A Werewolf Named Oliver James

Oh my goodness, this is absolutely brilliant: Nicholas John Frith just keeps on getting better and better. First there’s the absolutely luscious colour palette; the story itself is irresistible and the illustrations awesome.

Let’s meet the star of the show, one Oliver James. He’s a fairly normal lad, rule-abiding and keen on music. One slightly eerie evening after band practice as he waits for the bus, something strange happens. All his friends disappear suddenly and then the bus sails past without stopping, leaving Oliver well and truly stranded. When someone does eventually show up, he merely shouts, ‘HELP! A WEREWOLF!’ and dashes away. Oliver’s alarmed but then, seeing his reflection, discovers that he’s the werewolf.

Pretty alarming, but also amazing; his metamorphosis brings with it super-fast speed, super strength and the power to leap effortlessly over buildings. All this is howlingly exciting and Oliver can’t wait to go and tell his friends of his new super-powers. But then the clock strikes six; Oliver James must get home fast; but how will his mum and dad react when he arrives?

Terrific entertainment: an energetic text with not a single superfluous word and terrific, retro style art work (think Margaret Bloy Graham) with some wonderful visual puns – don’t miss the road signs at the junction past which Oliver races home – and a supremely satisfying, double helix of a final twist.