The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse

By Mac Barnett

Illustrated by Jon Klassen

They may have been swallowed, but they have no intention of being eaten... A new comedy from the unparalleled team of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen.

"A subversive delight ... an unexpected, hilarious collaboration” Guardian Early one morning a mouse met a wolf and was quickly gobbled up... When a woeful mouse is swallowed up by a wolf, he quickly learns he is not alone: a duck has already set up digs and, boy, has that duck got it figured out! Turns out it’s pretty nice inside the belly of the beast – there's delicious food, elegant table settings and, best of all, dancing. And there’s something more: no more fear of being eaten by a wolf! Life's not so bad, considering the alternatives. That is, until a hunter shows up... With a nod to traditional fables and a wink to the reader, the award-winning Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen of Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, Extra Yarn and Triangle offer a tale of cooperation and creative cuisine that is sure to go down easy.

Categories: Picture Books

For readers aged: 3+

  • Publication details:
  • Format: Hardback
  • ISBN: 9781406377798
  • Published: 12 Oct 2017
  • Price: £12.99
  •  
  • Size: 280 x 215 mm
  • Pages: 40

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Customer reviews

Reviews

'“The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen is a subversive delight. […] The earthy darkness of the wolf’s interior contrasts with soft shades of moonlit forest in this unexpected, hilarious collaboration.”' The Guardian

'A deliciously dark and completely absurd story... Told with devilish wit and illustrated with fearsome prowess this is contemporary fable telling at its very best.' WRD Magazie

'Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett are a match made in picturebook heaven. […] it brilliantly champions the idea of the underdog […] A treat for adults and children alike.' The Irish Times

'A hilarious and surreal story […] A witty lesson in how to make the most of disaster.' The Herald

'As ever, Barnett and Klassen amusingly provoke readers to question apparent truths. Julia Eccleshare, LoveReading Pick of the Month' Julia Eccleshare, LoveReading Pick of the Month

'A deliciously dark and completely absurd story […] Told with devilish wit and illustrated with fearsome prowess this is contemporary fable telling at its very best.' WRD magazine

'“A ludicrously, deliciously dark read as only Barnett and Klassen know how.”' picturebookblogger.wordpress.com

'“Barnett and Klassen are an award-winning writer/artist combination and this latest outing should also scoop a fistful of prizes. […] This surreal adventure is gloriously funny and Klassen’s illustrations – with his signature animal eyes full of expression – lift this already wonderful fable into the category of modern classic. Perfection on a page.”' The Daily Mail

'“Hilarious take on the benefits of being eaten by a wolf.”' Mainstreet Books of the Year 2017

'“[…] full of irrepressible energy and humour, with a text, which in tone hints at the style of early drama […] In truth, The Wolf, The Duck and The Mouse is an aesthetic object, a work of art, and a perfect picturebook.”' The School Librarian

'“delightfully entertaining”' Horn Book Magazine

'“[…] a model of storytelling: a simple, compelling tale […] Klassen’s edgy, subtle, muted drawings illustrate this story marvellously”' The Observer

'“I admire the droll conversation between the animals and the soft, retro-style paintings by Jon Klassen”' Evening Standard

'“Klassen’s minimal illustrations pull you and your young reader deep into the story. Barnett has a slick and simple punch. There is an Aesop echo to the conclusion and that’s fitting – this is a modern tale that already feels like a classic.”' Big Issue

'“Hilarious and a wee bit dark all at the same time, Barnett’s story reads like a found fairy tale, with Klassen’s trademark illustrations adding his unique charm to the characters. A fantastic modern fable, this is set to become a classic.”' The Scotsman

'“Dark but delicious.”' Gurgle

'“With a resolution reminiscent of Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories, this surreal and hilarious picture book could only come from the brilliant pairing of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen.”' BookTrust

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Hardback
£12.99

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