Le Grand méchant loup dans ma maison

by Valérie Fontaine, Nathalie Dion (illustrator)

Une fillette vivait seule avec sa mère. Mais voilà que cette dernière tombe amoureuse… et qu’elle fait entrer, sans le savoir, le grand méchant loup dans leur maison. Dès lors, les sourires tombent. Et les hurlements commencent. La fillette porte maintenant des manches longues et bâtit un rempart de briques autour de son coeur. Sa mère et elle pourront-elles s’en sortir alors que le loup devient de plus en plus féroce?

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Abuse, Mental Health, Fiction, Contemporary

32 pages, Hardcover

First published February 18, 2020

Reviews

[donna backshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you say when a children's book utterly takes your breath away?

Never have I read a book that so simply and respectfully acknowledges the confusion and terror a child fearing domestic violence can feel. There's no hype here, just relatable scenarios and a whisper of hope. The Big Bad Wolf in My House is perfect in its simplicity.

Will this book get into the right little hands? Of course our wish is yes. but how do we accomplish that? This is the question I have, and will continue to ask, until I find out how I can be a part of that distribution.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published as Le Grand méchant loup dans ma maison, Quebec author, Valérie Fontaine tackles the subject of domestic violence. As a little girl describes her mother's friend that comes to live with them, we see through the eyes and feelings of a small child. A subject in the classroom that is very hard to address, but a book that does end on a hopeful note as the little girl and her mother do end up at a woman's home. I feel this would be a book that would help children see that they're not alone





Publication Date 02/03/21
Goodreads review published 03/03/31

#TheBigBadWolfinMyHouse #NetGalley

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Big Bad Wolf in My House is a picture book told through the eyes of a young child experiencing domestic violence. She witnesses how the new boyfriend treats her mother and she experiences direct abuse from him as well.

This is definitely an important book, one that would be especially useful in therapeutic environments. I think it’s critical to have works that resonate with victims of all ages and this is told in a way that will be easy for young children to process.

Since this is a children’s picture book, it may seem unfair to say that it needed something more. I’ve second guessed myself on this thought process, but I can’t shake the feeling that this extremely short book would have benefited from a bit more text. I worked with young children throughout most of my adult life and while attention span does factor in, I think many preschool reads succeed in impactfulness, despite the length of the book. I can’t quite pinpoint what was missing here, but that doesn’t negate the fact that there is great value in what it offers.

Children need to know that they are not alone in a situation like this. In a diverse preschool setting, this may help some kids better understand an experience that is not their own while encouraging young victims to open up about their home life in a safe way.

I’m immensely grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for my digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

The Big Bad Wolf in My House is available for preorder and will be published on March 2, 2021.

[madame Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

« Alors j’ai construit un rempart de briques. Je l’ai placé autour de mon cœur. J’ai fermé les yeux. Même les jours où le soleil revenait, je les fermais »

cet album, c’est la violence conjugale, ce sont toutes les marques laissées sur le corps et sur le cœur. c’est le loup, c’est le grand méchant loup et c’est tout ce qui est inacceptable. c’est du grand et du nécessaire et cet album ne peut engendrer que de grandes et d’importantes discussions. un gros gros WOW!

[Paula]

This is another one of those books about which people will say, 'This will be so great for kids who have experienced domestic abuse.' But no. Kids who have experienced fear in their own homes do not necessarily need thin metaphor and stark-but-lovely illustration to gain perspective on abuse. I'm going to write a book on this, I swear. Kids who have been affected by domestic trauma don't need "problem books" any more than kids affected by systemic racism need books about oppression and suffering. Which is to say - a little goes a long way.

You know who DOES need a book about domestic abuse? Kids who have NOT suffered at the hands of an abusive parent. That'll be the other side of my book - reader advisory for empathy. How to create trauma allies.

I am glad this book exists. I think it should be used as a discussion starter in teacher and librarian training, in parent meetings, and possibly - possibly - in classrooms middle school and above. Just don't, for pity's sake, hand it to *that kid* unless you really, really, REALLY know what you're doing.

[Andrea Pole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Big Bad Wolf in My House by Valerie Fontaine and illustrated by Nathalie Dion is a story about a wolf who comes to stay, and whose huffing and puffing will bring fear and confusion to the lives of a young girl and her mother. This analogical rendering of domestic violence becomes instantly relatable to young children who are familiar with the story of the wolf, and they will easily identify the elements of danger and an imminent need for escape. This is a clever reimagining of a classic story that shines a light on the reality of domestic abuse for so many children, and it is presented with hope and sensitivity. I would love to see more books like this in the future, and will recommend this one most highly.

Many thanks to NetGalley and House of Anansi Press Inc. for an ARC of this title.

[Emilie | La prof de français · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magnifique album qui dénonce une violence inacceptable avec tant de poésie.. c’est absolument magnifique et c’est une très belle réécriture du conte du petit chaperon rouge. Si j’enseignais en troisième secondaire, je m’en servirais tellllllllllement! De mon côté, je le présenterai lorsque je ferai lire Camille de Patrick Isabelle à mes élèves!

