoe through a forest full of predators, he comes up with a new plan. He will keep himself safe by blending in—he will sew a Wolf Suit! The disguise works perfectly . . . sort of. Bellwether realizes he can’t enjoy the forest in a bulky suit, and he may not be the only creature in the forest who feels that way. Perhaps not everyone is as wolfish as they appear.
With humor, darkness, and insight reminiscent of Jon Klassen and Edward Gorey, Sharp turns the idiom “wolf in sheep’s clothing” on its head. The perfect contemporary folktale to press into the hands of anyone who has felt they need to pretend to be someone else.
With humor, darkness, and insight reminiscent of Jon Klassen and Edward Gorey, Sharp turns the idiom “wolf in sheep’s clothing” on its head. The perfect contemporary folktale to press into the hands of anyone who has felt they need to pretend to be someone else.
120 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2022
5 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Sid Sharp
2 books42 followersSid is an artist and illustrator from Toronto who makes drawings, paintings, and comics. Their interests include folklore, horror stories, mysterious and unknowable things, and finding good sticks for their stick collection. Sid went to OCAD University, works in a bookstore, and published The Wolf Suit, their first graphic novel for kids, with Annick Press in 2022. Their new book with Annick, Bog Myrtle, comes out in October 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
March 29, 2022
A short graphic novel for children, it tells the story of the sheep Bellwether Riggwelter, who lives in a lovely little house in the forest. Turns out the forest is regularly invaded by wolves, who like eating all the little animals, including sheep named Bellwether Riggwelter.
Bellwether is filled with fear, and doesn't dare to leave his cottage to forage for food. This won't do, so he comes up with the idea to create a wolf suit, which he dons to approach the wolves. Sadly, the suit quickly starts unraveling..
There's more to the story than the wolves perhaps finding out the new guy is a sheep, and the little twist is actually surprising, making the book more interesting.
It's a book about fear, about how you approach fear, and that fear isn't always as black and white as it may seem. That said, it's also about recognising that fear can be helpful in protecting you.
Sounds like a lot for a kid's book, and I suppose it is, but Sharp pulls it off, with very sweet art.
(Picked up a review copy through Edelweiss)
Bellwether is filled with fear, and doesn't dare to leave his cottage to forage for food. This won't do, so he comes up with the idea to create a wolf suit, which he dons to approach the wolves. Sadly, the suit quickly starts unraveling..
There's more to the story than the wolves perhaps finding out the new guy is a sheep, and the little twist is actually surprising, making the book more interesting.
It's a book about fear, about how you approach fear, and that fear isn't always as black and white as it may seem. That said, it's also about recognising that fear can be helpful in protecting you.
Sounds like a lot for a kid's book, and I suppose it is, but Sharp pulls it off, with very sweet art.
(Picked up a review copy through Edelweiss)
October 21, 2024
Apparently the only thing I can read these days is middle grade. This marks my second book of the month and, uh, the month is basically over. I've been leaning too hard into my slump and sticking to spooky content on the big screen but broke my dryspell for this beauty because a) I do miss reading, b) it was a gift from a friend who knew I would love it, and c) bonus it has an art stye that is a perfect fit for this time of year. But don't worry, for any littles you might consider gifting this to, it's not scary. In fact, it offers up a twist to the whole "wolf in sheep's clothing" tale, which is pretty dark, whereas this one is just.. well, darling.
I have only recently become an insta-fan of Sharp's after reading BOG MYRTLE and going back to their debut has just cemented the fact. I love their art style, it is exactly my vibe, and the narration and themes of the stories are both timely and lovely and, in the case of THE WOLF SUIT, a little heartbreaking; but with a happy end.
With dialogue around fear and anxiety of the world around you, the desire to conform to conquer said fears, only to discover your people once you embrace who you are.. it's just so tender and wholesome and sweet. And the final panel just really brings it home and has left me feeling both warm and fuzzy and a little emosh.
Highly recommend!
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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
I have only recently become an insta-fan of Sharp's after reading BOG MYRTLE and going back to their debut has just cemented the fact. I love their art style, it is exactly my vibe, and the narration and themes of the stories are both timely and lovely and, in the case of THE WOLF SUIT, a little heartbreaking; but with a happy end.
