From Publishers Weekly
Shored up by simultaneously tender and zingy illustrations, Brimner's (Country Bear's Good Neighbor) tale rises above its prosaic theme to comfort children frustrated by the achievements of their older siblings. Big Gray discovers his youngest pup hiding: "Little One, why aren't you playing with your sister and brothers?" The youngster bemoans the different ways in which he is outpaced by the bigger pups: "Ana says I am a slowpoke." The father asks his pup to demonstrate, then judiciously replies, "It is true that Ana runs like the wind and you run like a soft breeze.... That is just how it should be. Running like the wind comes later." Aruego and Dewey (How Chipmunk Got His Stripes) endow each of Little One's demonstrations of his shortfalls with humor and empathy; as he runs, for instance, the artists trace his path in craggy lines of citrus colors, exhaustion oozing from his trembling physique. With his father's encouragement, the tot seems to visibly grow in strength and confidence. The narrative occasionally lumbers in its drive to edify, but the father's thoughtful replies are right on target and consistently sound genuine. Sure to give fledgling young ones a boost of confidence. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
reSchool-Grade 2-Being the smallest wolf in the pack is not easy, especially when the other pups can roll in straighter lines, pounce higher, and run faster. Big Gray comforts Little Wolf each time he compares himself to his siblings: "It is true that Ana runs like the wind and you run like a soft breeze.-That is just as it should be.-Running like the wind comes later." His father offers equally wise thoughts about Little Wolf's other concerns. When naptime comes, he tells the pup, "Remember the acorns, Little One.-They are just as they should be. And look what they become." Brimner's gentle and encouraging story will speak to those children who feel less capable or talented than their siblings. Aruego and Dewey's charming pictures perfectly portray Little Wolf's attempts to run, pounce, and jump, and imbue the characters with lots of personality. For a storyhour on self-esteem, pair this book with Robert Kraus's Leo the Late Bloomer (HarperCollins, 1971), Helen Lester's Tacky the Penguin (Houghton, 1988), or David McPhail's Something Special (Joy Street, 1988; o.p.). A great addition to any collection.
Bina Williams, Bridgeport Public Library, CTCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
