"But that wolf did not tidy up anything.
He even threw his plate on the floor because
the pasta was cold.
At school, we clean up our messes and say sorry,
even if it's an accident.
But that was no accident."
A young girl describes the arrival of a 'wolf' into their home and family. While the wolf pays apparently loving attention to the mother, it is evident to the child that he feels very differently about her. In fact, it takes no time at all for said wolf to show his true colors. He is angry, controlling, frightening. The mother begins to change.
The child does her best to be invisible. The mother does her best to protect her child from the verbal abuse constantly being hurled at her. When that abuse turns physical toward the child, the girl closes her eyes and her heart to what is going on around her. Her eyes and heart only open again when her mother tells her they are leaving ... and quickly.
The final scene shows 'the other house' - a safe place, without wolves.
Intense, honest, and hopeful, this is a remarkable book that shows some readers they are not the only ones who experience such abuse, and gives those children who have not experienced such a circumstance to see what life can be like for friends. Her comparison to the story of the three little pigs helps bring a tough topic to young children. The illustrations are equally effective, with sterile surroundings, shadows, and hints of light.
"The big bad wolf can huff and puff all he wants,
but this house will not fall down."
No comments:
Post a Comment