Jane Lyons, 100% Wolf, Penguin Random House Australia, July 2020, 240 pp., RRP $16.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781761040207
This second publication of Jane Lyons’ book, 100% Wolf follows its May release (albeit Internet only) of the movie in Australia.
100% Wolf is a fun and fast paced read following the numerous adventures of the central character 10-year-old Freddy Lupin. Freddy is no ordinary boy though; he belongs to the Lupin pack of Farfang castle, and on a full moon of his tenth birthday he will turn into a werewolf for the first time. Things don’t quite go to plan though. The front cover picture of a pink haired poodle suggests just how far-removed events proceed!
Lyons’ writing is just the right balance of action and description, so that the reader can really engage with the range of situations Freddy finds himself in. At times I found myself almost laughing at particularly ridiculous moments. The silliness is not overdone though, nicely tempered with some serious and tender parts that add an emotional depth to the characters and story.
This highly entertaining and well written story would be enjoyed by competent readers from ages 8 – 12 years. In addition, it would make a great whole class story in a classroom setting.
Reviewed by Julie Bertola
