Wolfie and Fly

Starred review from January 9, 2017
Renata Wolfman (aka Wolfie), a proud loner fascinated with undersea life, begrudgingly makes her first friend in neighbor Livingston Flott (aka Fly), an exuberant singer-songwriter who isn’t exactly swimming in pals himself. The two bond over a refrigerator-box submarine Wolfie has built, which she insists “is for educational purposes, not make-believe.” Fagan (Danny, Who Fell in a Hole) has lots of fun with the comedic contrast between Wolfie’s misanthropic tendencies and Fly’s enthusiasm, especially after the submarine seems to actually take to the seas (“Maybe you should take it easy on our oxygen supply,” Wolfie quips after the ocean’s beauty inspires Fly to reach for his guitar). Newcomer Si makes the most of the everyday-meets-fantastical setup in her b&w spot cartoons. It’s a promising first outing for this memorable odd couple. Ages 7–10.

Starred review from March 15, 2017
Grades 1-3 *Starred Review* Renata Wolfman doesn't have any friends or siblings, and that's just the way she likes it. Typically, she spends her time reading and building models or inventions, and on this day, she decides she needs a big project. While in the midst of converting a refrigerator box into a submarine, she is interrupted by her neighbor Livingston Flott, who insists on hiding from his angry brother in the Wolfmans' housemuch to Renata's annoyance. Livingston buzzes with energy (hence his nickname, Fly), and his amiable nature seems impervious to Renata's standoffish personality. After admiring her handiwork, Livingston suggests that they take the sub on an imaginary voyageunfamiliar waters for Renata's fact-focused mind. Undeterred, he coaches Renata through the basics of pretending, and soon the pair is immersed by ocean water and wild adventure. This fun-filled early chapter book brims with personality as the curmudgeonly Renata opens herself up to friendship and new experiences. Lively illustrations capture the kids' imaginative antics, while the relatable story is accessibly written. Young readers will enthusiastically embrace this entertaining odd couple.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2017
Loner Renata Wolfman ("Wolfie") likes facts, while quirky, friend-seeking neighbor boy Livingston Flott ("Fly") likes to use his imagination. When Fly shows up at Wolfie's door, the two find themselves on an undersea adventure in a cardboard submarine of Wolfie's design. The plot is slight, but the real and play worlds feel equally authentic, and ink-and-watercolor illustrations capture the protagonists' personalities.

(Copyright 2017 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)