Wolf

by Sara Fanelli

Wolf finds that being a wolf is a handicap when it comes to making friends because people seem always angry at him, and he wonders if he will ever find a friendly face.

Genres: Animals, Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens

Hardcover

First published April 1, 1997

About the author

Sara Fanelli was born in 1969 in Florence, where she studied for a Diploma di Maturita at the Liceo Classico Michelangelo before coming to England, where she studied at the City and Guilds of London Art School, Camberwell School of Art, and the Royal College of Art, London.

She has undertaken illustration work for various publications, including the New York Times, the Independent on Sunday and the New Scientist. Her clients include The Royal Mail, BBC Worldwide, and Tate.

Reviews

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when Wolf looks for friendship in the city? Well, he's ferocious isn't he? So run away. He's a menace isn't it? So chase him off. What happens when Wolf is none of these things and is found a slave to his stereotype? In Fanelli's collagic world, Wolf sets off looking for anyone to understand him and give him a chance. Yet he is consistently spurned and it is only when he escapes the city and finds someone who understands him that he is welcomed.
Fanelli's use of collage and mixed typography is unique, and every part of the story, whether visual or written, brings something individual to the narrative. Using collage as her main approach means that there are stories within stories here and her typography brings both a calm and frenetic energy to different scenes. Her style might grate with some readers but I think children would be fascinated.

[Kaylee Rap · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the way this story broke free of traditional story writing, it made me question and compare my previous understanding and knowledge of wolf books and why they are often portrayed as bad. I felt that it went against many picture book codes which made this an interesting read.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is only the second book I’ve read by Fanelli and her way of illustrating is so amazingly clever and so intriguing - I love it.

Wolf just wants to be friends with people and yet once everyone sees that he is in fact a Wolf, they run away or chase the Wolf away. When Wolf returns home and sees his friend Rosie, telling her about his misadventures, all the people realise they were wrong about Wolf, he’s actually not a bad guy!

I think the illustrations/collage help to show the chaotic story line where misunderstandings are plenty and I would argue the use of collage kind of reflects this, because is that newspaper actually a path or it just just some newspaper on the floor - who knows?

I think this would be a fab text to look at in KS2 as there’s so many things to talk about - the use of text formatting and obviously the layers of collage. It would link to art, obviously, but also the use of technology, looking at layering images and exploration of text (types,sizes,organisation, etc)

This book would work well alongside ‘Inside the Villains’ and ‘The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs’ so consider if Wolves in stories are really all that bad.

[Louise Silk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara Fanelli is a very special artist and does an excellent job using her art to tell the story of Wolf, a very misunderstood character, because of how people just by their nature, fear wolves.

The different colors, the little drawings, the variety of letter sets all make it an adventure to read each page. I particularly loved the page where "all the children...ran away as fast as the could." With the children all topsy turvy and the colorful arrows pointing out.

[Ellie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Wolf goes for a walk into the city he has every intention of making some new friends. Unfortunately, the people that he meets have other ideas- and so begins a series of angry and fearful rejections. What will it take for Wolf to finally be accepted?
Fanelli’s city is something quite special. Using collage and various medium she creates vibrant and occasionally hectic scenes which parallel the level of chaos that Wolf himself experiences. A real point of intrigue is the way that Fanelli presents her human characters. The strange assortment of materials feels distinctly non-human, and yet it is they who are fearful of Wolf- a character who seems to be the most natural and true to form. The theme of appearance and perception is certainly something to pursue further.
Such a fun story to read, not just because of Fanelli’s crazy world but because of the interaction between the text and the reader. Here, words are arranged in such diverse shapes and angles, taking the reader along Wolf’s turbulent journey as well as capturing his movement and feeling. A very unique picture book, and I hope to stumble across some more Fanelli soon.

[Sarah Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor wolf. He only wants to be helpful and make some friends. But everyone he meets is afraid of his looks and wants to get rid of him! Thankfully, the story has a happy ending as the characters realise the error of their ways! A sweet, quirkily illustrated story book that could easily lead to a discussion surrounding judging people without knowing them. I especially like the way that the font matches the emotion of the text.

[Francesca Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book from Fanelli! This is about a wolf who everyone is scared of. He wants to join in with human beings but everyone either runs away or chases him. He even puts on a mask to try and disguise himself but he gets found out. The book makes you feel sorry for the wolf as he has done nothing wrong but due to his stereotype of being bad this is what's scaring people away. Therefore, this book really challenges the stereotype of wolves being associated negatively.

[Ruby Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the way the words were arranged in this book. Reminded me of Lauren Child's work in the Charlie and Lola series. The specific words written in particular ways can be identified and analysed by children in all key stages. This will help them gain a better understanding of why Fanelli chose the words she did, as well as give children ideas for their own writing.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Successive co-incidences set Wolf up for acceptance from folk he meets, quickly followed by rejection, once they realise who he is. But do they see the real Wolf? I mean, he is a bit scruffy and favours mismatched boots, but perhaps there is more to him than meets the eye. Such an inventive first impressions story; I love the playful approach to layout and the chaotic artwork.