The Big Bad Wolf Goes on Vacation is droll, imaginative fun for kids

Droll is such an odd word to use in review.  Droll means funny, just in an odd or unusual way and that’s very appropriate for The Big Bad Wolf Goes on Vacation.  This is not a laugh out loud funny book, but it brings a smile to your face when you think about the concept, doesn’t it?

The Big Bad Wolf Goes on Vacation is about that, the big bad wolf taking a vacation.  The Big Bad Wolf was author Delphne Perret’s first book published in the states and set up the premise that the wolf is actually a friend to a little boy, Louis.

Where the reader starts thinking is, is the wolf his imaginary friend or something else?

This time Louis is about to go to the beach.  The wolf, whose name is actually Bernard; hears Louis talking to himself about the trip and invites himself also.  The two of them then meet up with his grandfather and head out to the beach.

Droll.

Louis makes the wolf promise not to eat grandfather.

Louis calls the wolf Bernard.

Bernard has to pretend to be a dog when they’re going to the beach.

On the way to the beach Bernard sticks his hands out of the window like he’s doing the wave.

Bernard is also very sensitive, likes cookies and wears a bathing suit.

See, it’s very droll.  Is a book better when it makes you laugh out loud or when you smile all the way through it?  The Big Bad Wolf Goes on Vacation is sparse on variety in artwork and dialogue.  Because of that fact some children won’t get it.  If you have an 8 year old who likes animals and can think creatively they’ll dig this book because it allows  young readers to fill in the blanks between the frames of artwork.  Our 4 year old wouldn’t have the patience for it now as it’s not busy enough for him now.  When he’s 5 he’ll like this book as I suspect his sense of humor will be a bit dry.

All of the scenes look somewhat familiar, but help establish the friendship between Bernard and Louis.  His grandfather gets in on the silly action and they all race down to the ocean.

The Big Bad Wolf Goes on Vacation was similar to Fox and Hen Together, which we loved.  That was a wordless book, whereas, Big Bad Wolf has limited dialogue. Some children will like it from aged 4, which is the recommended one from the publisher.

 

We received a complimentary copy of the book as part of a book tour.  All thoughts are our own.