“Listen to the lives of the long-ago kids, the world fighters, the parent-unminding kids, the improper, the politeness-proof, the unbowed bully-crushers, the bedtime-breakers, the raspberry-blowers, fighters of fun-killers, fearing nothing, fated for fame...”
Written by Zach Weinersmith and featuring striking illustrations by Boulet, the picture book “Bea Wolf” is a homage to the English epic poem “Beowulf.” Just like the original source material, the story follows a formidable warrior who helps a king save his realm from a monster called Grendel. However, “Bea Wolf” is centered around a kingdom of children, all aged 6 or below, whose primary enemies are boring teenagers and working adults. In this imaginative tale, the villain, the grumpy Grendel, possesses the ability to touch kids and transform them into teen or adults. The kids cannot imagine a worse fate, as teens and adults just don’t know how to have fun. So when Grendel enters the tree-house, transforming the kids and reducing their numbers, their king teams up with the Bea Wolf to defend themselves.
This book wasn’t very easy to read, primarily due to the Old English style of sentences and the use of all capital letters. Featuring rowdy preschool protagonists who love to eat candies and play all the time, the book is primarily aimed at middle-grade and younger readers. However, with its poetic language and subtle jabs at adulthood, it will likely be better appreciated by older readers. Only adults can truly understand and appreciate its theme of children attempting to preserve their playful innocence from the inevitable drudgery of adulthood. Kids are often fascinated by the idea of growing up, having the power to seemingly do whatever they like, without realizing how precious their own freedom from adult responsibilities is.
Boulet’s lively black-and-white illustrations, most of which are joyous exaggerated caricatures, makes reading “Bea Wolf” an engaging visual experience. The clever ending twist leaves ample room for a sequel, promising an exciting prospect for those who thoroughly enjoy this work.
Rating: 3 on 5.
Read Next: ‘The Many Lives of Charlie’ Graphic Novel Review
Also Read: The Ruins Book Review – Vine-tastic Horrors (Audio Version Below)