With dialogue around fear and anxiety of the world around you, the desire to conform to conquer said fears, only to discover your people once you embrace who you are.. it's just so tender and wholesome and sweet. And the final panel just really brings it home and has left me feeling both warm and fuzzy and a little emosh.
Highly recommend!
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
June 19, 2023
I wasn't huge into this one. A fun story that starts off like it's going to be a Brother's Grimm tale but ends in a lighthearted way. The art was really nice but a bit stiff, especially the figure work.
March 20, 2022
thank you edelweiss for providing the arc of this book <3
While this book is aimed at children, I feel like adults would benefit from reading it too. It brings up the theme of anxiety, of being alone vs being lonely, the fear of not fitting in, and the fear that everyone else has it figured out, that other people, or wolves as in this case, are going to destroy or eat you. In reality, most of us are freestyling life and would love nothing more than to talk to another person who gets them. We use our "wolf suits" as a way to protect ourselves, to not get hurt by others. But this book shows us that it's easier to deal with nonexistent wolves with a great support system by our side.
While this book is aimed at children, I feel like adults would benefit from reading it too. It brings up the theme of anxiety, of being alone vs being lonely, the fear of not fitting in, and the fear that everyone else has it figured out, that other people, or wolves as in this case, are going to destroy or eat you. In reality, most of us are freestyling life and would love nothing more than to talk to another person who gets them. We use our "wolf suits" as a way to protect ourselves, to not get hurt by others. But this book shows us that it's easier to deal with nonexistent wolves with a great support system by our side.
March 29, 2022
This was the most adorable tale of an anxiety-ridden sheep who disguises himself as a wolf so he can venture into the forest safely. Definitely a play on "a wolf in sheep's clothing," and this is great for kids (and adults!) with big emotions.
The illustrations are so alluring and help set up a darker atmosphere when needed. The ending was TOO cute though, I'm so excited for this to come out! Definitely going to be one of my go-to kids recs for my bookstore <3
The illustrations are so alluring and help set up a darker atmosphere when needed. The ending was TOO cute though, I'm so excited for this to come out! Definitely going to be one of my go-to kids recs for my bookstore <3
June 3, 2022
This was an adorable and also hilarious take on the typical tale of phrase "A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing." As a parent, it can be difficult to find the words to teach a young child that they don't have to fear who they are, that while it may be scary and they may want to pretend to be someone else, they aren't alone. Everyone fears being their true self at one point or another, and the we can have a lot of perceptions about how the world is before we've stepped out of our comfort zone. But this was such a simple, lovely way of describing an issue everyone deals with at some point in their life. The writing was also humorous in how it mirror contemporary conversation and pacing. Very much recommended for young readers!
March 23, 2022
What an incredible, moving, mysterious and incredibly painfully hilarious story with the most beautiful illustrations. Some books you just know you’ll want to keep on the shelf forever to revisit over and over and this is one of them. Sharp is such an Incredible new Canadian voice. I tell all my friends!
February 7, 2023
The Wolf Suit was an imaginative look at insecurity that explores the topic through bold illustrations and an excellent metaphor.
May 2, 2022
Hmmm... Get around the ungainly style, and the look of the piece that is not universally going to be easy to like, and you get a reasonable pictorial story of a sheep living alone in a cottage in the forest. Needing some berries, he realises he's actually plagued by the wolves outside, and so being the expert crafter fashions a wolf suit to get around unimpeded. Until...
I think mixed responses are the only natural ones as the book is so mixed. Yes, this is for young people and it wants to do just what it wants to do – portray a sheep trying to fit in. But it also wants to do more than that – it wants to be a lesson in confidence. But I am damned sure it also wants to be something else yet again, something much too 'woke' for me to actually register with it. Surely that's the only reason we're blatantly told he has long eyelashes and a "poofy" tail, and likes dancing and handicrafts. I'm sure this wants to be all uber-accepting and forgiving of what is actually quite an airy-fairy milksop of a character.
