Big Bad Wolf's Yom Kippur

On the Day of Atonement, the Big Bad Wolf reflects.

It’s Yom Kippur, and the Big Bad Wolf is preparing to be bad. Things start changing at the synagogue, where he concedes a hug feels nice and almost sings along with the others. Hearing the rabbi’s sermon, Wolf wonders if he can become “better and brighter.” After services, Wolf encounters familiar story characters: a red-hooded girl and her grandmother, whom he treats kindly, and a porcine trio to whom he gives sensible home-building advice. What’s happened? Wolf’s worst instincts repeatedly try to surface, but they’re defeated by his much-improved nature, and it becomes clear that the formerly Big Bad Wolf has evolved into a much nicer lupine. That evening, after the holiday is over, the Big Good Wolf is rewarded by his grateful newfound friends. This sweet, humorous tale conveys the meaning of this important Jewish holiday in a way that’s understandable for children. Its premise proves it’s easy to err on the side of good; each of us has kindness within, and it’s satisfying to let it show. The fractured-fairy-tale motif will engage young readers and also makes familiar literary sense, as the Big Bad Wolf, naturally, is the antagonist of both "Little Red Riding Hood" and "The Three Little Pigs." The illustrations are comical and dynamic; Wolf and all other animal characters are riotously expressive. Bespectacled Little Red and Granny are pale-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A solemn holiday is given an appealing, entertaining treatment well suited to young kids. (author’s note about Yom Kippur) (Picture book. 4-8) --Kirkus Reviews

In his new picture book BIG BAD WOLF’S YOM KIPPUR (Apples & Honey Press, 2023) illustrated by Martin Morón, author David Sherrin offers readers a fun, fractured fairytale that explores the essence of Yom Kippur in a meaningful and kid-friendly way. Full of heart and humor, readers will no doubt adore the cranky yet introspective Big Bad Wolf. The magical fairytale-like illustrations are a perfect pairing for the lively text. --Barbara Bietz, Jewish Books for Kids

Kids who love fairy tales fea­tur­ing the Big Bad Wolf will be inter­est­ed to see how this par­tic­u­lar wolf observes Yom Kip­pur. He attends syn­a­gogue hop­ing that hav­ing so many of his friends in one place will make for a giant, tasty meal. When he arrives, the warmth and friend­li­ness of the rab­bi and can­tor are sur­pris­ing­ly appeal­ing. He lis­tens to the rab­bi’s inspi­ra­tional speech and begins to think about being kinder to oth­ers. When he meets Lit­tle Red Rid­ing Hood on her way to Grand­moth­er’s house, he has many oppor­tu­ni­ties to be help­ful. When he meets the Three Lit­tle Pigs, he assists them in build­ing a secure home. He strug­gles all day with his evil incli­na­tions, but the desire to be good out­weighs them. As Yom Kip­pur ends, the Big Bad Wolf finds that Lit­tle Red Rid­ing Hood and the Three Lit­tle Pigs have pre­pared a tasty, after-the-fast meal at his home — and he begins to under­stand the ben­e­fits of friend­ship. He focus­es on improv­ing his out­look and behav­ior in the future.

Amus­ing and col­or­ful illus­tra­tions depict the ani­mal char­ac­ters with a charm­ing range of facial expres­sions. An author’s note pro­vides more infor­ma­tion about Yom Kip­pur and the efforts one can make to be a bet­ter, kinder per­son. This cre­ative approach to teach­ing chil­dren about Yom Kip­pur and intro­spec­tion can lead to fur­ther con­ver­sa­tions about the peo­ple they hope to become as they grow up. --The Jewish Book Council