Firstly, I would like to thank Netgalley for providing me with an e-arc of the book. This review is based on my personal opinion and enjoyment of the book.

The art style is different but I did enjoy the story - I think the colors is what really threw me off.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. A young girl describes her mom's new boyfriend as a wolf, the big bad wolf who lives in her home. At first he's nice and then he starts hurling bad words, names, and items at her mother and they eventually need to escape the wolf.

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.

This is a very powerful and important subject, and both the words and illustrations were strong in delivering its message. I hope it helps children being abused to understand that there is help, and they are not alone. The only reason it didn't get a high rating was because I wish there had been more information to explain to kids the ways of getting help and support--both in the story and after. There were many examples of the abuse this child and her mother suffered--but the end was very abrupt, and I felt it needed a little more in helping showing the transition out of the abusive environment. More examples/details there could really help a child in a desperate situation begin to find a way out--especially if they aren't able to access the limited number of resources at the end of the book.

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.

My Thoughts
I read this book blind, so I assumed it was going to be another cute children’s book like previous ones I’ve reviewed. I was very wrong. Here are my pros and cons for The Big Bad Wolf in my House:

Pros
1. This book is about domestic violence and abuse, but it isn’t too graphic or overtly realistic. It is told from the viewpoint of a little girl living in a house with her mom’s new boyfriend/husband who is verbally and physically abusive to them both.

2. This book is so simple, yet profoundly sad and emotional. Seeing abuse from a child’s perspective gives it a deeper, more sinister element. The things the little girl does to try to shield herself from the violence is incredibly heartbreaking. In addition, the little girl observes her mother's personality change (for the worse) because of the abuse, and that was also gut-wrenching.

3. The thoughtful illustrations, by Nathalie Dion, enhance the emotional depth of the book.

4. I’m thankful the book ends on a positive note, with the mother getting them away from the situation and seeking help.

5. There is information at the end of the book about the organizations that are available to help children in these situations, including the Kids Help Phone (in Canada) and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (in the USA).

Cons
None.

Summary
This isn’t a book you pick up for a light read. This is a book you pick up to ensure children understand what abuse is and how to ask for help if it occurs. Parents/caregivers need to be prepared to discuss this book with children, particularly younger children, rather than just let them absorb the information on their own.

I am blessed beyond measure to never experience anything like this and I think I would have been traumatized as a child even knowing situations like this exist. Sadly, situations like this are so frequent that children need to be aware they can speak up, ask for help, and they don’t have to live in constant fear. This book may help them do that.

Thank you NetGalley and Groundwood Books for providing an ebook, which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Short and heartbreaking; simple and powerful. This picture book tells the story of a child who experiences domestic violence at the hands of her mother's boyfriend. The symbolism of an abuser as the Big Bad Wolf is a simple and effective way to introduce children to domestic violence. I hope that we continue to see books like this for young children - complex and emotional topics in a manner in which they can understand. Perhaps #valeriefontaine can tackle consent using Sleeping Beauty?!

#TheBigBadWolfinMyHouse #NetGalley

A poignant picture book describing in a real but still disconnected way a little girl surviving an abusive step father. The illustrations are striking and the message a strong one. It will help children learn the unfortunate truth that not all adults are kind, some are big bad wolves.

It is estimated that on average, almost 20 people per minute are victims of intimate partner violence in the United States, according to www.projectsanctuary.org. That equals more than 10 million people a year. Early data and anecdotal reports from domestic violence providers are predicting that the instances since social distancing measures began have dramatically increased. Millions of children are impacted by domestic violence each year and, as therapists, we are acutely aware of how important it is to be able to provide trauma-informed clinical interventions to these kids when they enter our therapy spaces.

Valerie Fontaine has published a fantastic children's book titled “The Big Bad Wolf in My House” that tells the story of domestic violence woven with familiar themes and imagery from the beloved fairy tale about the three little pigs. Fontaine masterfully portrays fear, insecurity, and tension without crossing into detailed abuse description allowing this book to be used in the clinical setting as a resource for comparing, contrasting, and processing your clients’ experiences in a gentle manner. Clients who have experienced trauma may be triggered as they reflect on their experiences but the soft illustrations, minimal details, and progression towards safety, allows for productive and appropriate use in session for a wide age range. Additionally, the book normalizes the experience of moving to a shelter to seek safety. There is no discussion or mention of stalking or continued danger but a clear focus on safety. I love the main character’s analogy of the shelter being safe like a brick house that cannot be blown down.

