The Story Starts Here!

Even wolves go through the Terrible Twos, apparently. Little Wolf has a red nose, fangs, and wild fur, and he wants to do everything his way. That includes how his story unfolds: it begins at the "end" of the book and reads from back to front. In a fine translation by Li, Little Wolf appears on the title page (in the back), crosses his arms, and shouts the title of the book, adding, "Because I said so." He goes on to make more trouble. "Fine, then I'll play the piano with my toes." When he puts his pants on his head%E2%80%94nicely accenting his ears and giving him a jaunty, sporting look%E2%80%94his parents send him to his room. "I can't do anything around here," he whines. The climax stars a (slightly) scary monster and again requires the assistance of the reader to position the book correctly. What might be a one-note gimmick is redeemed by Merola's (A Night on the Town) ability to capture toddler rebellion. Even after a temporary fright Little Wolf is right back to his old tricks. Ages 3%E2%80%937. (Sept.)