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Big Bad Wolf came to the little girl’s house, he didn’t have to huff and puff at all. He was invited in by her mother. At first, he was nice to her mother but his eyes were always cold when he looked at the girl. When her mother was late coming home one day, he got mad and called her bad names. Her mother became quiet and smaller. The girl became silent and made sure to be tidy. The wolf threw things and didn’t apologize. Instead the mother and daughter apologized and cleaned it all up. The wolf would howl and create bruises. The little girl made a house of straw with blankets on her bed to protect her. She hoped the wood door would keep him out. Then she built bricks around her heart. Finally, one day, her mother told her to pack her bag and they fled to a home for women and children where the little girl could finally sleep in safety.

This frank and stark book is a French Canadian import. The use of the Big Bad Wolf image in the book clearly marks the wolf in the house as a bad person from the first page. Further into the book, the little girl tries to build protection around herself with different elements, turning at last to bricks around her heart. This is a particularly moving part of the story, as her defenses are not respected, just as her mother’s are not. The book does end in a hopeful place, as they leave to restart their lives without the wolf there.

The illustrations show the angry encounters, but not the physical assaults. The bruises on the little girl’s arm are shown as she explains that she has to wear long sleeves even when it’s hot out. The palette in the book is pale greens and dusty tans. The illustrations show the fear and the trauma of living with an abuser.

An important book that explains abuse to children in a way that shows the abuser in the “bad” wolf in the situation. Appropriate for ages 5-8.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The statistics on domestic violence in Canada alone are staggering. And too often there are children involved. When I first heard of this book I was very intrigued how a tough subject like domestic violence would be handled in a picture book, I was impressed! This book will make children going through this tough, confusing situation feel seen but also teach other children about domestic violence. An important book to exist in the world.

In THE BIG BAD WOLF IN MY HOUSE our unnamed young narrator tells us about her home life. She describes her moms new friend as a "wolf". Though he is kind to her mother, in the beginning anyway, his cold eyes say something more and our narrator doesn't miss this. Soon enough the "wolf" erupts in a outbursts of anger and name calling. And as the story progresses our narrator realizes the wolf's erratic behavior and she tries to keep under his radar. Scared and confused she builds up walls around her heart. But he continues to erupt in anger, vicious name calling towards her mother and then becomes physically violent with our narrator by causing bruises on her wrists. Her mom one day presents her with a suitcase and says were leaving. They go to a womens shelter where our narrator finally feels safety and comfort.

The representation of the wolf as the abuser I thought was really smartly done. Easy for children to understand. Yes this is one of thoes tough subjects to talk to kids about, but an important one.
Thank you @groundwoodbooks
for sending this book our way, opinions are my own.
•
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

One girl tells her new friend (us, the readers), about how her mom's new friend, the wolf, came into their home. At first he seems nice, but suddenly, there is yelling and plate throwing and even bruises on their girls' arm. She hides from the Big Bad Wolf.
How can this story end?

Here is a contemporary story to explain domestic abuse and its affects on children's mental health from a child's perspective.

The illustrations are simple but effective, and the text seem so crystal clear for children's perspectives.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really powerful picture book about domestic violence.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book, which is written from the perspective of a young girl, conceptualizes domestic abuse through the idea of a Big Bad Wolf coming to live with the girl and her mother. The text and illustrations are very effective, working together well to show how the situation escalates over time. The book ends with a sense of hope as the girl and her mother leave, but also treats this heavy topic with the seriousness that it deserves.

The story does not attempt to explain why abuse happens, or why some adults are unsafe, but this keeps it simple in a way that is appropriate for children. This can be encouraging and helpful to kids who have been in a situation like this, and kids in safe situations can learn from this book and grow in empathy. I would encourage parents and educators to read this with children to address questions and concerns that they might have, but it would also be important for this book to be available on library shelves for children in unsafe life situations to find themselves.

I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I appreciate that this book makes domestic violence understandable with a simple analagy of comparing it to the big bad wolf that blew the little pigs house down, it doesn't quite work for me because of how the abuse is portrayed.

And I know it is supposed to be simplified but it just seems wrong that the wolf is invited into the home, and then the mother and child have to leave their home to seek shelter elsewhere. So they are essentially kicked out of their own house. And while I know that happens, it just seems wrong.

And perhaps that is the whole point, of how bad letting a big bad wolf into your house is.

And the reasons for the start of the abuse is the mother arriving home late, and the dinner being cold.

But, on the other hand, logic is not why women are abused, and it is supposed to just explain it to the child, so perhaps this book will do what it has been created to do, give children whose mother is in an abusive relationship, hope that things will change.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Audrey | Adapter au secondaire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un album magnifique pour les yeux et dur pour le coeur, mais nécessaire. Un récit en douceur pour les enfants afin d’aborder la violence conjugale.

