Orianne Lallemand

Despite the encouragement of his friends, and his own proclivity for eating books, Wolf just couldn't work up any interest in reading. Then one day, falling asleep while trying to read a book given to him by his well-meaning friends, he awoke in Book World, where the squirrel librarian had misplaced ten volumes. Offering to help, Wolf found himself zipping in and out of some famous adventures, from Alice in Wonderland to Peter Pan. When he finally completed his quest, and woke in his own show more world again, his entire attitude toward books and reading had changed...

Originally published in France as Le loup qui n'aimait pas lire, this engaging picture-book is one of a number of titles from author Orianne Lallemand and illustrator Eleonore Thuillier devoted to the many adventures of Wolf. I found the narrative here engrossing, and appreciated the various nods to famous works of children's literature. I do wonder if very young children, who might not have encountered all of the characters and books referenced, would get as much out of it, but on the other hand I didn't feel that being unfamiliar with said works would prove a detraction in their reading enjoyment. The artwork was cute and expressive, and I couldn't help but feel that Thuillier's wolf looked a little bit like Olivier Tallec's, in such books as Big Wolf and Little Wolf. Perhaps it was the elongated snout? Whatever the case might be, it was a welcome association, given how found I am of those other books. All in all, an enjoyable picture-book, and more than enough to convince me to read some others in the series. show less

A series of visitors knock on Mole's door one wintry night in this sweet picture-book, each of them seeking a warm place to rest. Welcomed one and all, save for the wolf, who attempts to eat everyone before being overpowered and tied up, the animals all gather together and enjoy Mole's soup.

Originally published in France as Petite taupe ouvre-moi ta porte!, this engaging bedtime book features a simple, repetitive text and beautiful illustrations. I could have lived without the big bad wolf show more theme, but leaving that aside, this was a a fun little tale, one well-suited to the younger picture-book range. The artwork by Claire Frossard ably captures the warmth of Mole's home, and the various expressions on the animal characters' faces. Recommended to anyone looking for new winter picture-books, or for stories that use a repetitive storytelling structure. show less

I have like 2 or 3 "coups de coeur" for picture books a year. This is my first of the year. It's just amazingly beautiful, intense and deep.

It's how a fight is sometimes the end of the world, how you get so angry you say things you regret the seconds the words are out of your mouth. It's how when you are young (and sometimes old) making amends is like the end of the world, the end of your world and that the pain and sadness is overwhelming.

The colours are perfect, the intense use of movement show more in the images and the intense emotions make this picture book worth your time. Really. show less

Inspired by Russian folklore, French children's author Orianne Lallemand spins this original fairy-tale about Natasha, a young girl who grows ever more hardhearted, as her father indulges her every whim. When she meets the guardian of the Blue Forest, her wish for a great palace where every one of her desires will be met is granted, but with a condition: she will not be able to leave this fabulous residence. At first she is happy with her bargain, but then she begins to miss her home and show more father, and nightly flights as a blue bird show her the reality of the world's suffering...

Originally published in French as Le Palais de l'Oiseau Bleu, this lovely picture-book pairs an engaging (albeit not terribly original) tale from Lallemand with absolutely gorgeous artwork from illustrator Carole Henáff. Although I have read two other picture-books from this author, my motivation for picking it up at the library was the beautiful cover, and I discovered that the artwork within was every bit as enchanting! From decorative endpaper to decorative endpaper, the visuals here are just lovely, with gorgeous colors and charming stylized figures. This is my first encounter with Henáff's work, but I certainly hope it will not be my last. Recommended to fairy-tale lovers, and to anyone who appreciates beautiful picture-books. show less