Weird Wolf (Redfeather Book) [Paperback]

Margery Cuyler (Author), Dirk Zimmer (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 1991 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Redfeather Book

Harry Walpole knows something weird is going on: His palms sprout hair, his teeth grow into fangs, and he heads for McDonald's every time there's a full moon. Could he be...a werewolf? Looks like it runs in the family, and Harry's the next victim. The curse isn't easy to shake (who wants to get shot with a silver bullet?)-- but Harry Walpole, werewolf, has to find a way to turn back into Harry Walpole, third-grader, before his secret embarrasses him in front of everybody.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

One of four fall titles in Holt's new chapter book series, this story concerns nine-year-old Harry Walpole, who wakes up one night covered with fur and craving a hamburger; he realizes to his horror that he's inherited the family curse--he's a werewolf! Cuyler's story bounces from one loony predicament to the next as each full moon subjects the hapless Harry to such indignities as waking up naked in a McDonald's dumpster, falling in love with a golden retriever and being forced to make a speedy exit from a championship baseball game because he starts sprouting hair. In the end, it's bossy Abby Horowitz, his smitten classmate, who breaks the curse by calling Harry by his human name while he's still in werewolf form. The comically slick first-person narrative is nicely suited to this antic romp, while Zimmer's creepy pen-and-ink illustrations are properly wacky accompaniment. Ages 7-9.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-- A funny story in which nine-year-old Harry Walpole discovers that he has inherited the family curse and becomes a werewolf during full moons. After reading up on werewolves, he makes a list of seven ways to end the curse. Three he eliminates immediately (they involve getting himself killed or seriously injured). After several fiascos, one of the methods finally works, and Harry returns to normal. During his adventures, he gorges himself on garbage from a dumpster, and he is caught naked far from home several times. The manageable length, large print, frequent black-and-white illustrations in Zimmer's characteristically comic hand, and lively--if breathless--style suggest use with reluctant readers in the upper elementary grades. --Lisa Smith, Cold Spring Harbor Lib . , NY
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Redfeather Book from Henry Holt (April 15, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805016430
• ISBN-13: 978-0805016437
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #781,583 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Me & my dad recommend this book`, September 23, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Weird Wolf (Redfeather Book) (Paperback)

Me & my dad read this book and it was very funny. Before we read it my dad said it would be it would be educational since I am only a 2nd grader. I recommend this book to anyone who thinks they would like to try this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Me & my dad would recommend this book, September 23, 2006

By 

Steve Ryerson (Dublin, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Weird Wolf (Redfeather Book) (Paperback)

Me & my dad read this book and it was very funny. Before we read it my dad said it would be it would be educational since I am only a 2nd grader. I recommend this book to anyone who thinks they would like to try this book.

4.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Little Werewolf Book (don't try this at home), May 20, 2006

By 

JOHN NATHAN "darkblood" (Dallas, Tx United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Weird Wolf (Redfeather Book) (Paperback)

This is a delightful elementary school short story about young Harry who finds out that he's a werewolf. Don't worry, there are no people killings, sheep slaughters, or violent mutilations normally seen in those delightfully sadistic adult werewolf stories.

The only crazy werewolf antics seen here are dumpster diving for McDonalds hamburgers (I guess werewolves don't mind the funny taste also), and showing up at home naked.

Harry the werewolf doesn't look scary at all. In fact he looks like a large dog, hardly like a wolf at all.

A large portion of the story involves Harry looking up bizarre werewolf folklore tales, and finding ways to end his terrible terrible friendly werewolf curse, without dying of course. He encounters several crazy issues at social gatherings, especially with his classmate Abby, who just thinks Harry the werewolf is the cutest little doggy ever (bleh!).

Dirk Zimmer did a good job with the cartoonish illustrations planted in several parts of the book, perfectly suited for a young reader.

This is a great book for your children, and really anyone else for that matter. While the plot was a bit shallow at times, I found it a pleasant read.