Little Wise Wolf by Gijs van der Hammen and Hanneke Siemensma translated by Laura Watkinson

Little Wolf (perhaps he needs to learn about wisdom so I have abbreviated his name) lives on the other side of the mountains. He likes to read big books, experiment with herbs and study the stars. The animals of the forest are in awe of his intelligence and they are sure Little Wolf will be the one to answer their questions but he grumbles at them and tells them all to go away. Then a messenger crow arrives from the king. He has a letter from the king.  Little Wolf would like to say no but after all this is the king and the king is ill so Little Wolf sets off on the long journey to the castle. The road is rough, the mountains are high, his bicycle is useless and then it begins to rain. 

Image Source: Hanneke Siemensma

"Then in the distance he saw a light. And there, deep in the forest, Little Wise Wolf found a tent with a campfire and a pan of soup."

His friends from the forest have been following him. They help Little Wolf continue with his journey but when he does arrive his confidence is gone (and so has his pride). 

"I don't think I can do it. Someone else will have to make the king better."

But he does know what to do. In all that reading he learned about a lot about useful herbs. Little Wolf makes the king some medicine and after a few days the king recovers. Little Wolf knows he only reached the king because his friends helped him. This is the true wisdom he needs to learn and, while he will go on reading those big books, he now knows "I still have a lot to learn ... "

Little Wise wolf is one of those perfect picture books which you can easily share with a young child and also with a group of older students. I would like to say this is a book to add to your library collection but sadly here in Australia it is only available as a very expensive hardcover.

Little Wolf’s journey really feels epic and there are some impressive techniques used by the illustrator to set this scene. Liquid light shines out from the pages that are covered in a rich purple black. You can almost taste the ink on the pages. Association of Illustrators

The original Dutch title of this book is Kleine wijze wolf. 

You can see art by Dutch illustrator Hanneke Siemensma here. Hanneke and Gijs have two children and live in Haarlem in Holland. This is their first book. I love the way the back end paper includes a map of the full journey - there and back - to the castle of the king.

Truly wonderful in all aspects. Kirkus Star review

In this big story disguised as a small one, Gijs van der Hammen deftly explores the value of relationships and the interconnectedness of us all. It highlights for young children the important life lesson that everyone has unique skills and knowledge, so everyone in a community matters --- and we all need the help of others sometimes. Beautifully told and richly illustrated by Hanneke Siemensma, this engaging read-aloud has the timeless appeal of a folktale. It would be an excellent choice to begin conversations about the social studies concept of community and the character education topics of kindness and empathy. Kids Can Press

I would pair this book with Shelter by Celine Claire illustrated by Qin Leng.