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Adventures of Wishbone #1
Be a Wolf!
Horrible monsters are taking a bite out of the kingdom! Who you gonna call!?When Joe Talbot's backpack is confiscated, Wishbone and Joe Talbot must confront a scary neighbor with a Big mean dog to get it back.
This reminds Wishbone of the old English tale Beowulf. Imagining himself as the great hero Beowulf, Wishbone must defeat a series of monsters who are ravaging the kingdom.
A lifetime of adventure takes him on a collision course with his greatest foe yet. And this time, it will take more than courage to defeat this monster. It will take a hero with four legs and the heart of a warrior!
This reminds Wishbone of the old English tale Beowulf. Imagining himself as the great hero Beowulf, Wishbone must defeat a series of monsters who are ravaging the kingdom.
A lifetime of adventure takes him on a collision course with his greatest foe yet. And this time, it will take more than courage to defeat this monster. It will take a hero with four legs and the heart of a warrior!
142 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 1997
7 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Brad Strickland
136 books106 followersWilliam Bradley Strickland (b. 1947) is the author (or co-author) of over 60 novels and over 60 pieces of short fiction and poetry.
Born in New Hollard, Strickland earned his Ph.D. in American literature from the University of Georgia. He has taught English courses at the University of Georgia, Oglethorpe University, Truett-McConnell College, and, since 1987, at Gainesville State College.
His first novel was 1986's To Stand Beneath the Sun, followed quickly by the books in the Jeremy Moon trilogy.
Strickland has shared co-author credit on many of his books: with his wife, Barbara, on stories in the Star Trek and Are You Afraid of the Dark? properties; and with the late author Thomas Fuller, books in the Wishbone series, involving the popular Jack Russell Terrier from the Public Television series of the same name. Strickland and Fuller also collaborated on numerous original works, including the Pirate Hunter series, the Mars: Year One series, and the comedic mystery for adults, The Ghost Finds a Body.
After the death of John Bellairs, Strickland was approached by John’s son, Frank, to complete the two books his father had already started; these unfinished manuscripts became The Ghost in the Mirror and The Vengeance of the Witch-Finder. Strickland also wrote two books based on brief plot outlines left by Bellairs: The Drum, the Doll and the Zombie and The Doom of the Haunted Opera. Beginning in 1996, Strickland has kept Bellairs' legacy alive by writing the further adventures of Johnny Dixon and Lewis Barnavelt. Books in the corpus include The Hand of the Necromancer (1996); The Tower at the End of the World (2001); The House Where Nobody Lived (2006); and his most recent title, The Sign of the Sinister Sorcerer (2008).
In 2001, Strickland won received the Georgia Author of the Year Award, Children's/Young Adult Division, for When Mack Came Back, set in WWII-era Georgia. Strickland says the story "is based on the farm owned by [his] grandfather, where [I] often visited when [I] was a child." Kong: King of Skull Island was released in 2005, an illustrated tale by Strickland, author John Michlig, and fantasy artist Joe DeVito that serves as both a prequel and sequel to the epic story of the legendary ape.
Strickland is an active member of the Atlanta Radio Theatre Company, where he writes and performs in numerous audio drama projects. He was awarded the ARTC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. He is married to the former Barabara Justus and has two grown children.
Born in New Hollard, Strickland earned his Ph.D. in American literature from the University of Georgia. He has taught English courses at the University of Georgia, Oglethorpe University, Truett-McConnell College, and, since 1987, at Gainesville State College.
His first novel was 1986's To Stand Beneath the Sun, followed quickly by the books in the Jeremy Moon trilogy.
Strickland has shared co-author credit on many of his books: with his wife, Barbara, on stories in the Star Trek and Are You Afraid of the Dark? properties; and with the late author Thomas Fuller, books in the Wishbone series, involving the popular Jack Russell Terrier from the Public Television series of the same name. Strickland and Fuller also collaborated on numerous original works, including the Pirate Hunter series, the Mars: Year One series, and the comedic mystery for adults, The Ghost Finds a Body.
