I Am So Clever, written and illustrated by Mario Ramos. Translated by Linda Burgess. Gecko Press, Lerner. Thomas Allen & Son, 2019. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"Once he was hidden by trees,
the wolf ran off with a sneering
laugh.

"I am so clever! I'll be having a
feast today. Grandmother for the
main course, and a little berry for
dessert."

At Grandma's house, he knocked
lightly on the door."

Mario Ramos has written about the Big Bad Wolf in previous books: I Am So Strong (2011) and I Am So Handsome (2012). I have not seen either one of them. I won't miss them after reading this one to a group of early years students who found it hilarious. I am now on the lookout for copies of the first two.

This wolf has a little too much chutzpah. He likes to brag, and is pretty sure of himself. Upon meeting Red in the forest, he is very complimentary concerning her outfit. He suggests that meeting a shark there could be very dangerous. Red scoffs at him ... no sharks in these woods! He laughs at himself, learns where she is going and suggests that she take her time getting to Grandma's house. You know why, don't you?

Off he goes, leaving Red to gather flowers and take time to stop and smell them. Grandma is not home, but her nightgown is in the open. The wolf lets himself, dons the nightie, and is about to set himself up under the covers when he remembers he has not wiped his paw prints from the path in front of the house.

"Wham! 

A gust of air slammed the door shut.
The wolf slunk into the woods to hide."

What else could he do? The huntsman has lost his glasses and luckily thinks he is talking to Grandma. The three bears, the three little pigs, the seven dwarfs, a marquis in search of a sleeping beauty all make an appearance, calling out to Grandma and heading off on business of their own. It's enough to cause a fit of anger for the wolf, and a desperate attempt to get out of that annoying nightie that has everyone mistaking him for someone else. Poor wolf!

What happens next had everyone giggling and wanting to hear it all over again ... the best response possible.

The illustrations are wonderful, and perfectly match the tone, the humor, and the telling. The language and dialogue are praiseworthy.