Reading: THE WOLF IN UNDERPANTS FREEZES HIS BUNS OFF - Wilfrid Lupano (writer), Mayana Itoiz & Paul Cauut (illustrators)

When I was a kid I would have killed to read any book with the title The Wolf in Underpants Freezes His Buns Off, so as an adult it was a no-brainer to pick up, especially with that cover. Second in a series, mind you! Surprisingly, for a book with such an over-the-top title, author Wilfrid Lupano has written a terrific, timely story that is so much more below the surface than the snow and cold currently blanketing the forest in the book, where all the animals are freezing but make the most of it whether by bundling up and playing, eating cheese fondue around a giant pot, ice skating, etc. Only this season, something is very, very wrong with the wolf who wears only underpants; each day he walks through the forest, past all his fellow creatures having fun, and when asked what's wrong grouchily replies only "They're freezing!" No one can figure out what is wrong with the wolf - what, exactly, is freezing - but being the biggest carnivore in the forest they are determined to ease his anger instead of potentially inciting his hunger by trying to figure out his mysterious declaration. It's only when they give up and all approach the wolf at his home as a unit, do they find out the meaning behind "They're freezing!" - and here the book takes on such a deeper, stronger meaning about being kinder/more considerate of others, that what seemed like a silly, funny children's book instead turns into something deserving of being in every kid's library. The artwork, in wintry tones of white and blue, cover the page and are busy enough to easily captivate the youngest child and hold his/her interest, while the story itself unobtrusively sends its own message without sugar or sentimentality. A real surprise, and even bigger treat.  4.5/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.