ReadItDaddy's Book of the Week - Week Ending 19th January 2018 - "Erik the Lone Wolf" by Sarah Finan (Frances Lincoln Children's Books)

There's still a chill in the air as we think about our Book of the Week winners for this week, so here's a perfect wintry tale of a wolf who wants to go it alone...
In "Erik The Lone Wolf", the headstrong titular wolfy little fellow is a bit fed up.

He lives with his huge pack, and is constantly being told off by his mum.

"Hold your sister's hand, Erik?" she scolds. "Don't ski too fast!", "Don't climb that tree you'll get hurt!"

Erik really is completely cheesed off, and after a particularly nasty argument he decides it's time to go it alone.

At first Erik realises just how much fun it is when you can do exactly what you want, when you want - but with no-one around to remind him how dangerous things can be, Erik has a rather nasty accident on a particularly tricky ski run! OWCH!

Parents do go on sometimes, but sometimes it's for your own good!

With no one around to help, Erik howls long into the night. Will someone come and help him after all?

Fun and games until someone gets hurt! Watch out for that slippery log!

Sarah Finan's debut for Frances Lincoln Children's books is a moral tale but an absolute delight also, we really loved Erik's "Typical boy behaviour" (as C described it) and the illustrations are full of the sort of crisp snowy landscapes and gorgeously fluffed-up wolves that really feels utterly fitting for this time of year.

It's destined to become a firm favourite, this one.

C's best bit: Erik realising that you do need help sometimes from friends and family when you get in a sticky situation

Daddy's favourite bit: An impressively strong debut from Sarah, full of wintry wonder and a strong moral heart. It's howlingly good stuff!

"Erik the Lone Wolf" by Sarah Finan is out now, published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books (kindly supplied for review).