Federico and the Wolf

Perfect Picture Book Friday

Federico and the Wolf by Rebecca J. Gomez and illustrated by Elisa Chavarri is a recognizable old tale with several new twists.

First, is the setting and main characters. It’s modern times in a Spanish speaking village, with a boy (niño) and his grandfather (Abuelo) and the wolf (lobo). That means we have all the lovely Spanish that a reader can get by context. And some language is shown in pictures.

Then, the story is written in rhyme. And it has a surprise ending. Federico saves Abuelo, but the story isn’t as violent as the original–no axes.

This is a fun retelling that makes me smile.

Author Rebecca J. Gomez is the author of a number of picture books. See them here on the left side of the main page of her website. Learn more about Rebecca here and check out her links to posts to help other writers here.

Illustrator Elisa Chavarri is originally from Lima, Peru–read more about her here and you’ll also see a bunch of titles she’s illustrated. Check out a number of her illustrations here. I love the cheerfulness and humor of her illustrations in this book.

Bonus: Pronunciation guide and definitions of Spanish words used are in the back of the book. Plus there’s a recipe for pico. Yum.