Finan has crafted a story that is captivating. It's about a young wolf cub, Eric, who is trying to test his abilities and independence but is confined by his family's rule of sticking together because mountains can be dangerous.
One day Eric sneaks away from his family so he can have fun, alone.
As a lone wolf, Eric can climb as high as he wants or ski as fast as he likes. But while skiing too fast he sees a danger sign and cannot stop in time before he falls into a crevasse.
As Eric is alone he is not able to climb out of the deep crevasse. He calls for help. He waits. 'Then he heard a noise..' Will this noise be another mountain top danger? Or will it be someone to help him?
Finan's use of words and illustrations pace the story to show a building tension between Eric and his family, the exhilaration of freedom and the slowness of waiting for rescue all alone.
The story depicts the roller-coaster of Eric's emotions. The illustrations assist in the story telling by clearly indicating Eric's feelings at difference stages of the plot. Finan uses the illustration techniques of facial expressions, body language and a character's placement on the page in relation to the other characters to change the mood of the story.
Eric The Lone Wolf is one of those stories that takes the reader on an adventure. It keeps readers turning the page to find out what happens next, even if you have a little inkling what Eric's lesson will ultimately be.
Title: Eric The Lone Wolf
Author/Illustrator: Sarah Finan
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Publishers, $21.99
Publication Date: 24 January 2018
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781786030108
For ages: 2 - 5
Type: Picture Books
