WOOLVS IN THE SITEE

Semi-phonetic spelling and slashing, ominous art add powerful notes of anxiety and otherness to this eerie psychodrama. “I yoosed to hav a familee, a home,” writes young Ben, but now that “the seasons are topsee-turvee” and “nothing is rite,” he huddles in a basement, creeping up the stairs only when he runs out of water. He does find some comfort with his older neighbor Mussus Radinski, even though she refuses to acknowledge the “Woolvs” outside. These are not common wolves, but an undefined, hovering threat that is edging ever closer. It’s her disappearance that, at last, gives Ben the stomach to stand back up, screw his courage to the sticking place and go out in search. “Joyn me,” he urges. Using colors that suggest shadows and burning, Spudvilas creates a scary, depopulated urban setting heavy with unspecific threat. But Ben does defy his fears at the end, and similarly beleaguered children may be inspired to follow his example. Provocative reading. (Picture book. 10-12)