Member Reviews
A story about an introverted wolf with gorgeous illustrations. What else can a girl ask for? I will be purchasing a copy for my classroom ASAP.
Erik the Lone Wolf is a picturebook written and illustrated by Sarah Finan. Being a wolf means sticking with the pack. Everyone knows that – except for Erik, one little wolf cub who dreams of setting off on his own adventure all by himself! But will life as a lone wolf be everything he hoped, or will he miss the rough and tumble of the pack?
Erik the Lone Wolf is a picturebook that shows the importance of family and a support system. Erik is tired of following everyone else's rules and just wants to do his own thing. We have all been there, no matter our age. However, he discovers that it is not always the best idea and that he does need the help and support of his pack. The story was cute, as were the illustrations. However, I wanted more. I think that Erik and his pack could have gotten to the ending with a little more learned, like Erik getting a little more independence from his family while still enjoying their closeness. The idea that going it alone is danger and disaster makes for people unwilling to take risks, if the lesson were more about being smart about those risks, and actually learning something from it and finding balance I would appreciate the book more.
Erik the Lone Wolf is a cute story about Erik, a wolf cub who feels crowded by his big family. Tired of being told what to do, Erik sets off by himself, determined to be a 'lone wolf’. When he gets into trouble, Erik wishes he had his big family to help him.
The artwork is gorgeous, done in a soft watercolour style. This is a great story to demonstrate the value of community. Sometimes family may get on your nerves, but you'll always have comfort and help if necessary. While it may not have been intended, it also served as a good teaching opportunity to discuss introversion/extraversion, and what they require. My cubs and I quite enjoyed it.
***Many thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
My almost 4 year old is quite enamored by Erik the Lone Wolf. It's beautifully illustrated, the wolves fur looks extremely pettable to her. The story lends itself well to learning about family relationships and working together. Sarah Finan has created an engaging character in Erik, one that my little one is interested in learning more about (series/ hint-hint?). She is able to use the illustrations to expand on the story which I really appreciate. I wil definitely look for more books authored by Sarah Finan.
It doesn't take much thought to figure out where this book is headed. Feeling crowded by his family, Erik strikes out on his own. And of course gets into trouble and has to be rescued. Obviously, teaching the reader to appreciate their family. Not a new lesson and not without it's problems.
What happens when a young wolf feels suffocated by his large pack family? He sets off on his own. What will happen when without supervision he gets himself into a bit of trouble?
This sweet book tells the story of young Erik and his family. It's perfect for enjoying with your little readers who may be struggling with family dynamics and great for opening up discussion.
The artwork in this book is really great and so is the story. It shows children it is okay to be alone, but that sometimes we all need our friends or family around us, not just in times of trouble, but even on those regular days, or if we just feel a bit lonely. Having a wolf as the main protaganist helps to draw one into the story - and show that animals too can feel alone or need help, even if they cannot talk and express it in the same way as people. This book may also be helpful in teaching children about safety and rules.
Erik is a wolf cub who feels that his pack is limiting him. He wants to have his own, individual adventures without outside constraints...and so, he takes off to experience just that. Through a simple illustrated story, reader and child being read to, can see what happens next and what Erik chooses and needs. In a way, this is a small, child's version of Brene Brown's Braving the Wilderness, a book that I previously reviewed.
Once upon a time there was a little wolf cub named Erik who just gets fed up living with the rest of the pack. He wants to strike out on his own, be his own boss and do what he wants to do. Is that a wise thing to do? Well he doesn't care... he's out of there.
He is free to be a lone wolf and not conform to the wishes of the others. Things don't go exactly as he hoped and soon he finds himself in grave danger and ... all alone. Oh my! He desperately needs help and it is then that he realizes why the family and the rest of the pack is so needed. They rely on each other not only for companionship but for safety as well.
This heartfelt adventure story reminds the reader the value of family and no matter what, your family is there to love and keep you from harm.
"I don't want to be a lone wolf anymore." Erik whispered to his family that night. "Even big wolves need the pack sometimes," they agreed.
After his adventure, Erik knew he'd never feel crowded by the pack again."
The illustrations are lovely. They are full of action and emotion that enrich the tale greatly. You always have to use caution and be careful what you wish for. Sometimes you don't appreciate what you have until it's gone.
