Little Bad Wolf (Before the fairy tale)

By Author / Illustrator

Abie Longstaff, Leire Martin

Genre

Fairy Tales & Folk Tales

Age range(s)

Publisher

Happy Yak

ISBN

9780711296411

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

11-09-2025

Synopsis

From Abie Longstaff, creator of the bestselling Fairytale Hairdresser series, comes a laugh-out-loud new picture book series that reimagines the early lives of classic fairy-tale characters. These funny and original stories turn familiar tales upside down, exploring how the heroes - and villains - became the legends we know today.

The Big Bad Wolf hasn't always been bad, but with his sharp teeth, short temper and a naughty Little Red stealing his special cloak, it might only be a matter of time...

Full of adventure, mischief, and a big bad twist, Little Big Bad Wolf is the perfect read for children who love fairy tales with a fresh, playful edge - and a dash of trouble! Join Little Wolfie and his school friends as we learn what The Big Bad Wolf was like before the fairy tale.

Reviews

Louise

Abie Longstaff's Little Bad Wolf (Before the fairy tale) is a delightful re-imagining of a classic villain's origin story. With its cheeky humour, vibrant illustrations and clever storytelling, this book doesn't just entertain, it opens the door to rich learning opportunities across the curriculum.

Little Bad Wolf (Before the fairy tale) invites children to rethink familiar characters. Little Wolfie isn't bad, just misunderstood. This shift in perspective makes the book a brilliant springboard for discussions about empathy, identity, and reputation. Themes of friendship and self-discovery resonate with young readers, offering gentle lessons in kindness and inclusion.

Role-play activities like hot-seating or reader's theatre deepen engagement and help children explore emotions and relationships in a safe, imaginative space. Children can also illustrate their own versions of Little Wolfie, design story maps, or create visual timelines of the plot.

All in all this is a wonderful, original book, brilliantly illustrated by Leire Martin, that any young reader will enjoy both at home and in the classroom.

32 pages / Reviewed by Louise Gahan, teacher