Books have taught Little Wise Wolf many things. But perhaps he’s not quite as wise as he thinks he is. A small wolf spends all his time reading big books and discovering new stars. Because he knows so much, everyone calls him Little Wise Wolf, and many of his neighbors come to him with questions. However, with so many big books still to read, he simply does not have time to answer them. Then, one day, he is summoned by the king’s crow: the king is gravely ill, and only Little Wise Wolf can heal him. It is a long way to the king’s castle, and Little Wise Wolf finds he is unprepared for the arduous journey. Tired and hungry, he begins to doubt how wise he really is, as there are many things he does not know about the world. Things the other animals know all about. But will they help him? In this big story disguised as a small one, Gijs van der Hammen deftly explores the value of relationships and the interconnectedness of us all. It highlights for young children the important life lesson that everyone has unique skills and knowledge, so everyone in a community matters — and we all need the help of others sometimes. Beautifully told and richly illustrated by Hanneke Siemensma, this engaging read-aloud has the timeless appeal of a folktale. It would be an excellent choice to begin conversations about the social studies concept of community and the character education topics of kindness and empathy. Gr 2-4-Not everything can be learned from books! The Little Wise Wolf received this name from the other forest animals because he seems to know everything. All day long he reads big books, studies the stars, and accumulates even more knowledge. He is so busy that when other animals come to seek his counsel, Little Wise Wolf's door remains closed. One day, the king's crow comes to Little Wise Wolf and summons him to the ill king's bedside. Though initially resistant, Little Wise Wolf ultimately packs up his things and sets off to aid the king. Along the way, Little Wise Wolf encounters unexpected obstacles; with the help of his friends, he learns what wisdom truly is. Translated from its original Dutch, this story feels like a fable from Aesop. The strong moral, and the journey to find it, form the backbone of this story, which is told through the perspective of animals with human characteristics. A blend of description and dialogue propel the tale from one scene to the next. The text itself is laid against a backdrop of rich textures, each illustration layered in color to give the appearance of dimension and depth. The pages are dominated by detailed images in a variety of hues, providing ample visual stimulus to accompany the story itself. VERDICT An excellent, briskly modern addition to collections of fables and morality tales.-Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver P.L.α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Truly wonderful in all aspects.― Kirkus Reviews, starred review An excellent, briskly modern addition to collections of fables and morality tales.― School Library Journal, starred review ... a wonderful picture book that is likely to be enjoyed by adults and children alike.― Cm Magazine This thought-provoking book's warm, comforting tone conjures up that of a gifted storyteller and pairs effortlessly with the rich, absorbing art.― The Horn Book Author Gijs van der Hammen writes stories and poems for children and also develops websites. Little Wise Wolf is his first book published in English. He lives in the Netherlands.