The thing is, while it's fine for a book to have multiple interpretations – heck, it's more than fine – there is a twist in this story that works so much better if you read the book's intention as one thing than it does if you read it as something else. Think the book is about A Sheep and the twist is fine and makes us laugh. Think the book to be A Moral in Confidence and the twist gives a sigh of relief, I guess. Think the book is anything else and it kind of negates what's gone before.
That said, this debut does show promise. Only graduating a couple of years ago, the creator has clearly all intentions to get her work out and about. If you like the style here this is a success, but I still think the clarity of intention needs to be clearer. Yet I'd not dissuade anyone from having this on a borrow wishlist.
I think mixed responses are the only natural ones as the book is so mixed. Yes, this is for young people and it wants to do just what it wants to do – portray a sheep trying to fit in. But it also wants to do more than that – it wants to be a lesson in confidence. But I am damned sure it also wants to be something else yet again, something much too 'woke' for me to actually register with it. Surely that's the only reason we're blatantly told he has long eyelashes and a "poofy" tail, and likes dancing and handicrafts. I'm sure this wants to be all uber-accepting and forgiving of what is actually quite an airy-fairy milksop of a character.
The thing is, while it's fine for a book to have multiple interpretations – heck, it's more than fine – there is a twist in this story that works so much better if you read the book's intention as one thing than it does if you read it as something else. Think the book is about A Sheep and the twist is fine and makes us laugh. Think the book to be A Moral in Confidence and the twist gives a sigh of relief, I guess. Think the book is anything else and it kind of negates what's gone before.
That said, this debut does show promise. Only graduating a couple of years ago, the creator has clearly all intentions to get her work out and about. If you like the style here this is a success, but I still think the clarity of intention needs to be clearer. Yet I'd not dissuade anyone from having this on a borrow wishlist.
May 11, 2022
A lovely little tail. Er, tale. Sid Sharp crafts a warm and loving little story about fear, fitting in, and friendship. It is hard not to immediately identify with Bellweather, a shy sheep who feels like he has to pretend to be someone different from who he is at home when he is out in the wild forest. Sharp deftly illustrates the ways in which performing for other people both exhausts and stresses Bellweather, and in doing so teaches an important lesson about being yourself. Society will always expect us to put on masks in order to move through the world, but there is great power to be found in authentic expression, which allows for real and lasting connection with others. Gorgeous illustrations with deep, inviting colors make the tale unforgettable
December 31, 2022
the wolf suit is a strange and charming take on the wolf in sheep’s clothing that follows bellwether riggwelter, a sheep whose love of gathering berries and smelling flowers is threatened by the wolves that live in the forest outside his home. not one to be robbed of his passions, bellwether gathers up the courage to sew himself a wolf suit so that he can disguise himself and make safe passage, but he soon discovers that nothing is as it seems.
this was the perfect graphic novel to end the year on, lingering on friendship, courage, and the disguises we wear to feel safe in a frightening world. while some may be deterred by the art style or the message the story is driving home, there are many who will love this and i hope it finds those who need it.
this was the perfect graphic novel to end the year on, lingering on friendship, courage, and the disguises we wear to feel safe in a frightening world. while some may be deterred by the art style or the message the story is driving home, there are many who will love this and i hope it finds those who need it.
May 4, 2022
Bellwether is a sheep who is terrified of how wolves are ruining the outdoor atmosphere when he just wants to pick berries and be at peace. He makes himself a wolf suit so he can go out in disguise. What happens to the suit and his interactions with other wolves is anxiety-ridden and hilarious. This graphic novel shows different facets of, perspectives about, and experiences related to fear. This is a quick read with great illustrations. I read this via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.
March 21, 2023
bellwether has some mad gender
April 8, 2023
Read in a Dog Eared Books. Twas the shit.
October 1, 2023
Very enjoyable graphic novel about a sheep in wolf's clothing. Will Bellwether's disguise work and protect him from the wolves out in the forest? Young graphic novel fans, fans of wolves, or fans of Grimm's The Wolf and the Seven Young Goats will enjoy this.
