The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse
Mac Barnett, Author
Jon Klassen, Illustrator
Candlewick, Fiction, Oct. 10, 2017
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Animals, Humor, Cooperation,
Opening: Early one morning, a mouse met a wolf, and he was quickly gobbled up.
Publisher Synopsis: When a woeful mouse is swallowed by a wolf, he quickly learns he is not alone: a duck has already set up digs, and, boy, has that duck got it figured out! Turns out it’s pretty nice in there, with delicious food and elegant table settings, courtesy of the wolf’s unchecked gluttony. And there’s something even better: no more fear of being eaten by a wolf! In fact, life is pretty good, until a hunter shows up. . . . With a nod to traditional fables and a wink to the reader, the award-winning Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen offer a tale of cooperation and creative cuisine that is sure to go down easy.
Why I like this story:
Have you ever wondered why wolves howl at the moon? Mac Barnett and John Klassen’s modern-day fable offers an answer in their quirky tale that is filled with dark and outrageous humor. The old-fashioned fairy tale language, “Oh woe is me,” and “Oh shame,” adds drama and charm to the storytelling.
Mouse meets Duck in the wolf’s belly and quickly discovers it is a home of sorts. Says Duck, “I live well! I may have been swallowed, but I have no intention of being eaten.” So the two create a kind of ruckus that make’s the wolf’s tummy ache and manage to get all the food and items they need to live high on the hog. Readers will laugh out loud at their shenanigans and feel sorry for the gullible wolf. When a hunter shoots at the wolf, the mouse and duck save the wolf’s life in a very unconventional way.
Klassen’s trademark sepia-toned mixed-media artwork perfectly suits Barnett’s story. There are a lot of details to explore both inside and outside of the wolf, and they add to the humor of the story. The expressive illustrations are priceless. Visit Mac Barnett’s website and Jon Klassen’s website to see illustrations from the book.
Mac Barnett is the author of three books illustrated by Jon Klassen: Extra Yarn, which won a Caldecott Honor and a Boston Globe–Horn Book Award; Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, which won a Caldecott Honor and an E. B. White Award; and Triangle. With Jory John, he is the co-author of the New York Times best-selling series The Terrible Two.
Jon Klassen is the author-illustrator of I Want My Hat Back, a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book; This Is Not My Hat, winner of the Caldecott Medal and the Kate Greenaway Medal; and We Found a Hat. He also illustrated two Caldecott Honor Books, Sam and Dave Dig a Hole and Extra Yarn, as well as Triangle, all written by Mac Barnett.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
I adored this book. So funny, and so charming.
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It is very funny. I’m glad you adored the book!
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My youngest had nightmares in kindergarten after being shown a “Peter and the Wolf” movie in music class. I imagine she would not have been a big fan of this book either! But it is indeed an appealing, unconventional story from an impressive author/illustrator team.
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It is unconventional and will appeal to those who like offbeat humor.
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Sounds like a fun read.
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Glad you enjoyed the review. It is a fun book.
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These two are quite a team! Can’t wait to see this one!
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Yes, they are a great team. Love their books.
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I love stories like this one. I hope my library has it! Thanks for the recommendation.
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I am sure they do! It’s a fun read.
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I just loved this book. It’s awfully cute. Thanks for the reminder.
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I am glad you enjoyed the book. It is cute!
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I think this book will be like WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE. Loved or hated. I have spoken to many others about it when it was published and there is a definite split in opinion. I personally haven’t decided yet. But I appreciate your thoughts.
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Nice comparison. I agree, there are those who like or dislike it.
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Great review! I love this book. Mac is such a great storyteller. And Classen’s art gives the extra every story needs to shine brighter.
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They are a great duo when it comes to writing and illustrating picture books — and they are usually off-beat.
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This looks very quirky and unusual. And I love the illustrations.
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Quirky is a good description for this book. The illustrations are really great.
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This book sounds so unique and such a fun story to read… I feel like I’ve read a story that was similar to this in my childhood 😊
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It will remind you of a variety of stories. It is very unique.
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An unusual fun read. Thanks for sharing Pat.
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It’s a unique story by the great duo!
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This book sounds hilarious! Mom will read it for sure! Plus someday, I plan to eat a duck and a mouse. And some pizza.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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If you do Cupcake, you’d better read this book first. You may find yourself howling like the wolf.
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I agree with you, Patricia. This is a fun book. I enjoyed reading it. Children will enjoy the humour too.
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The humor is outrageous and therefore very funny! Glad you enjoyed the book!
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What a wonderful review! i didn’t know about this book, now I want to read it. Thank you and greetings.
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Thank you for visiting. I’m glad you want to check it out. A lot of fun!
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What the heck omg I am actually laughing right now. XD Go duck!!! :,) This actually reminds me of those There Once Was an Old Lady who ate a Book books. I like how it incorporates old fables too ^.^ Thanks for sharing!
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You are so funny! Yes, this book would touch your funny bone!
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This sounds hilarious! I need to find it! 🙂
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Another book with fun, dark humor!
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I love books that are as much fun for adults as the kids and this one sounds like it fits the brief. Now on my list!
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This author/illustrator duo are known for their quirky humor.
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