A Werewolf Named Oliver James

PreS-Gr 2—Young Oliver must hurriedly return home after band practice because his mother is serving dinner at six o'clock sharp. Under a bright, full moon, Oliver, who has brown skin and black curly hair, waits at the bus stop with his friends. Suddenly, everyone flees, and Oliver is left alone. Unbeknownst to Oliver, he has become werewolf, albeit a friendly-looking one. Oliver quickly comprehends his transformation after viewing his reflection in a puddle and to his amazement he discovers that he can now run super-fast, leap super-high, demonstrate super-strength and utilize a super-sense of smell. As he excitedly runs through the city, Oliver unintentionally scares pedestrians and patrons with his werewolf appearance. When Oliver remembers his promise to return by dinner time, he speeds home, but is nervous about how his parents will react to his transformation. But when he walks in the door, he receives a surprise of his own. The text flows nicely, but Frith's detailed, retro artwork, is the book's greatest strength. It will certainly remind some of a long-gone era, but it feels fresh and is ultimately successful.