A fun book for any full moon sees Oliver James turning into a werewolf for the first time. He had no idea, but he loves his super strength, super speed, and super everything. But he doesn’t like it when his friends run away. This book is simple and charming. I like the illustrations, however some are hard to see because the author rendered them in similar shades of purple. ( )

Art: Amazing
Storytime: Not Recommended

The story and art are both wonderful as they star a little boy who becomes a werewolf. Only negative that holds it back from being a storytime read is the dark text on dark pages. This book would be very hard to read during storytime without lots of memorization. ( )

On his way home from band practice one evening, Oliver James is unexpectedly transformed into a werewolf. After an initial period of confusion - why is everyone running away?, he wonders - our hero is quite excited. Being a werewolf comes with quite a few fun qualities, such as super speed and strength. But when Oliver James rushes home, so that he will not be late for dinner, he suddenly has a worrying thought: what will his parents says? Will they be frightened? Will they accept him...?

Although A Werewolf Named Oliver James is apparently British author/illustrator Nicholas John Frith's third picture-book, it is the first from him that I have encountered. The story here is entertaining, focusing more on the fun of transformation, rather than the spooky thrills sometimes associated with werewolves and other creatures of the night. The artwork is likewise appealing, particularly those scenes (and they are frequent) where Frith uses a darker background, from purple to gray. Recommended to young children who wonder what being a werewolf (or any other supernatural creature) would be like, as well as to those searching for reassurance stories about our parents always accepting us. ( )