Book Review: A Tangle of Brungles by Shobha Viswanath, Culpeo Fox

A Tangle of Brungles is a children's book written by Shobha Viswanath and illutrated by Culpeo Fox. To summon the handsome Mr. Brungle, a coven of witches stir up the great brungle stew. A lounge of lizards, a mischief of mice and a quiver of cobras are just a few ingredients they toss in to create this terrible broth. But does Mr. Brungle appear? The book is a humorous introduction to some collective nouns.

A Tangle of Brungles is a visually impressive book. The illustrations are bright, bold, and teaming with detail. The texts flows nicely, telling the story of witches looking for love, and naming a variety of collective nouns in the process. I think it was well done although I have to admit some of the rhymes did not work for me, like broth and north. However, overall I liked the flow and the voice in the text. I thought the ending was a fun surprise as well. I have looked up more than a few collective nouns over the years, out of curiosity, and still learned a few new ones in this book. With the sneaking leaning and entertaining  text I enjoyed the read very much, but still found the artwork to be my favorite part. I would gladly study the illustrations over and over again and suspect it will be a long time before I stop noticing new things on each page.

Early Book Review: The Bat by Elise Gravel

The Bat by Elise Gravel is an illustrated nonfiction book about bats perfect for beginning readers. It is currently scheduled for release on February 4 2020. This book uses conversational text and silly illustrations to teach readers about habitat (bats live everywhere except Antarctica!), species (there are over 1,200 kinds of bats), echolocation, hibernation (bats hibernate just like bears!), conservation (don't disturb a sleeping bat!) and much more. Although silly and off-the-wall, it contains factual information that will both amuse and teach at the same time.

The Bat gives the youngest readers a good introduction to facts about bats. There are some interesting facts, and important information about safety and why bats are not scary. The illustrations are fun and bold, with a touch of silly to keep the readers engaged.The text and images on each page work together perfectly and keep the narrative moving along nicely.  I found the balance of fun and fact to be good for those readers with short attention spans, and that prefer the sillier stories to non fiction text. I think this would be a hit with the  preschool and lower elementary school crowd. 

Book Review: The Paper Bag Princess (40th anniversary edition) by Robert Munsch

The Paper Bag Princess is a classic picturebook and I was excited to see as a 40th anniversary edition by Robert Munsch being released on February 4 2020. 40 years. 7 million copies. 1 kick-ass princess who has inspired four generations of readers to stand up for themselves. How do you celebrate an occasion as special as 40 years in print for a book as beloved as The Paper Bag Princess? You track down some of the most poignant commentary about the story; you share behind-the-scenes insights from the author and his partner; and you present it all in a beautiful package that showcases the story like never before.

The Paper Bag Princess is a story that has always resonated with me. Elizabeth is a princess, with all the riches and trappings. When a dragon steals away her equally perfect princely fiance she sets about rescuing him. She is resourceful and smart- but her prince chides her for being unladylike just before she tells him off and goes on her merry way. Elizabeth's determination, intelligence, and independence have inspired many from my generation, and those after us. As happy as I am to see more books every year encouraging kids to be themselves and help others, this book will always be the benchmark by which I measure newer books with similar messages. Frankly, while some come cose, none have ever surpassed this book in my heart. I loved this new addition, and enjoyed reading about the inspiration of the book and how others have felt about it over the years. I think readers of all ages can still appreciate the charming art style, and the heartfelt message of this book. It will appeal to new readers, and those of us basking in nostalgia alike. 

The Paper Bag Princess is a book I am glad to see re released with additional artwork and commentary.  I think a copy of this edition is going to be added to my already overcrowded shelves.

Book Review: The Cow Said Neigh! by Rory Feek, Bruno Robert

The Cow Said Neigh!, written by Rory Feek and illustrated by Bruno Robert, is the story of some peculiar farm animals who wish they were like other animals on the farm. The cow wants to run free like a horse, the sheep wants a snout like a pig, the dog wants to be inside like the cat. Soon the entire farm is in chaos! 

The Cow Said Neigh! is a cute story about animals seeing the good of being someone else for a bit. The cow appreciates the freedom of the horse, who likes the look of the duck's quiet life, and so on. The rhymes are cute, and I liked the text style that was used. I think it was the art that caught my eye the most here though. I really enjoyed the colors and lines. There was whimsy to the art, but the lines were still nice and clean. The text placement, style, and color effects were balanced well with the art making the pages cohesive and fun. I think this could become a favorite read for many, and will make readers of all ages smile.