I do not choose to post every new release that I review but this was one that I had to share with you. The Big Bad Wolf In My House was only released on March 2nd but I’m confident it will be one that will soon be added to many shelves!

<blockquote><i>The big bad wolf can huff and puff all he wants, but this house will not fall down.</i></blockquote>

I have some mixed feelings about <em>The Big Bad Wolf in My House</em> by Valérie Fontaine. A children's book commentary that's meant to help kids through the aftermath of suffering abuse, this is a pretty exceptional story and is written very well. The allegory behind the abuse the characters suffer is utterly brilliant. And yet, part of me still feels like this story is a bit of a let down. I think what this all comes down to, though, is who exactly will be reading the story.

<blockquote><i>The big bad wolf just walked in the door.</i></blockquote>

I've often said in my reviews of children's books that there should be something beneficial for the reader to learn from them. In a sense, this book does an incredible job of providing abused children with a story they can relate to that offers an ending of hope and relief. And if this is a book people are reading with children who have suffered from abusive situations <em>after</em> they've gotten out...everything about it makes sense.

In fact, the book is brilliant if these are the only children reading it. The emotional depth and ability to explore the complex emotions that come from such a situation is very meaningful. The artwork is beautiful and easy to relate to.

But, the entire time I was reading this I kept thinking about the kids who <em>aren't</em> in the aftermath stage, who are still experiencing the abuse. And it's <em>here</em> that I really think the book kind of fails. You see, we are able to experience the struggles with the main character as they occur. We can build our connections and work through our emotions because of the way everything is portrayed. But, while the difficult subject is handled incredibly well, it never really addresses what a child can do to protect themselves in a scenario like this.

<blockquote><i>He looked at me with cold eyes and sharp teeth.</i></blockquote>

So, I kept thinking...what if, on the off chance, a child suffering from an abusive situation comes across this book? What is <em>The Big Bad Wolf in My House </em>going to teach them?

Well, it might give them a wonderful outlet to deal with their emotions. This is great! But, while the ending is positive, we're never really shown <em>how</em> to address such a situation. Mom, fortunately, comes to her senses and handles it. I think it's great that she does. But not all mothers do. And to send a message that mom must be the one to remove her children from the terrible situation with the big bad wolf is at the detriment of a child whose mother is unable to do so.

It's a tough situation.

In truth, I'm certainly not saying that the child in this story needed to get herself out. It would be insane to expect such a thing. But, I wonder if something could have happened that portrayed a path toward getting help. Could there have been a moment that showed how a the little girl could help herself? I would never in a million years expect a child to do so, but I at least think in a fictional account centered around helping a child deal emotionally with abuse should have a little more.

<blockquote><i>I closed my eyes and kept them closed.</i></blockquote>

It's a tricky thing, dealing with sensitive subjects like this. And goodness, I wish I had the right answers. I do genuinely think this is an incredibly important book. There's no doubt in my mind that it will help young children work through the complex emotions that come with living through something like this. But I'd like to have seen <em>something</em> in here to show a reader who just happens to stumble across it that there are ways to reach out for help.

And maybe I'm thinking into it too much and perhaps there are simply so many moving pieces involved that it wouldn't be as helpful as I imagine it would be. But I just feel like the book lacks in this area and I wish it had done a little better.

<em>I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</em>

I think it is a beautiful book and the topic is very important. Using a fairytale to make sense of something in the child's eye was brilliant. I do have a problem with how cold and detached the mother way though. It doesn't really end hopefully. The child is still alone at the end of the story. Though she has "Gilbert". That is her stuffed animal right? That wasn't really lead up to either.

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

This book tells the story of a child who lives through domestic violence. It shows us what goes on in her mind as she witnesses the way her mom is being treated, the way she processes incidents that goes on in the house, and the emotions she goes through. It leaves the readers with a hopeful note.
The issue of domestic violence is not something that we discuss in society- and also not in the classroom with young kids. I think this book serves a really important role as both a mirror and window- both for those who may have been victims of domestic violence to see that they are not alone, and also for other kids to get a glimpse of what this may look like (although teachers do need to acknowledge that this is not "the" single story), and seek to understand/empathize.

