Wilfred by Ryan Higgins. 2013. 32 pgs. New York, NY: Dial Books
for Young Readers. 9780803737327. Format reviewed: Hardcover.
Annotation: Wilfred is a
hairy giant who only wants a friend. He finds one in a young boy, but in an
attempt to make more friends he is unwittingly exploited.
Reaction: It’s difficult
for a hairy giant to make friends in a city of tiny, bald people. One young boy
wants to be friends with Wilfred, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to
make him happy- even doing his math homework and reenacting the Battle of
Waterloo. However, touching part of the story comes when the young boy seeks
out Wilfred to give him gloves to keep him warm during a blizzard (the
townspeople convinced Wilfred to be shaved so they could have wigs). Although
told in an innocent way, the book tackles a heady subject for children- willing
to do something you normally wouldn’t to make someone else happy/like you. The
artwork looks like it was done by Calvin and Hobbes’ Bill Watterson, and has
the same simplicity and charm as the comic.
Primary early literacy skills:
Narrative skills. Giant wants friend, giant finds friend, giant wants more
friends, giant is exploited, giant saves friend, the exploiters feel guilty. The
images and the text match up perfectly—and the story progresses naturally,
inviting children to not only follow, but to predict what will happen next.
Recommended ages: Ages 3
and older.
Tags/themes: Giants, Fairy
tales, Understanding Differences, Friendship.
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