Book Review: Bears Make Best Writing Buddies by Carmen Oliver, Jean Claude

Bears Make Best Writing Buddies is a picturebook written by Carmen Oliver and illustrated by Jean Claude. Adelaide loves writing. Bear loves writing. But Theo does NOT love writing. Thankfully, Adelaide and Bear are ready to team up and persuade the entire class, including Mrs. Fitz-Pea, that Bears make the best writing buddies. After all, who better to teach you how to fish and forage for new ideas than a bear? 

Bears Make Best Writing Buddies is a fun and enjoyable book that encourages the reader to write their own story. I love that the book acknowledges that the process is hard. Even successful writers hit stumbling blocks and days when the words do not flow, so when books ignore that fact that it can be frustrating bother me. Here Oliver gives strategies to get words down on the page, to keep the story moving, and to figure out what happens next. I really like that the book also points out that first drafts are there to be reread, reworked, and reimagined rather than the final story. I think this book would be a great story to share with any young writer, particularly those that get caught up in the self doubt or cycle of thinking they have nothing to say. It would also be a great tool in classrooms before a writing assignment to help foster inspiration, courage, and perseverance in the class's writing.

Book Review: Skeletitos: Make Every Moment Count by Susie Jaramillo

Skeletitos: Make Every Moment Count by Susie Jaramillo is a children's picturebook that reinforces time and counting lessons with fun rhymes. The Day of the Dead themed tales carry a comedic twist for kids, encouraging them to be wary, conscious, funny and self-aware.

Skeletitos: Make Every Moment Count is a beautifully illustrated picturebook. I love that the counting rhymes are memorable and simple. The fold out pages that offer a full illustration of the rhymes are lovely and I could spend my time simply exploring these pages. The details and attitude that shine through the pages is charming.  I think that the song was simple, in the very best way, and when paired with the artwork offers an engaging book. I love that those that wish to explore further there is an app and website that allow readers to hear the song in english and spanish and continue learning with related activities.

Early Book Review: The Clothesline by Orbie

The Clothesline is a picture book written and illustrated by Orbie. It is currently schedule for release on October 15 2019. This is a story about a little boy who lives above a convenience store with his mom. When he goes to spend his pocket money on candy—only when Mom’s not looking—he gives the knot on the clothesline by the outdoor stairs a good yank (it makes the best sound). One day, he tugs a little too hard, and takes the stairs a little too fast, and—whiiiiiz!—gets stuck hanging smack in the middle of the clothesline. He cries for help, but Mom doesn’t hear. He waits for someone to save him, but only a black cat slinks by. His arm gets tired—but if he hangs on with both hands, he’ll risk dropping his coins! It’s a true dilemma. Finally, he cries out so loudly that he tumbles to the ground. He still spends his pocket money on candy. But he NEVER touches the clothesline again. 

The Clothesline has simple text and the images tell as much of the story as the words. It is in the style of a graphic novel, complete with sound effects and sequential storytelling. The illustrations show the fear, worry, and indecision of the young boy in trouble quite clearly, and his problem is one that most young readers could see themselves falling into themselves fairly easily. I am sure I would have done something similar in his position. The young boy is a good sympathetic character, gets himself into trouble doing something he knows is wrong but is very tempting and learns his lesson. I think I would have liked to see him a little braver when it is time to come down from the clothesline- but I was a tree climbing and jumping sort of kid.  I liked the story, and the illustrations, and think that it could spark interest in graphic novels in young readers. However, it just did not wow me are strike the chord I was hoping for as I read.

Early Book Review: The House at the End of the Road by Kari Rust

The House at the End of the Road by Kari Rust is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on September 17 2019. One summer, while exploring the town during their annual stay at Grandma’s house, two siblings and their cousin come across a creepy old house. The kids poke around, one of them causing mischief and tossing rocks at the window, until they glimpse a ghost through the glass! Later, Grandma reveals the house doesn’t belong to a ghost—just old Mr. Peterson.  After visiting again with better intentions, the kids discover Mr. Peterson’s great sense of humor and that his house is full of fascinating things: old toys, photographs, even a film projector. They become regular visitors, until one day, Mr. Peterson is gone: he has left for a retirement home, and his house sits empty. Using odds, ends, and gifts he gave them, the kids create mementos of Mr. Peterson’s home to give back to him. 

