Rachel is a writer of words, drawer of pictures and champion of silver linings. She exhibits widely, writes tirelessly and frequently creates slightly unhinged characters. I loved the message in this book as it is one that many children can identify with, the wish to be grown-up, to be brave, to be brilliant. To be bigger than they are. When they still need to learn and listen. It is also one of friendship, kindness and love. When Wilf loses his way it is the kindness of others that helps him and that is something we can all learn from.

The Way Home for Wolf is a heartwarming new picture book from the best-selling creators of The Lion Inside. This book stands out for its gorgeous illustrations as well as it’s positive message, and is a story that I really enjoyed reading to my toddler (as did her older brother as you can see) Draw a map showing Claire’s route home and the people that she met along the way. How far might she have travelled? Design a new playground for Claire to play in. Can you think of different safety features to reduce the chance of children hurting themselves? This message of kindness and friendship is told in rhyme, with beautiful use of language. The book has a rich vocabulary which is complemented by amazing illustrations. We loved the colour and detail in these, especially depicting the scenery and landscape of the arctic setting.

Try some role-play activities involving Claire. Can you interview her to find out how she felt at different points in the story? Could you find out why she gave so many different reasons for hurting her knee? At first everything seems dramatic, but then something happens and I was so happy for our tiny wolf. He is getting a nice lesson that it isn’t only about him and that he should also trust in others. Sometimes you need a hand finding your way. Oh Oh, can I pet that cute butterfly/moth? That one was just adorable. I really liked the variety of animals included, simply because it’s such an easy way to introduce little ones to animals that they may not be familiar with, just by reading the story. I even learned a new animal myself as I had never heard of a bear-moth!

De werkelijk mooie illustraties van Jim Field geven het verhaal een bijzondere sfeer en veel kijkplezier in details. De tekst is grotendeels op rijm mooi vertaald door Bette Westera en geeft ruimte voor eigen interpretatie tijdens het voorlezen.Dit prentenboek heeft alle ingrediënten voor een kerstverhaal. Donker, koud, eenzaam, verdriet, vriendschap, warmte en blijdschap; compleet met sneeuw en het besef dat je samen tot iets moois komt door er voor elkaar te zijn en hulp leert te aanvaarden.

Wolfje vindt zichzelf al erg groot en stoer, hij kan alles wel alleen. Als de roedel wolven ’s avonds wil gaan slapen is hun grot bezet. Wolfje vindt heel eigenwijs dat hij de anderen al de weg kan wijzen, maar loopt toch achteraan en raakt hen kwijt. Hij verdwaalt, krijgt het koud en door de sneeuw kan hij het spoor van de andere wolven niet meer volgen. En dat is nog niet alles. Wolfje zakt door het ijs. Wolfje is alleen in de donkere nacht en wil niet huilen. En dan krijgt hij uit onverwachte hoek hulp van veel onbekenden. Hij maakt nieuwe vrienden in de witte wereld. En komt hij thuis?

The ending brought a smile to all of our faces, the perfect combination of fun, peril and magic with friends, family and love. She has enjoyed pointing him out in the pictures and listening to the tale of all of the animals who come to his rescue, including a Narwhal, bear moth and a moose. The Moose was a particular favourite. Illustrated by Jim Field, the book is full of absolutely wonderful illustrations. In my opinion, the pictures in a children’s book can make or break them, and the ones in The Way Home for Wolf are stunning. Full of colour, atmosphere and fun. Oh, and I cannot forget the amazing illustrations by Jim Field, he is really one amazing illustrator. She explores the lovliness of words and the magic of pictures, revelling in a world of jam-eating miniature bears and other made-up animals.