Big Wolf always lived alone until the day Little Wolf climbs the hill and sits—uninvited—under Big Wolf’s tree. Like a shadow, Little Wolf emulates Big Wolf’s every move. But it is not until Little Wolf disappears that Big Wolf realizes that, “Without you . . . I was lonely.” As the book closes, Little Wolf admits his loneliness too, and we recognize our hope that the friends’ adventures will continue. Big Wolf & Little Wolf received a Batchelder Honor award for its spare, but evocative, translated text. However, it may be the expressionistic mixed-media illustrations that captivate younger audiences because illustrator Olivier Tallec captures each mood so perfectly. 2010 Batchelder Honor Book. lmp

Originally published as Grand Loup & Petit Loup in French by Père Castor Êditions Flammarion France, in 2005. Translated by Claudia Zoe Bedrick.

Big Wolf lives alone under a tree at the top of a hill. He is alone, but happy. One day, another wolf arrives: a little wolf. Without a word, Little Wolf sits down next to Big Wolf. He stays all night and all the next day. At first, Big Wolf is suspicious and worried that Little Wolf will grow bigger and become a rival. After a while, however, he starts to feel fond of his small companion. That night, he decides to let Little Wolf share his blanket. The next day, he shares some of his lunch. Just as Big Wolf is starting to get used to his new friend, Little Wolf disappears. Big Wolf is too proud to cry, but the reader cannot miss the great emotion that overwhelms him. Big Wolf loses his appetite and cannot sleep. He spends his time staring at the horizon, waiting for Little Wolf to return, but without the slightest reason to hope that he will. Will Little Wolf return? If he does, Big Wolf's heart might just burst with joy. Could this be the beginning of a beautiful friendship?
Big Wolf & Little Wolf was named a Batchelder Honor Book in 2010.