The House at the End of the Road is a picturebook that will appeal to older readers as well as the younger set because of the topic and the graphic novel elements and feel. I thought the story was very realistic, and is something I could see happening very easily. I liked how the kid's behavior is as flawed as you might find in any kid. Making mistakes, but almost as quickly making amends and finding out how they were wrong. I like that the cousin was afraid of owning up to his mistakes, as even adults are at times, but still did the right thing- eventually. I think the full story arc teaches young readers, and adults, important lessons in taking the time to look past the appearance and taking the time to know people. Forging a friendship across generational lines, and not just learning about each other but taking steps to help and care for each other was very well written. I loved the art style, and think it added a great deal of atmosphere and emotion to the story. 

The House at the End of the Road is a wonderful story that I hope inspires readers off all ages to reach out and make new friends  across generational lines (safely of course) and to take a bit more time to look beyond the rumors and appearance to discover the truth. I hope it will also encourage readers to explore graphic novels further.

Early Book Review: Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book! by Julie Berry

Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book! was written by Julie Berry and illustrated by April Lee. It is currently scheduled for release on September 10 2019. Godfrey, a peasant boy who works for the lord and lady of the castle, finds a bestiary, or illustrated book of beasts, on the way to do his chores one morning. He begins inventing his own story, placing “Sir Godfrey” at the center of numerous heroic deeds. Sir Godfrey battles a lion, tames a unicorn, defeats a griffin, conquers a bonnacon, and triumphs over a dragon. Godfrey does not realize that each time he says the name of an animal, it magically emerges from the book, causing mayhem and inadvertently accomplishing his chores. The laughs pile up and the tension mounts: When will Godfrey realize that all this outrageous stuff is going on?

Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book! is illustrated in the style of manuscripts from the middle ages. The images and colors are beautiful and I enjoyed looking at them. The text of the story is written in rhyme, and also carries the feel of a middle age tale. It felt a little clunky to me, but oddly enough I think that was deliberate to fit with the style they were working for. I have to admit that my favorite part of the book was not the actual story, but the beastairy and information about the Middle Ages included in the backmatter. I have always been fascinated by that sort of thing and I was glad to see that kind of primer to the medieval world included here.

Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book! is a stylized and interesting read, but I do not think it is for everyone. Those interested in creatures and medieval life will enjoy it, but I think some will not enjoy it quite as much.

Early Book Review: There Was a Black Hole that Swallowed the Universe by Chris Ferrie, Susan Batori

There Was a Black Hole that Swallowed the Universe is a picture book written by Chris Ferrie and illustrated Susan Batori. This book uses the familiar rhythm of "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly," follow along as the black hole swallows up the universe and everything that exists in it, from the biggest to the smallest pieces of matter. The silly, vibrant artwork is sure to make stargazers of all ages smile. Included in the book are instructions to create a craft to turn a cell phone camera light into a black light. Use this new invention to reveal the secret, invisible text and artwork that reverses the story from nothing to the scientific creation of everything! It is currently scheduled for release on September 3 2019.

There Was a Black Hole that Swallowed the Universe is a well illustrated story that can give young readers a good idea of the building blocks of the universe. Some of of the word choices struck me as odd, and the fact that we go from planets down to cells did not make sense to me, but I know in a picturebook brevity is an art form its own and choices need to be made. I liked the idea and the artwork very much, and thought that the black light story in reverse is a wonderful touch, even if my digital copy does not allow me to enjoy it. I think this is a fun and enlightening story that will please many young readers and their caregivers. 

Early Book Review: Poppy and Sam and the Mole Mystery by Cathon

Poppy and Sam and the Mole Mystery by Cathon is a picture book and graphic novel style book currently scheduled for release on August 13 2019.  It’s a new day in the garden, and Poppy and Sam are paying a visit to their friend Snuggles Molesy. But Snuggles is in a pickle, looking for a lost pair of pretty pink glasses! Sleuths Poppy and Sam begin to investigate: all around the garden, along the shore of the creek, and even inside the pies Snuggles had been baking. Along the way, they ask the other critters they encounter. Poppy and Sam don’t have much luck finding the glasses, but they do come across a variety of other treasures: a flowered umbrella, a flute, a yellow spinning top, and more. By the end of the story, they set up a whimsical lost and found with all of these objects—and finally find the rosy specs, while their fellow garden friends find misplaced treasures of their own. 

