Big Bad Wolf's Yom Kippur

PreS-Gr 2--When Raccoon invites the Big Bad Wolf to synagogue on Yom Kippur, Wolf envisions snagging something (or someone) tasty to eat. His arrival makes the other animals nervous, but the Rabbi, a bear, greets him with a hug. Wolf finds himself enjoying the service and is surprisingly moved by the Rabbi's message about "how the leaves change color each fall, and how everyone in the forest could also become a little better and brighter." When he meets Little Red Riding Hood on his walk home, does Wolf gobble her and her granny up? When he comes across the houses of the Three Little Pigs, does Wolf huff and puff and blow their houses down? Can a Big Bad Wolf change his ways? The detailed, expressive illustrations in warm orange and gold tones bring this inventive story to life. Clever names like Rabbi Dov and Cantor Tzipporah, as well as other small details in the illustrations, will delight readers in the know, but even without the charming author's note, the story is accessible to those unfamiliar with the holiday traditions. However, it is important to note that the depiction of cooking, eating, and working on the fast day might make the book unacceptable in some observant Jewish settings. VERDICT Pair with Steve Smallman's The Lamb Who Came for Dinner. Also, look to Gloria Koster's Little Red Ruthie: A Hanukkah Tale and Laura Aron Milhander's Not for All the Hamantaschen in Town for more fun Jewish holiday fairy tale twists.--Rachel Kamin

On the Day of Atonement, the Big Bad Wolf reflects. It's Yom Kippur, and the Big Bad Wolf is preparing to be bad. Things start changing at the synagogue, where he concedes a hug feels nice and almost sings along with the others. Hearing the rabbi's sermon, Wolf wonders if he can become "better and brighter." After services, Wolf encounters familiar story characters: a red-hooded girl and her grandmother, whom he treats kindly, and a porcine trio to whom he gives sensible home-building advice. What's happened? Wolf's worst instincts repeatedly try to surface, but they're defeated by his much-improved nature, and it becomes clear that the formerly Big Bad Wolf has evolved into a much nicer lupine. That evening, after the holiday is over, the Big Good Wolf is rewarded by his grateful newfound friends. This sweet, humorous tale conveys the meaning of this important Jewish holiday in a way that's understandable for children. Its premise proves it's easy to err on the side of good; each of us has kindness within, and it's satisfying to let it show. The fractured-fairy-tale motif will engage young readers and also makes familiar literary sense, as the Big Bad Wolf, naturally, is the antagonist of both "Little Red Riding Hood" and "The Three Little Pigs." The illustrations are comical and dynamic; Wolf and all other animal characters are riotously expressive. Bespectacled Little Red and Granny are pale-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A solemn holiday is given an appealing, entertaining treatment well suited to young kids. (author's note about Yom Kippur) (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.