[Emily Bremer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Big Bad Wolf in My House is a story of a young girl who uses the metaphor of "big bad wolf" to tell her story of living with someone who makes her feel unsafe. This is a heavy topic for young children, but also important. I will include this in my future classroom by using it as a read-aloud with the support of a counselor. I want to ensure that every child feels safe, loved, and understands that there are trusted adults they can go to in the community, and also, remind students that my classroom is a safe place, and they can always come to me if they need someone to talk to, no matter what.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oof, my heart. Obviously covers the heavy topic of domestic abuse, and the metaphor of the Big Bad Wolf helps a lot to convey the story of this family. The ending is hopeful and would hopefully encourage those in bad situations to seek help. I'm not sure those in abusive situations would be keen on reliving those experiences in a story form, even if it's carefully handled with metaphors? Maybe as an adult it would be validating. I think mostly this serves as a good education tool and empathy-builder for those on the outside--but I could be wrong!

[Dewi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buku anak-anak dengan isu yang berat. Dari cover buku saya sempat berpikir ini buku fantasi yang lucu.
Salut bagi penulis yang sudah mengangkat topik ini dengan cantik. Saat membaca rasanya hati ini ikut diaduk-aduk berbagai emosi.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Granted the content is relatable to some and can be healing, marketing this as a picture book for children (at least through our vendor) was the wrong call. I could never see myself recommending this to a child, but it could be a useful tool when read with an adult under the right circumstances.

[Shoshanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content warning: this book is about an abusive parent

I cried as I read this. :'(

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Counselors will make use of this heart-breaking story of abuse with a positive conclusion. Children will relate and open up when discussing the big bad Wolf instead of a man in the story.

[Morgan Menefee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an important book. This is not a book for every child. But for mothers and children living with a wolf, or who have had to leave a wolf, this book gives them a character to relate to. Children of abuse so rarely get to see themselves in story books.

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This superb picture book addresses domestic violence from a young child’s point of view. It’s not for all children, but it is for both adults and teens looking for insight into this horrible problem. The illustrations are amazing.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful and sad book about some children’s’ reality of domestic violence in The home. How do you explain such a complex dynamic to a child? This book may help

[Jarrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A difficult read because of the subject matter, but this will most certainly help people and provide a jumping off point for discussions

[Karrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A subtle but not too subtle story about domestic violence. While I understand the need for this book I am conflicted that the mother got them out, when this is not the prevalent occurrence.

The helplessness and observations are well rendered.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho pianto un pochino

[Stephanie Flint · Rating 4 out of 5]

I located this book using the Database of Award-Winning Children’s Literature (DAWCL.com). This book has received many awards including: USBBY Outstanding International book, 2022, CCBC Choice, 2022, OLA Best Bets – Honourable Mention, 2021, Kirkus Best Picture Books of the Year, 2021, and School Library Journal Best Picture Books of the Year, 2021.

This powerful, modern fable tells the story of a young girl’s experience with her mom’s violent boyfriend who she compares to the “Big Bad Wolf”. The story begins with the little girl stating, “He didn’t need to huff, or puff or blow the house down… The big bad wolf just walked in the door”. This story is told from the point of view of the little girl as she describes tools she uses to protect herself from the yelling and violence in the home. She shares how she hides under blankets when the yelling became too loud, and how she wears long sleeves to cover the marks on her arm, even when it is hot out. This story is full of metaphors allowing the reader to truly connect with the little girl regardless of ever being in a similar situation.

I read this book in both digital format and traditional print. I first read this book on Hoopla through my local public library, and then chose to check-out the traditional print format to compare. The illustrator uses simple drawings in muted colors to help set the tone of the story. Although the drawings are simplistic, emotion is shown greatly through the eyes of the characters.

This powerful picture book is ideal for elementary aged students and can be widely used across the school building. This book could be used for describing how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges. It could also be used for comparing and contrasting two or more versions of the same story. Additionally, this book could be used to determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text (Common Core Standards).

[Christelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poétique, beau.

Les illustrations et le choix des détails pour évoquer la situation permet de faire voir la violence sans que la lecture soit oppressante ni cruelle. Lesréférences au conte mettent en lumière ce qui se ressent de l'invasion d'un méchant loup, ainsi que la réponse à cette violence -- le retrait, l'affaissement, les protections qu'on s'offre comme on peut.

Bref -- poétique, beau, nécessaire.

[Peacegal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intense but necessary book. The subject of family violence is explored through the eyes of a child. I could definitely see this being helpful in a variety of settings with compassionate adult guidance.

I still don't like wolves being used to represent everything bad, when in reality they are shy and secretive animals who prefer to avoid humans. However, I also understand that the young child is drawing from storybook imagery to explain something she has no words for.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bold, direct, and unabashed...and still completely appropriate for its target audience. I get chills thinking about the children who could experience empathy through this book.