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Willa the Werewolf: A Modern Fairy Tale Series
All will enjoy this unique contemporary twist of the timeless fable "The Three Little Pigs." Willa is an endearing young wolf who wins over three famous pigs.
The stakes are high for little Willa, a piglet living in a pig world, who turns into a wolf pup every night. What's scarier to a pig than a wolf? What would Willa's parents and friends do if they knew she turned into a wolf? Follow Willa through her journey towards self-acceptance, as this hopeful fashion designer, while desperately hiding her true identity from the world, toils in her parent's basement to win a big design competition and ends up winning so much more!
The stakes are high for little Willa, a piglet living in a pig world, who turns into a wolf pup every night. What's scarier to a pig than a wolf? What would Willa's parents and friends do if they knew she turned into a wolf? Follow Willa through her journey towards self-acceptance, as this hopeful fashion designer, while desperately hiding her true identity from the world, toils in her parent's basement to win a big design competition and ends up winning so much more!
- GenresPicture Books
60 pages, Hardcover
Published September 15, 2023
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
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May 23, 2023I won't be rating this, as that doesn't feel fair when I'm not a kid or a parent, but I thought the story was cute. It was a bit underwhelming, and I didn't love the writing. Overall, it was fine.
May 25, 2023
Willa the Werewolf is a fresh take on a fairy tale classic. Our main pig Willa, leading a double life as a werewolf, adds a new dimension that kids will love while the carefully curated word choice will have early elementary students reaching for this book again and again. If that wasn't enough, Jan Dolby's illustrations masterfully bring the characters to life in a delightfully inviting way.
July 7, 2023
This book lies. It says on the rear it appeals to first thru fourth graders, but it appealed to me too – I found this surprisingly fun for a quick little drama, carefully geared to junior reading levels. Willa is a young pig who is a devotee of fashion – making it and designing it, as opposed to wearing it. She gets a lot of her prime designs and inspiration from the fact she can hare off at night to Paris and Milan for window-shopping, as she turns into a werewolf every midnight – a fact nobody else, not even her parents, know. Suddenly invited to take part in a TV contest to dress the hottest girl pig pop trio on the planet, she gets everything ready for the big live-to-air reveal, only for the band to be delayed. And delayed, and delayed – until midnight comes and goes…
One awkward beat here is that the text is so concise, readable and pared-back that I did not realise the delays were presenting themselves in the light of that deadline immediately – I just thought something else would hinder Willa, not the midnight switcheroo. But I also came up with a different ending, as well, so what do I know? What anybody can tell from this is that it is pitched very well for very young and/or reluctant readers, with just a couple of sentences per page (it actually moves so quick the chapter breaks get irritating), and that it is great fun. You're immediately with Willa, the story is allowed no flab, and it motors on in very lively fashion (the visuals with their own brio, too). In the finish, I think it fair to say I've written about it for almost longer than it took to read – and for once that is not itemising flaws. I think on that basis this deserves top marks.
It is nothing to do with the Three Little Pigs, however, beyond being an alleged sequel. So don't buy this on that basis – yet still buy it.
One awkward beat here is that the text is so concise, readable and pared-back that I did not realise the delays were presenting themselves in the light of that deadline immediately – I just thought something else would hinder Willa, not the midnight switcheroo. But I also came up with a different ending, as well, so what do I know? What anybody can tell from this is that it is pitched very well for very young and/or reluctant readers, with just a couple of sentences per page (it actually moves so quick the chapter breaks get irritating), and that it is great fun. You're immediately with Willa, the story is allowed no flab, and it motors on in very lively fashion (the visuals with their own brio, too). In the finish, I think it fair to say I've written about it for almost longer than it took to read – and for once that is not itemising flaws. I think on that basis this deserves top marks.
It is nothing to do with the Three Little Pigs, however, beyond being an alleged sequel. So don't buy this on that basis – yet still buy it.