After the death of John Bellairs, Strickland was approached by John’s son, Frank, to complete the two books his father had already started; these unfinished manuscripts became The Ghost in the Mirror and The Vengeance of the Witch-Finder. Strickland also wrote two books based on brief plot outlines left by Bellairs: The Drum, the Doll and the Zombie and The Doom of the Haunted Opera. Beginning in 1996, Strickland has kept Bellairs' legacy alive by writing the further adventures of Johnny Dixon and Lewis Barnavelt. Books in the corpus include The Hand of the Necromancer (1996); The Tower at the End of the World (2001); The House Where Nobody Lived (2006); and his most recent title, The Sign of the Sinister Sorcerer (2008).
In 2001, Strickland won received the Georgia Author of the Year Award, Children's/Young Adult Division, for When Mack Came Back, set in WWII-era Georgia. Strickland says the story "is based on the farm owned by [his] grandfather, where [I] often visited when [I] was a child." Kong: King of Skull Island was released in 2005, an illustrated tale by Strickland, author John Michlig, and fantasy artist Joe DeVito that serves as both a prequel and sequel to the epic story of the legendary ape.
Strickland is an active member of the Atlanta Radio Theatre Company, where he writes and performs in numerous audio drama projects. He was awarded the ARTC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. He is married to the former Barabara Justus and has two grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 6, 2024
Like most millennials, I have a continued fondness for the entertainment on which I grew up. Though there are a scant few entities I was into back in the day that I now cringe at the mention of, most old favorites—the music of dc Talk, any Fat Cat Three Pack, Lizzie McGuire, Super Smash Bros. Melee, etc.—will always hold a special place in my heart. One franchise that definitely falls into that category is Wishbone, a PBS show about a Jack Russell terrier with a penchant for classic literature. Anytime I watch an episode of that show or read one of the books based on it, it brings me back to seemingly simpler times. So, maybe I’m biased, but I had a blast with this book; I’m glad I have many more from the series on hand thanks to a recent eBay purchase.
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November 5, 2023September 2, 2025
As usual, Wishbone is adorable. The story of Beowulf is graphic and depressing while also being a tale of courage and moral values.
March 19, 2021
I liked the part where they found out Mrs. Grendal, the person who always told on Sean, was nice. I liked the character of the dragon, he had a ton of gold. I didn’t care for the part at the beginning where Joe and Sean play basketball.
This is my first Wishbone book and I would read more of them.
This is my first Wishbone book and I would read more of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2024
What I loved about Brad Strickland’s “Be a Wolf” is that it embodies an educational message I found myself arguing for during my undergrad: accessibility. While it is no secret that classic adaptations are hotly debated, and are consistently being accused of “watered-down” messages, I instead find myself sharing a similar belief to Linda Hutcheon, who posited in her article “Beginning to Theorize Adaptation,” that there is an "implied assumption that adapters aim simply to reproduce the adapted text” (Hutcheon 7). Meaning, many who argue that adaptations are watered-down might not stop to consider that further exposition may not be the adapter’s intent. Rather, in cases such as Be a Wolf, I find that a major benefit to this story is its accessibility and its willingness and confidence to introduce younger readers to a classic poem in an entertaining and educational way.
Several times throughout the story, there were educational interruptions that often included the definition of middle English words and explanation on how Beowulf’s story arc connects back to Wishbone’s. Though it was helpful to me as a reader to take a quick note on these definitions/character names, etc., it was evident that Strickland’s focus was on my entertainment as the consumer. Meaning, when more younger readers pick up a book like this, they will be swept up in the beautiful imagery of Heorot, the epic battles between Beowulf and his foes, and the emotional moments between Beowulf and Wiglaf. In a world where younger people have access to limitless entertainment, establishing a motivation to read a classic story is integral. From my perspective, I see classical adaptations such as Strickland’s “Be a Wolf” as an essential stepping stone for a reader, and as increasing access and interest in challenging, classic stories.
Several times throughout the story, there were educational interruptions that often included the definition of middle English words and explanation on how Beowulf’s story arc connects back to Wishbone’s. Though it was helpful to me as a reader to take a quick note on these definitions/character names, etc., it was evident that Strickland’s focus was on my entertainment as the consumer. Meaning, when more younger readers pick up a book like this, they will be swept up in the beautiful imagery of Heorot, the epic battles between Beowulf and his foes, and the emotional moments between Beowulf and Wiglaf. In a world where younger people have access to limitless entertainment, establishing a motivation to read a classic story is integral. From my perspective, I see classical adaptations such as Strickland’s “Be a Wolf” as an essential stepping stone for a reader, and as increasing access and interest in challenging, classic stories.
October 4, 2025
This was a fun dive back into the world of Wishbone, this one following the epic poem of Beowolf. TH1's favorite part is when the dragon is coming out of the cave because it was very exciting. Nothing really to say about this book, but I'm hoping I'll be able to find the tv episodes somewhere and show it to TH1 as follow-up.
January 16, 2024
It was great. Now I feel ready to tackle Beowulf.
February 19, 2021
Wishbone can make pretty much any classic better even those that are already pretty epic. I'm glad I finally got around to reading another one from my collection, it was long overdue.
September 19, 2012
told from the viewpoint of a dog sparked my interest in the classic old english poem of Beowulf. good book.
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December 28, 2013AR Quiz No. 20255 EN Fiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: MG - BL: 4.9 - AR Pts: 4.0
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP, VP
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: MG - BL: 4.9 - AR Pts: 4.0
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP, VP
September 10, 2021
This book was a wonderful dose of nostalgia, much needed to break up the funk I was in after a disappointing ending to a six-novel series I'd quite liked otherwise. I have a deep fondness for childhood memories featuring Wishbone - and to this day still have a talking Wishbone plush and a smaller keychain-attached plush of him displayed proudly in my room - so this book took me to a happier time, far away from the troubles of the real world. As my Wishbone plush says when one of his spots is touched: "Let's curl up with a good book, and then have a snack!" And that's basically what I did with Be A Wolf! and my trusty pal... and my real life dog.
But you're not here to listen to me ramble about the wonders of nostalgia, so let's get down to the book's contents itself! As I've come to expect from Wishbone novels, it's partially narrated by the character of Wishbone and includes some asides for educational information (in this case with regards to the history of Beowulf and how it looked in Old English). He also comes in from time to time to move the story along with a bit of exposition. It feels very reminiscent of the television show, but so long has passed that I'm not sure exactly how similar that is, nor whether there was ever a Beowulf-themed episode. Given the amount of fantasy-themed killing and bloodshed, I doubt it. But I never found the story to be too gruesome, especially since it's very clearly laid out as fiction-within-fiction so there's two layers of separation for younger readers.
Be A Wolf! follows two concurrent stories: First, Wishbone's human friend (son of the family he lives with) Joe loses his backpack and suspects a scary, old woman took it since he'd hung it on her fence. She has a bulldog in her yard, and his friend's parents always warned them to steer clear of the lady, so he's quite terrified to go ask for his backpack. Since her name is Grindle, it reminds Wishbone of Beowulf's fight against a monster called Grendel, thus sparking the second story: Wishbone's fantasy about being Beowulf and facing his fears to protect the people he cares about.
The chapters jump from fantasy to reality seamlessly, the story of Beowulf being interwoven as moments where Wishbone stops to daydream about being the hero. Just the right amount of time is spent on each, and nothing ever seems to drag along or get boring. Yes, the writing is very much aimed at younger readers - I suspect middlegrade through the younger end of young adults - and that very much shows, but overall it's still quite enjoyable for a nostalgic adult such as myself. I suspect older teens would be embarrassed by the part where Beowulf is 'played by a dog' - quite literally, since it's Wishbone imagining himself in Beowulf's place, he's described as being a dog, down to tail wagging and having to wield swords by swinging them from the grip of his teeth. However, I thought that was a fun and quirky way to present the story and it added to all those happy, nostalgic feelings.
