Kids & Parents
I’ll Eat You Up!
I have read Where the Wild Things Are to my four-year-old son, Jackson, at least five hundred times.
“Max said he was going to eat his mama up, but he never did!”
It is true, Max does not eat his mother up.
But, luckily for Jackson (and others like him), there are plenty of picture books where main characters get munched. Below are a few:
PS. For parents and other grown-ups in search of a truly terrifying and gruesome book, try Bird Box by Josh Malerman. It's especially frightening when read on a dark windy night after all your children have gone to bed.
Wolves
by Emily Gravett
A personal favorite, this clever (and wonderfully illustrated) book tells the story of a rabbit who borrows a book from the library and a big bad wolf. There is an alternative ending for more sensitive readers, but I recommend sticking with the original.
I Am the Wolf ... and Here I Come!
by Bénédicte Guettier
This silly board book about a wolf getting dressed (in everything from heart covered boxer briefs to a black coat) is a toddler crowd-pleaser (and the ending always induces squealing and screaming at our house).
Bear Despair
by Gaëtan Dorémus
A simple story of determination (and a HUGE stomach), this wordless picture books makes one thing clear: Never take a bear’s stuffed teddy. Not ever. For those who like a truly twisted ending, skip the last few pages.
Carnivores
by Aaron Reynolds
If you’re looking for a fantastical way to introduce children to the meaning of “vegetarianism” and “carnivorism” this book is for you. An especially good choice for slightly older kiddos who are tired of happy, harmless endings and want a picture book that doesn't sugarcoat.
I Want My Hat Back
By Jon Klassen
A family favorite, this book is destined to become a classic. Little kiddos (and their grown-ups) will delight in the simple illustrations, repetitive storyline, and delicious ending.
The Good Little Wolf
by Nadia Shireen
Good wolves and little old ladies beware! Try as you might, sometimes you just can’t take the “big and bad” out of a wolf. Reviewers on Amazon have called the ending “awful" -- and it truly is (but in a humerous way). My boys absolutely love this book (Jackson and his 11-year-old brother).