Poppy and Sam and the Mole Mystery is a cute story about retracing your steps to find something that has been lost. When Sam and Poppy visit Snuggles not only do they get to eat way to much pie- but that start off on an adventure t help their friend find his missing glasses. I like that they use the tried and true method of backtracking to find the missing glasses, and that they look for the owners of the other items they find along the way. I really like the story ending, and how the friends were able to help others that were in similar situations as they were when the story began. Readers can look on each page for hidden creatures and items to see if they can find the glasses, or the other items that they trio ruin across along the way. I liked the art, it was simple and subtle, which is all the story needed. 

Poppy and Sam and the Mole Mystery is a fun and simple story. I think it offers a good beginner foray into graphic novels, and will appeal to animal fans in particular.

Early Book Review: I Don’t Like to Eat Ants by JTK Belle, Sabine Mielke

I Don’t Like to Eat Ants is a picturebook written by JTK Belle and illustrated by Sabine Mielke. It is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2019. This story follows Anteater One and Anteater Two’s debate over their current diet of ants. Anteater One doesn’t like to eat ants and wants Anteater Two to try new foods, while Anteater Two believes it’s their nature to only eat ants and nothing else. Together, Anteater One and Anteater Two adventure off to the Peanut Butter and Jelly Deli, where they discover that it’s important to try new things, because you’ll never know if you like something unless you’re willing to give it a chance. 

I Don’t Like to Eat Ants is a fun book about anteaters arguing about what they should be eating. One anteater is sick of ants and would much prefer cake and rolls while the other is insisting that eating ants is part of their nature, and included in their name. I liked their banter and the way they finally find a common ground. I found the illustrations to be pretty much perfect, illustrating the spirit of the story and having details that made for additional humor. I especially enjoyed the side conversations by the ants throughout the story, I almost missed them, and only noticed them part way through the book so I had to go back and look again. I think this book will stand for multiple re reads and might become a favorite book for some young readers.

I Don’t Like to Eat Ants is a cute story about trying new things and not being tied down by names or expectations. I think this book is well suited for storytimes, sharing one on one, and for emerging readers to read on their own.

Book Review: Ella May Does It Her Way by Mick Jackson, Andrea Stegmaier

Ella May Does It Her Way is a picturebook written by Mick Jackson and illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier. Meet Ella May, the girl who likes to do things her way. In the first of this brilliant new series all about an imaginative, strong-willed girl character with her own ideas, Ella May tries walking backward, just to see how it feels. In her bedroom she tries reading her books backward, and after dinner she goes backward up to the bathroom and climbs backward into bed. When Ella goes backward up the slide and backward over the castle, Ella’s mum decides to turn around and walk backward next to Ella, to make it easier for them to talk. Pretty soon, half the town is walking backward in a giant, backward-walking procession. Where will it end?

Ella May Does It Her Way is a fun story about a smart young lady told that it is good to try new things, but then takes it up a notch. I like that it all starts will Ella May trying a new food, that she rather likes, so starts trying walking backwards to see if she likes that as well. I like that Ella May works out ways to try her new way of walking safely, her creativity and inventiveness made me smile. I have to admit that as soon as everyone else started walking backwards too I new it was going to stop- because I have a spunky daughter of my own that would stop something at the same point as Ella May. I really enjoy that she continues to try new things, and encourages her mother (and everyone else) to keep trying new things too. I thought the art work was very well done, and added a great deal to the story. THe little details and colors kept the eyes moving and the interest high throughout the read.

Ella May Does It Her Way is a great read for storytimes, sharing one on one, and emerging readers to read on their own. The story is fun and relatable- and offers the encouragement to all readers to keep trying new things.