April 7, 2022
THIS BOOK WAS SO CUTE
The wolf suit by Sid Sharp is a children’s comic book about a sheep that must use his crafting skills to make a wolf suit so that he can go into the forest in peace to collect blackberries.
first off, I love the message. Its a twist on the term “wolf in sheep’s clothing” where it’s a sheep in wolves clothing. I emphasized with Bellwether. Having to change yourself in order to be around others to keep yourself safe.
Bellwether basically going “IM CALM IM CALM” as he aggressively sips his tea to the sound of howling wolves is such an absolute vibe that was perfectly captured by the art.
I love the art. The style is very visually pleasing on the eye. I did think the font of the words didn’t fit too well, but everything else from the color scheme to the formatting was amazing.
The wolf suit by Sid Sharp is a children’s comic book about a sheep that must use his crafting skills to make a wolf suit so that he can go into the forest in peace to collect blackberries.
first off, I love the message. Its a twist on the term “wolf in sheep’s clothing” where it’s a sheep in wolves clothing. I emphasized with Bellwether. Having to change yourself in order to be around others to keep yourself safe.
Bellwether basically going “IM CALM IM CALM” as he aggressively sips his tea to the sound of howling wolves is such an absolute vibe that was perfectly captured by the art.
I love the art. The style is very visually pleasing on the eye. I did think the font of the words didn’t fit too well, but everything else from the color scheme to the formatting was amazing.
March 30, 2022
Okay so this was such a good book! I didn't expect to like it so much! I am sure this will be liked by kids and by adults as well! The illustrations were so cute and I liked that the forest also had eyes, it built the tension! Being who you are matters all the time because you can be brave in any situation, even if your natural condition doesn't allow it. And sometimes there is more in the world then it meets the eye, you just have to go and discover it!
The ending was genius! I am so glad I could read this, thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for allowing me to read it!
The ending was genius! I am so glad I could read this, thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for allowing me to read it!
March 26, 2022
This graphic novel was so cute! the illustrations gave the illusions of the animals being soft and welcoming and I couldn't stop reading. I loved the personality of the characters as they navigated their world as they work to figure out how to be wolves.
April 7, 2022
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I was expecting this book to be a picture book rather than a graphic novel. It was a great story full of rich illustrations. I liked the twist on a wolf in sheep clothing. In the end, we learn to be happy with being ourselves.
I was expecting this book to be a picture book rather than a graphic novel. It was a great story full of rich illustrations. I liked the twist on a wolf in sheep clothing. In the end, we learn to be happy with being ourselves.
October 30, 2022
This is an interesting and powerful tale about masking told in graphic novel form. It would be a great read for middle grades, especially for reluctant or intimidated readers. The language is mostly simple and straightforward and there are no big, scary walls of text that can shut some readers down. The story has a great message, too, about owning who you are and finding community to deal with fears and uncertainties. This would be a great addition to school and classroom libraries!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
February 3, 2023
Such a cute book for kids. I loved the illustrations and the story is sweet. A lot to explore in each picture and talk through. I got this from the library but I think I need to purchase it for my personal library.
October 17, 2023
This book is soooo beautiful! It has this dark but cute fairytale aesthetic. I really felt like I was walking through a dark forest while reading and the story made me melt and laugh at times. Will definitely read it multiple times.
October 17, 2022
such a cute book, beautiful art! i loved the plot twist too!!!
January 19, 2023
So cute and beautifully illustrated!! What a lovely story!
January 25, 2023
This a beautiful lush graphic novel for children. Bellwether Riggwelter (what a great fun name!) is a friendly, kind sheep who lives in a forest with scary, hungry wolves. Riggwelter is inspired to create a wolf suit so he can be safe when entering the forest to pick berries. There is a nice twist and a few gentle messages about fear and friends. Hits the audience just right.
March 29, 2023
Terrific original artistic style and storytelling!
April 6, 2023
Just delightful.
December 10, 2023
The broader metiphor is almost as solid as the super fun story.
January 15, 2024
really cute
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May 12, 2024I REFUSE to believe this is 120 pages
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews