Subject Area: Language Arts

Book Summary
Herbie loves being read his nightly wolf storybooks — provided his mother removes them from his room before turning off the lights. When mom forgets to take out the books and wolves appear in his room, Herbie must summon his favorite fairy tale characters to help.

Objective
Children will make connections between references to fairy tale characters presented in the story and popular fairy tales, and they will create their own fractured fairy tale.

Before Reading
Show the children the cover of the book and read the title together. Ask them to look at the cover very carefully and to share what they think the book will be about. Ask them to share what they already know about storybook wolves.

Teaching Plan
Who's Who in the Story?

Materials

• Drawing paper
• Crayons and marker
• Chart paper

Activity

1. On the top of a sheet of chart paper, write the heading "Who's Who in the Story?" Tell the children that you will reread the book Beware of Storybook Wolves. Explain that you want them to identify all of the different fairy tale characters that appear in the story. Ask them to raise their hands when they recognize a character from a fairy tale or the title of a story. Record their comments on the chart paper.
2. Now invite the children to draw a picture and write about their favorite character or favorite part of the story. When they are finished, invite the children to share their work with their classmates.

Spin-off Fractured Tales
Materials

• Story paper
• Chart paper
• Markers
• Pencils
• Crayons

1. On a sheet of chart paper write the following titles:
   The Sleeping Princess and the Case of the Missing Jell-O
   Cinderella Wolf Goes to the Ball
   Fairy Godmother Goes on Vacation
   Little Red Riding Hood and the Tiny Caterpillar
   Beware of Little Boys Named Herbie
2. Reread the book to the children. Read the different titles listed on the sheet of chart paper. Ask them to explain how they each relate to the story Beware of Storybook Wolves.
3. Tell the class that they will choose one of the titles listed and write their own "fractured" fairy tale. Explain that a fractured fairy tale is when an author retells a familiar story with a twist. He/she might rewrite the ending or add or change a character. Provide students with story paper and drawing and writing materials. Remind the children to write the title of their story on the top of their paper. Offer assistance if needed.
4. Invite the children to share their finished work during group time. Display their stories in the reading area or bind them together to make a class book.

Other Books About Story Book Wolves
Wolf!
by Becky Bloom
The hungry wolf cannot scare these farm animals that are all too busy reading their books. When he realizes that they are not impressed by his presence, the big, bad wolf forgets his hunger and learns how to read.

Suddenly!
by Colin McNaughton
The big, bad wolf constantly pursues little Preston Pig. Unknowingly, Preston outsmarts the wolf, sending him to the Wolf hospital.

The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig
by Eugene Trivizas
This hilarious variation of the original tale has a wonderfully positive new twist to the ending.

Other Books by Lauren Child
I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato
Clarice Bean, That's Me
I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed

Teaching plan written by Risa Young