Not being familiar with the original tale of Beowulf, I can't say one way or the other how faithful this adaptation is. I suspect it's been quite heavily redacted for a younger audience, but there's a chance I'm mistaken. The overarching tale of Joe's lost backpack and Mrs. Grindle, however, is also quite well told. I didn't anticipate how it would end until roughly midway, and even then that was because I suspected the story would wrap up a certain way based on how children's television is written and not necessarily based on the author giving anything away in the story itself.
Overall, this is a fun book that I thoroughly enjoyed as a light, pleasant break from the more mentally draining stuff I've been reading lightly. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys lighthearted, quirky fantasy or who has nostalgic fondness for Wishbone. (Or anyone who happens to like the idea of a Jack Russell Terrior who imagines himself as classic literary heroes!)
But you're not here to listen to me ramble about the wonders of nostalgia, so let's get down to the book's contents itself! As I've come to expect from Wishbone novels, it's partially narrated by the character of Wishbone and includes some asides for educational information (in this case with regards to the history of Beowulf and how it looked in Old English). He also comes in from time to time to move the story along with a bit of exposition. It feels very reminiscent of the television show, but so long has passed that I'm not sure exactly how similar that is, nor whether there was ever a Beowulf-themed episode. Given the amount of fantasy-themed killing and bloodshed, I doubt it. But I never found the story to be too gruesome, especially since it's very clearly laid out as fiction-within-fiction so there's two layers of separation for younger readers.
Be A Wolf! follows two concurrent stories: First, Wishbone's human friend (son of the family he lives with) Joe loses his backpack and suspects a scary, old woman took it since he'd hung it on her fence. She has a bulldog in her yard, and his friend's parents always warned them to steer clear of the lady, so he's quite terrified to go ask for his backpack. Since her name is Grindle, it reminds Wishbone of Beowulf's fight against a monster called Grendel, thus sparking the second story: Wishbone's fantasy about being Beowulf and facing his fears to protect the people he cares about.
The chapters jump from fantasy to reality seamlessly, the story of Beowulf being interwoven as moments where Wishbone stops to daydream about being the hero. Just the right amount of time is spent on each, and nothing ever seems to drag along or get boring. Yes, the writing is very much aimed at younger readers - I suspect middlegrade through the younger end of young adults - and that very much shows, but overall it's still quite enjoyable for a nostalgic adult such as myself. I suspect older teens would be embarrassed by the part where Beowulf is 'played by a dog' - quite literally, since it's Wishbone imagining himself in Beowulf's place, he's described as being a dog, down to tail wagging and having to wield swords by swinging them from the grip of his teeth. However, I thought that was a fun and quirky way to present the story and it added to all those happy, nostalgic feelings.
Not being familiar with the original tale of Beowulf, I can't say one way or the other how faithful this adaptation is. I suspect it's been quite heavily redacted for a younger audience, but there's a chance I'm mistaken. The overarching tale of Joe's lost backpack and Mrs. Grindle, however, is also quite well told. I didn't anticipate how it would end until roughly midway, and even then that was because I suspected the story would wrap up a certain way based on how children's television is written and not necessarily based on the author giving anything away in the story itself.
Overall, this is a fun book that I thoroughly enjoyed as a light, pleasant break from the more mentally draining stuff I've been reading lightly. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys lighthearted, quirky fantasy or who has nostalgic fondness for Wishbone. (Or anyone who happens to like the idea of a Jack Russell Terrior who imagines himself as classic literary heroes!)
January 13, 2024
This is a fun book that I think kids would enjoy, but there are some flaws. It does a good job working in literature with present day events and retelling the literary story to make it more palatable. I found Wishbone to be a bit annoying, but still cute. I’m confused why Wishbone “talks” if no one can listen or understand him. It is a really weird way to make him approachable to readers and threw off the vibe of the book several times. I don’t think this book has lasted the test of time, but some kids will love it anyways.
May 31, 2025
Wishbone was my favorite show growing up so my review might be a little biased so bear with me. I honestly just love the idea of Wishbone. The books and tv show introduced me to so many classic stories. This is such a fun story for the first of the series. The mixing of the “real-life” story to Mrs. Grindle mixed with the Beowulf is just done so well. It’s fun, it’s funny and the right amount of corny that makes it a good read. I have a bunch more of the books from my childhood that I can’t wait to explore more of!
