The Joking Wolf

A lesser-known Hungarian folktale, the story is masterfully penned by Val Biro, his hilarious illustrations further lifting the lively text. Silly Wolf meets a group of starved animals thrown out in spring by an angry farmer. Wolf decides to eat Goat, Horse and Pig, but each in turn suggests he wait till autumn, by which time they will be succulently fat. By now, children recognise 'The Three Billy Goats Gruff' theme, and cannot wait to see the story's resolution. How each creature gets the better of the gullible Wolf is cunningly told, readers revelling in the Wolf's dilemma. His protestation, 'But I was only joking!' allows him escape, but without dignity. 'Really,' thinks Wolf, 'what's the world coming to when people can't take a joke any more?'