Many thanks to the NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC :)

This book was not at all what I was expecting by the title. It was so well written, emotional and perfect for a child going through a similar situation. The pictures were well drawn and conveyed the feelings of the child.

This takes on a tough, tough topic for young children, which makes it difficult to review. However, I am grateful that there is a book available to those who may need it.

The Big Bad Wolf in my House explores domestic violence with imagery and scenes from The Three Little Pigs. When a young girl's mom meets a charming wolf, things seem like a happily ever after. However, nothing is farther from the truth because he turns out to be a Big Bad Wolf. The book does a good job of helping children understand that abuse is not their fault and that they are not alone.

I do have some criticisms, however. Firstly, I think there could have been a progression showing other controlling patterns before it progressed into obvious violence. Such as when the mom had to work late, getting lots of texts and phone calls about where she was, or the wolf not letting her go out with her friends/isolating them from others. It just kind of abruptly jumped from "everything is great" to "everything is bad" and while that does happen sometimes, in most domestic abuse situations, there is a slow development of imbalanced power and control and I feel like it would be helpful to teach children these "red flags" so that they can recognize them in their own future. I also felt like the ending part about the mom crying in the bed was not necessary and would likely just confuse and upset children, perhaps it would have ended better with the mother cuddling next to the child their first night away and they both slept safely and soundly.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated in any other fashion for the review and the opinions reflected below are entirely my own. Special thanks to the publisher and author for providing the copy.

[TW: Domestic Abuse]

The Big Bad Wolf In My House, by Valérie Fontaine and translated by Shelley Tanaka, uses the metaphor of the big bad wolf to gently tell a story of domestic abuse. In the story, a young child talks about how her mother's new friend at first seems reserved, but over time begins to verbally and physically abuse them. The child is scared and tries to make walls of blankets, and hide behind closed doors. She builds brick walls in her heart so she doesn't have to feel anymore, but it doesn't work. In the end, the mom and child escape to a safer living situation and get away from the Wolf.

The use of light and shadows in Nathalie Dion's artwork is very interesting, and amplifies the fear and loneliness of the situation. Each illustration and shadow says so much about the danger and violence without forgetting how sensitive the audience is.

This book will be scary for some kids (because it's a scary situation!) and I wouldn't personally read it for storytime without really considering if my child is ready to be gently introduced to this topic. Thankfully, the usage of the "big bad wolf" helps to tell the story in an age-appropriate way. Ultimately, this book is an incredible tool for therapists and counsellors who need more resources to communicate with children who have experience domestic abuse.

I admire the team that put this book together. It's important. It won't be for everybody, and that's okay, because there are kids who will need this story and so few books about this topic, that it is a winner.

Big thanks to NetGalley and @groundwoodbooks for letting me read the digital ARC. It is available to preorder right now, and will be released on March 2, 2021.

What do you say when a children's book literally 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. It's perfect in its simplicity.

Will this book get into the right 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 effort.

Wow! This book is amazing! It gave me goosebumps. The author beautifully wrote about something that is not beautiful. I would not put this in a classroom library, but rather have on hand for a student who needed it. The similes and metaphors are so powerful. I will be thinking about this book for days to come.

The Big Bad Wolf in My House is an accessible and age appropriate book about domestic violence. Due out 2nd March 2021 from House of Anansi on their Groundwood imprint, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a beautifully simple book with clear language aimed at younger readers with an important message, which ends with a note of positivity. The subject matter is admittedly difficult but so vital. The author uses allegory and recognizable characters (the big bad wolf) to illustrate some of the normal reactions to domestic violence. The art is whimsical and appealing despite the heavy subject matter. There is *no* overt violence (or bad language) depicted in the book - just referred to in the text.

This would make a superlative selection for home/school/public library acquisition, healthcare professionals, social service professionals, counselors, domestic violence shelters, classroom, or similar. It would also make a good story-time read which could function as a bridge to more in-depth discussion with a younger child.

Five stars. Very well rendered.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.