Book Review: The Big Book of Twisted Fairy Tales: Stories about Kindness, Responsibility, Honesty, and Teamwork by Sue Nicholson, Flavia Sorrentino

The Big Book of Twisted Fairy Tales:  Stories about Kindness, Responsibility, Honesty, and Teamwork,  written by Sue Nicholson and illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino, is part of The Fairytale Friends series. It brings fairy tales into the modern day and features scenarios that young children can relate to and learn from. Each story in this new picture book series focuses on a different fairy tale character, a different strength or core virtue, and a challenge to overcome, often with the help of their friends. Readers will enjoy spotting characters from other books and recognizing key elements of the original fairy tale while enjoying the new twist. Notes and questions at the back of the book will summarize what the character has learnt and prompt further discussion while activities will provide more fairytale fun. 

 
Cinderella wants more than anything to have lessons at the new dance school opening in the village, but she doesn’t have any ballet shoes! Can Cinderella’s fairytale friends help make her dream come true? This story teaches children about the value of kindness. Beauty has a lovely pony called Flick, but having a pony is hard work and Beauty can be a bit lazy sometimes. Then, one night, Flick runs away. Will he ever come back? This story teaches children about the value of responsibility. Jack loves climbing, but he isn't allowed to climb the beanstalks in his garden. One night, Jack can resist no longer and starts to climb the tall, green beanstalks. Will Jack's Mum find out? And will he tell her the truth? This story teaches children about the value of honesty. Snow White is one of the village football team's best players. But she wants to score all the goals herself and never passes the ball to her friends. Will she ever learn to play as part of a team? This story teaches children about the value of teamwork.

The Big Book of Twisted Fairy Tales is a collection of fairy tales with a twist, which is one of my favorite things to read. Each of the stories is connected and takes a classic tale and makes it more relatable to young readers. Most everyone has faced the dilemma at the core of each story and I like they way they are woven into these tales. I was a little worried about the lessons being too heavy handed- because one of my biggest turn offs in any book is being preached to or talked down to (which happens across genres and target audience) but this book managed to keep that to a minimum. I enjoyed the art style, I loved the colors and the expressions that were clear on the character faces. There are some activities for the eager parents or caregivers to make sure young readers understand each story and its lesson. I think this would be good for bedtime reading or trying to get some of these lesson through in a fun way in a preschool or home environment. 

Early Book Review: Unicorn Day by Diana Murray, Luke Flowers

Unicorn Day is a picturebook written by Diana Murray and illustrated by Luke Flowers. The book tells the story of what happens to an impostor horse who tries to crash the most glittery day of the year, Unicorn Day. It is currently scheduled for release on June 4 2019. 

Unicorn Day is a cute and fun picturebook. It is colorful with bold illustrations that are just as sweet and cute as the story. I liked the story, a horse joining in the unicorn festivities, and how fun and friendship were much more important to the characters than the fake horn the horse was wearing. I enjoyed the read and art, but I have to saw that I was not really wowed by it. It was a good, but not amazing read for me.

Early Book Review: The Windy Day by Tony Sandoval

The Windy Day by Tony Sandoval is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on May 14 2019.  A young girl sets out on her own to fly her kite and encounters a pirate cloud full of goblins looking to cause trouble. She is rescued by a big black wolf who scare the goblins away and stays to help her fly her kite as high as possible. Their friendship teaches her courage (which is what she names the wolf).

The Windy Day has lovely artwork, which was what originally caught my eye with this book. It has a sweet watercolor feel, while showing the things the young girl sees and fears in equal importance. I love the story of a girl with a big imagination finding a way to entertain herself when her brother will not play with her.That she built her own kite, faces her fears enough to brave chickens and the woods to go fly the kite alone shows that she already has courage and intelligence, she just needs a little support.  I love that she uses the same imagination that scares her to save herself and bolster her courage. 

The Windy Day is a book that is fun to read text wise- but also lovely to look at. I think there are some imaginative and creative souls that will greatly enjoy this read.

Early Book Review: Ida and the Whale by Rebecca Gugger, Simon Röthlisberger

Ida and the Whale is a picturebook written by Rebecca Gugger and illustrated by Simon Röthlisberger. It was recently translated into English and will be released in the states on April 2 2019. What lies behind the sun, the moon, and the stars? Ida can’t stop thinking about these and other very important questions. Then one night, a flying whale wakes her and takes her on an amazing journey—where some of her questions are answered and even more created.