March 5, 2024
This offers a gentle bridge between a picture book and an independent-reading book for young learners. In format it has 16 "chapters", each only a page or two, with illustrations. The total is 64 pages and the small format keeps it in very readable range for this audience.
In this thoroughly twisted, contemporary take-off on the THREE LITTLE PIGS and the Big Bad Wolf, Willa is the delightfully talented and ambitious little pig who just happens to transform into a werewolf at midnight each night. She is self-aware and finds the magical properties and super powers of that nightly adventure to be a prefect vehicle for traveling the fashion centers of the world, finding inspiration for her unique and original designs.
In fact, her reputation spreads and she is offered the opportunity of her young life- to enter a design contest for the remarkable singing group, the PIGLET TRIPLET. After preparing and arranging for her final judging night, one delay leads to another and Willa's transformed identity comes to light, terrifying her parents, the trio, and the entire village. You can just imagine, can't you? Maybe not, but the humor and resolution will satisfy young readers. Those who are looking for a unique new character, some high adventure, and a lively reading experience will enjoy Willa the Werewolf.
I can't say often enough that traditional fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and other iconic literature need to remain in the lives of even the most digital-contemporary of kids, and this is fun way to do so. Share and compare various original versions of the three pigs with modern twists. What's more, Willa's design interests and globetrotting adventures are very powerful encouragements for young readers with such dreams.
In this thoroughly twisted, contemporary take-off on the THREE LITTLE PIGS and the Big Bad Wolf, Willa is the delightfully talented and ambitious little pig who just happens to transform into a werewolf at midnight each night. She is self-aware and finds the magical properties and super powers of that nightly adventure to be a prefect vehicle for traveling the fashion centers of the world, finding inspiration for her unique and original designs.
In fact, her reputation spreads and she is offered the opportunity of her young life- to enter a design contest for the remarkable singing group, the PIGLET TRIPLET. After preparing and arranging for her final judging night, one delay leads to another and Willa's transformed identity comes to light, terrifying her parents, the trio, and the entire village. You can just imagine, can't you? Maybe not, but the humor and resolution will satisfy young readers. Those who are looking for a unique new character, some high adventure, and a lively reading experience will enjoy Willa the Werewolf.
I can't say often enough that traditional fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and other iconic literature need to remain in the lives of even the most digital-contemporary of kids, and this is fun way to do so. Share and compare various original versions of the three pigs with modern twists. What's more, Willa's design interests and globetrotting adventures are very powerful encouragements for young readers with such dreams.
September 17, 2023
Blurb: Willa the Werewolf, a modern day fairy-tale early reader by Michele McAvoy, Jan Dolby, and The Little Press, follows Willa - a fashion designing pig who turns werewolf by midnight. When Willa gets the opportunity to design for three famous pigs, The Piglet Triplet, she jumps at the chance, but worries her true identity will be uncovered. Willa must face her fears and stay true to her heart even if that means revealing her true form and potentially scaring off the famous trio.
Heather Macht says: McAvoy’s mashup of Cinderella and The Three Little Pigs paired with Dolby’s sketch-like and lively illustrations are a fun blend! Kids will love the short chapters and humor throughout. Willa the Werewolf is sure to keep young readers engaged, while reminding them to be true to themselves.
Reviewed by seasonsofkidlit.com
Heather Macht says: McAvoy’s mashup of Cinderella and The Three Little Pigs paired with Dolby’s sketch-like and lively illustrations are a fun blend! Kids will love the short chapters and humor throughout. Willa the Werewolf is sure to keep young readers engaged, while reminding them to be true to themselves.
Reviewed by seasonsofkidlit.com
December 11, 2023
Willa is a pig who turns into a werewolf every night and dreams of becoming a fashion designer. When she gets the opportunity to design for the Piglet Triplet, a famous trio, she jumps for joy! Every night when she becomes a werewolf, she runs to Europe and gets new inspiration for her designs. The catch is that nobody knows she is a werewolf. Not even her parents. If she does this new TV show, her secret could come out to the world!
