The Last Wolf

Little Red puts on her hunting hat and boots, picks up her popgun and her lunch box and sets off to catch a wolf. But wolves are hard to find in today’s woods until she stumbles across a door; a door that leads into a warm cosy tree-cave. This is the home of the Last Wolf, the Last Bear and the Last Lynx who gaze at her with huge hungry eyes. Is Little Red facing real danger?

This gentle story with its strong ecological message aimed at the youngest audience is a delight to read. Full of the fun details that are such an element of Mini Greys work, nevertheless the presentation has been suitably and effectively pared down. The font is bold and clear and well placed on each spread allowing the eye to move easily across the text. The language has the attractive rhythm of a bedtime story introducing enough jeopardy to create a frisson, but with a reassuring and positive end. The suggestion that one might plant a tree – even if it might require time to grow – is engaging. The artist’s distinctive style has also been simplified to great advantage. Her bold lines and colourful palate bring the story to life as much as the design in which the careful use of split pages adds to the drama. This is a book to share with a class or with the family. Highly recommended.