Ida and the Whale is a beautifully illustrated story about wonder and imagination. It is worth looking at for the artstyle alone, to be honest. I loved the colors and use of motion and line on each page. The story is gentle and soothing, and I think it would work well as a bedtime story or to help settle young readers for a quiet play or story time. I did find the text to be a little dull in comparison to the artwork. However, I think that was more because of translation than anything to do with the author.  In picturebooks word choice is so important to the flow, and translations do not always hold the intended rhythm and feel as the original.

Early Book Review: Astro Pea by Amalia Hoffman

Astro Pea is a picturebook by Amalia Hoffman that is currently scheduled for release on March 29 2019. Imagine what would happen if fresh veggies could go on a cosmic adventure! Well, blast off with Pete the pea and find out what he discovers outside his pod. Pete joins other curiously shaped vegetables such as an eggplant, artichoke, cauliflower, ear of corn, and mushroom as they each take a starring role in this creative tale of space exploration, daring, and friendship. Who knew healthy food could be so much fun? 

Astro Pea is a cute and creative story. A young pea goes on a vegetable laden journey through the stars, and I like that while he enjoys the trip still wants his home and family in the end. I think this is something people of all ages can relate to. No matter how cool the journey, we always want to find our way back to those that love us, and that we love. I think the use of veggies as the characters, ships, and so on was very well done. It was obvious o me what all the produce was, but young readers that are not too fond of eating their veggies might need one or two named for them. I loved the illustrations, chalk work on a black background. I think this color scheme will be helpful when reading in the dim light that goes hand in hand with bedtime stories.

Early Book Review: Bea's Bees by Katherine Pryor, Ellie Peterson

Bea's Bees is a children's book written by Katherine Pryor, and illustrated by Ellie Peterson. It is currently scheduled for release on March 28 2019. Beatrix discovers a wild bumblebee nest on her way home from school and finds herself drawn to their busy world. When her bees mysteriously disappear, Bea hatches a plan to bring them back. Can Bea inspire her school and community to save the bees? Bees provide us with valuable resources, and some types of bees are in danger of disappearing forever. But ordinary people (and kids!) can help save them.

Bea's Bees is a nice picturebook about a young girl discovering the wonders of bees, and when they goes missing doing her own research to learn about all that they do. I like that Bea's interest in bees is organic, and that she takes steps to learn more about the bees and makes an effort to make her area more hospitable for them in hopes that they will return. My digital galley, which I received via Netgalley, was missing a couple important pages. So I do not know how Bea discovered the bees were missing. I do like that the book offers some good information on bees, the good that they do, and what people can do to help them thrive. I do not like that there are unanswered questions. Was the hive Bea watching hibernating or did they die off and a new hive come and take their place? Perhaps this was hinted at or directly addressed in the pages I was missing, but it felt like more important bee information could have been woven through the story. I liked the artwork, and thought there was a nice balance of text and art to keep the story flowing and the reader's interest focused on the tale. 

Bea's Bees is a good book and I think it would work well in a storytime setting or in a lower grade classroom when introducing certain topics. 

Early Book Review: The Wolf in Underpants by Wilfrid Lupano, Mayana Itoïz, Paul Cauuet

The Wolf in Underpants is a children's graphic novel written by Wilfrid Lupano and illustrated by Mayana Itoïz and Paul Cauuet. It is currently scheduled for release on March 5 2019. A community of forest animals trades scary rumors about a nearby wolf. Some critters have even gone into business selling wolf traps and anti-wolf fences. But when the wolf appears in a pair of striped underpants, everyone rethinks their fears. This is a heartwarming story about understanding differences, told with an oddball sense of humor.

The Wolf in Underpants is a young readers graphic novel, that could be read as a picturebook. I loved the story, and the twists. Close readers will see clue through the story that relate to the couple surprises they will run across, and there are lots of small details to find on each page. I think readers could go through the book several times and still find something they had missed before. The forest creatures being in a panic over a wolf, and spending all their time and resources on the fear, and talking about it, parallels the news and adult world far too well. I like how simple and rational the explanation for the wolf's past appearance and current state are, and how one simple act of kindness helped make it happen. I really liked the giggle I got at the end, which might bother some sensitive readers, to the remaining mystery of missing pigs. 

The Wolf in Underpants is an entertaining read, and I think it will work for a large range of reading ages and abilities. I really enjoyed the read and will be looking for more like this from the team.