This was a very cute story with a gorgeous and glittery cover (I am a sucker for glitter). It was very entertaining once I started picking up on the hints to the Three Little Pigs and the fact that this pig is also a wolf. It may not have been the most well-written story I have read for early readers, but it was entertaining, fun, and unique. Kids will love it!
This was a very cute story with a gorgeous and glittery cover (I am a sucker for glitter). It was very entertaining once I started picking up on the hints to the Three Little Pigs and the fact that this pig is also a wolf. It may not have been the most well-written story I have read for early readers, but it was entertaining, fun, and unique. Kids will love it!
October 19, 2023
I was so excited when my copy of this cute book arrived in the mail, because before I could see it in full, I could feel all the glittery texture on its bright cover. It’s as unique and beautiful as Willa, a wannabe fashion designer with a big problem. If her one and only chance for success ends up happening after midnight, she’s a doomed werewolf, or is she? Kids will enjoy all sixteen easy-to-read chapters that follow the excitement of Willa’s perseverance and in the end, her bravery in coming out as her true self. Discussion questions are included and the fun illustrated pages are shiny with splashes of color!
November 26, 2023
I loved this reimagined fairy tale chapter book. The main character, Willa, is a pig who creates fashions designs by day. But at night, she becomes a werewolf! She can't keep this secret forever, and ultimately, the people in her life and Willa herself have to come to terms with all of who she is. This story, with its perky illustrations, will delight young readers as they cheer for Willa's courage and quick thinking. Parents and elementary teachers will appreciate the short, manageable chapters and themes of self-acceptance and following one's dreams.
March 23, 2024
The world building in this story will have you turning pages and laughing out loud! Willa, a piglet who turns into a werewolf, must find a way to follow her dreams while concealing the fact that she is a pig's worst enemy! At first - being a werewolf gives her the super powers she needs to gain a competitive edge in the contest of her dreams. But when delays in schedules find her turning into wolf form at exactly the wrong moment, she tries everything possible to hide her secret.
A fabulous story for fashion lovers, fairy-tale fans, and anyone needing the courage to be themselves!
A fabulous story for fashion lovers, fairy-tale fans, and anyone needing the courage to be themselves!
November 16, 2023
What a refreshing take on a classic tail (tale). I love how this tale has been rewritten and reformatted as a chapter book. The main character Willa is a very strong and likable. She knows what she wants and who she is. I love her final dress designs made of straw, sticks and bricks. The illustrations add an extra layer to the story and I'm sure children reading this book will love it. Great work team!
December 13, 2023
Willa is such an amazing character. She's a delightful fashion designer, who is a pig, by day. At night, she turns into a werewolf. This modern day twist on the Three Little Pigs helps kids explore finding out who they really and being comfortable with it. With a truly satisfying ending, Willa the Werewolf is a winner!
October 3, 2023
I love the fashion design angle paired with secretly being a werewolf. I also love the short chapters and loads of fun illustrations. This combination will help new readers feel encouraged and accomplished. Kids should really enjoy this story.
May 23, 2023
The abstract realism to the illustrations was not something I enjoyed. The story has been done before (be yourself, and things work out), but done in a slightly more humorous manner than usual.
Want to Read
May 26, 2023Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
January 4, 2024
You will fall in love with Willa (as both a pig and wolf). Fun retelling for early readers. Highly recommend.
May 29, 2024
What a fun story! An old tale with a hip new twist! Whether she's a pig or a werewolf, Willa is wonderful. Be yourself, Willa
September 13, 2024
What a fun book! I enjoyed this story of fashion and fun, and I think young readers will too!
July 15, 2025
This book talks about Willa who is a werewolf. It’s a
Fairytale book.
I hope everybody is having a good day and I will be back
Another day to update more books bye.
Fairytale book.
I hope everybody is having a good day and I will be back
Another day to update more books bye.
December 13, 2023
A fun spin on the story
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews