Footprints in the Snow by Mei Matsuoka.

Wolf knows that most books portray wolves to be evil, greedy and cruel. So he sets out to write his own book about a nice wolf.  The book starts with footprints in the freshly-fallen snow that may lead him to a new friend.  Following the trail of footprints, Mr. Nice Wolf discovers that no one trusts him to be a friend, thinking he is tracking breakfast or lunch instead.  When Mr. Nice Wolf reaches the duck who made the tracks he has been following, his natural instincts get the best of him and the duck looks so delicious!  Wolf is torn out of his story as he falls into the bathtub where a rubber ducky is bobbing.  After drying off, Wolf hears a knock on the door and when answering it finds a trail of footprints leading away in the fresh snow.

This book is just as nicely designed as it is written.  Matsuoka has created a book with perfect action and style for children.  His text is light and inviting, though the story is deeply layered, making the book very approachable.  The parts of the book that are Wolf’s story have illustrations that are bordered in wood and often have Wolf’s hand drawing in them.  A delightful and subtle way to keep children understanding that this is a story within a story. 

Matsuoka’s illustrations are filled with small details.  The warmth of Wolf’s house in the beginning of the book is brought to life with the tiny touches of munched cookies, books strewn across the floor, and a roaring fire.  Her illustrations tell the story almost as much as the text does.  The two are inseparable and unite to become a very special picture book.

Capturing the power of imagination, the joy of a hunt across a snowy landscape, the fun of creating your own story, this beautifully designed book is perfect for wolf story times.  Appropriate for ages 3-6.

Chester’s Back by Melanie Watt.

I was a big fan of the first Chester book.  This sequel keeps the merriment and fun of the first book, and again showcases Chester defying his owner and trying to create HIS book.  In this book, Chester refuses to allow Melanie to write a book putting him in a jester costume in the Middle Ages.  He uses a variety of tactics to ruin her efforts, including wearing the wrong costumes and scribbling all over the pages with his red marker.  But Melanie may just find a clever replacement for Chester and not allow him to gain the upper hand.  Maybe.

What a delight to have a second book that lives up to the first.  Just as she did in her Scaredy Squirrel series, Watt has created a successful sequel to a wonderful book.  Watt has kept the same feel as the first book and the tone is just right.  Children will once again revel in Chester refusing to cooperate with plans.

A great book to share with a group of children.  Make sure you have your Chester voice set to go, full of cat outrage.  Ideal for ages 5-7.