Erik the wolf cub feels unhappy at home. There are too many other wolves and he does not like being told to stop doing things. He decides to sneak away from his pack and become a lone wolf. He has fun and adventure until ..... Erik learns why it is much better as a wolf to be part of a family pack than be on your own as "the wolf pack always sticks together"
A fun story for children to learn about family (pack) relationships, rules and responsibility of parents as well as the saying "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence". The illustrations are fun, colourful and active. They will draw the eye of young children to them. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Erik was not a fan of his pack and wanted nothing more than to be a lone wolf. One day he got his wish and took the opportunity to be a lone wolf. He enjoyed every minute, until he didn't. Sometimes you don't realize how important your pack is until they aren't there anymore. Erik discovers the value of his pack and the togetherness they provide.
#netgalley #ErikTheLoneWolf
Erik lives in a wolf pack that does everything together. This sounds perfect, but Erik gets a little tired of being told what to do, including look after his sister. Finally, Erik’s had enough and decides to become a lone wolf. He is sure he will be much happier by himself, and he is for a little while until he misses one very important sign.
Cons: While it’s a good book, it felt a bit familiar to other stories in the same category.
Pros: The illustrations are very good and the story is a good lesson. I’m also wondering if this type of book might appeal more to boys, which would make it stand out a bit from others like it.
'Erik the Lone Wolf' by Sarah Finan is about a feisty wolf cub who wants to leave the pack behind.
Erik lives in a pack of wolves, and that's a problem for him. He wants to do his own thing and only answer to himself. So, one day, he decides to do just that. He loves his new freedom, but will he learn that he needs the pack or will his newfound independence be his new normal.
This is a very cute story with a good message about relying on others. The illustrations are also really wonderful. I liked the fuzzy look to the wolves, and the way the ice and snow looked. It's a very nice picture book to read to young ones.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Erik the Lone Wolf by Sarah Finan
Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group- Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
ISBN: 9781786030108
Publish Date: Feb. 1, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group- Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for the ebook ARC of Erik the Lone Wolf by Sarah Finn.
Being a wolf means sticking with the pack. But Erik is one cub who dreams of his own adventure … all by himself.
Will life as a lone wolf be what he hoped or will he miss the pack?
I give this book a rating of 4 stars. I recommend reading it. It has wonderful illustrations and a very cute story.
#ErikTheLoneWolf #NetGalley
A big thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Super cute story. Has a good lesson. Kids can relate to the story. Nice graphics. Well done. Overall rate it a 4.5. I think most children would enjoy and parents as well.
A simple lesson that family is a good thing to have. Erik is tired of the pack. It’s too crowded and he can not do what he wants. So he strikes off by himself. But when trouble comes, it will take the pack to get him out. A lovely story with wonderful illustrations.
After feeling crowded and unhappy at home with him not being able to do anything he wants, Erik the wolf cub makes the big decision to become a lone wolf and leave his wolf pack. He soon learns a valuable lesson that it is much better as a wolf to be part of a family pack than be on your own as "the wolf pack always sticks together"
“I’m a lone wolf!” shouted Erik. “Nothing can stop me now!”
Was initially drawn to this by the cover and the fact that it is about a wolf pack – I have a soft spot for wolves and stories involving them so had to read this. The fact that wolf has the wonderfully-human name of Erik made it even more appealing!
I really like the illustrations and thin they work really well in creating a contrast between the cold of the winter world in which the story takes place and the warmth of the wolf pack, their campfire and their family.
The story follows Erik, a young wolf who is feeling a bit crowded by his family and all the restrictions and expectations they put on him. Eventually, he decides that he would be better off as a lone wolf. But there are certain situations where even a lone wolf might need help from the pack!
A recommended read for young children who are taking their first steps towards independence or those who will appreciate the wolfy characters.
Even big wolves need the pack sometimes.
What I liked: Beautiful illustrations in a unique style, the wolf family, the message that sometimes restrictions are there for a reason. the family relationships
Even better if: The story is a very quick, simple read and this both works in its favour and against it. I could see this being really popular, but not having much reread value apart from to explore the illustrations further.
How you could use it in your classroom: I would use it first of all for the illustrations, which are lovely! You could also use it to discuss how we can’t choose our family and we are going to have days when we get along and days when we get on each others’ nerves. It could also be interesting to discuss some of the restrictions parents put in place for their children and the reasons behind them – sometimes they really are there to protect you, not just to stifle you!
ARC Copy...very cute and painterly illustrated story of even though Erik is a eager young wolf wanting to be independent...he still might want his "pack" along for certain times.
A Wolf Cub Learns a Valuable Lesson
Cute children’s story that serves as a cautionary tale of what can happen when you run away from home and the support of your family. I loved the illustrations and found the story fun and enjoyable. However, it seemed strange that our wolf pup is sitting on the cover but he and the rest of the wolves walk on their hind legs for the remainder of the story. I found minor grammatical errors, but since I was given an ARC for review, hopefully these will be corrected prior to publication.