March 25, 2023
Wishbone is undoubtedly a huge part of my deep appreciation for stories and literature. I am impressed at all the work that has gone into the adaptation. It makes the story understandable for kids while working in new vocabulary, highlighting overarching themes, providing historical context, and even highlighting elements of the original's structure. I am very pleased that I got a hold of this.
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July 30, 2024Great! I love Wishbone anyway but it was wonderful to get a handle on Beowolf (the classic) without being overwhelmed by the old english. It was also fun to read how the author tried to enrich the children's attitudes toward kindness, neighborliness, friendship and how to overcome adversities in their lives.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
May 29, 2018
I have to confess that I enjoyed the TV show "Wishbone", so I was looking forward to this story. (It helps that I also like "Beowulf", which it's based on.) This is a fun, lively retelling of the old English poem, with a nice modern story added in. Definitely fun.
May 27, 2019
Wasn't a fan of the story in school but wishbone told it a bit better
November 6, 2020
It was this one!! aahhhahahahah
December 31, 2023
Not bad for a kid’s book. Just wanted an easy read and ideas for a kid’s D&D campaign. Checked both boxes.
September 2, 2024
The first book I read for grad school was a kids' remake of Beowulf with a dog as the protagonist
June 28, 2018
- When I was a kid, I LOVED Wishbone. I watched his show religiously every day. I bought all the Wishbone books I could from the book orders in school, and I've held on to all my Wishbone books.
- I decided to share Wishbone with Gnome. We started watching episodes from Youtube, and Gnome enjoyed it. Now we've started reading my old Wishbone books.
- This one was really fun. I've never read Beowolf, but I might. I don't remember reading this one, and it isn't a Wishbone episode, so the story was new for me too.
- Gnome and I both enjoyed the book. We liked picturing Wishbone take down the monsters and doing fun things.
- We also enjoyed Joe's story with the scary old lady.
- Even after all these years, I'm still a big Wishbone fan!
- I decided to share Wishbone with Gnome. We started watching episodes from Youtube, and Gnome enjoyed it. Now we've started reading my old Wishbone books.
- This one was really fun. I've never read Beowolf, but I might. I don't remember reading this one, and it isn't a Wishbone episode, so the story was new for me too.
- Gnome and I both enjoyed the book. We liked picturing Wishbone take down the monsters and doing fun things.
- We also enjoyed Joe's story with the scary old lady.
- Even after all these years, I'm still a big Wishbone fan!
March 21, 2015
Though it does take quite a few liberties with the origional, it is a great way to start a young kid on clasics. All of the wishbone series are great. Even though this series is called "Adventures of Wishbone" all are inspired by clasics. Alhough I do somewhat prefer the format of "Classics" series, this format works well as well. I loved the "Mrs. Grindle/Grendall" idea. I also like how Wishbone and Joe both learn an important life lesson through thier adventure, and the situation that they encounter to remind Wishbone of Beowulf is beleavable, abd something many young kids coukd encounter. The interweaving of both storys is done well for the most part. There were a few where it went from the modern day story to Beowulf without much reason, but overall a good retelling.
September 3, 2009
This book is about how Joe's bookbag got seized & had to confront his neighbor who's pretty scary. In order to get his bookbag back, he had to confront his scary neighbor & his huge,furious dog. Joe needed more than courage to get his bookbag because it was not easy.
May 15, 2011
I thought Brad Stricklands' version of Be A Wolf was outstanding!! My favorite part of it was at the end when Joe, Wishbones' owner, realized that Ms.Grindle wasn't that bad at all. Joe realized that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
July 15, 2008
This is a great series to introduce kids to classic literature. It is preferred bedtime reading here.
March 18, 2013
my favorite part was when the thing was killed.the worst part was when there were so many monsters.my favorite character was beowulf.the worst characters were the monsters.auryn 9 years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2015
A cute adaption of the story and makes it far easier to comprehend the main plot points.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews