The Wolving Time

From the Publisher

School Library Journal
(January 1, 2004; 0-439-39555-0)

Gr 5-8-Near the end of the 16th century, Laszlo Emberek, 13, leads a seemingly idyllic life as a poor shepherd to his family's tiny flock in the French Pyrenees-at least until a wolf appears nearby. He whistles to signal his mother, who comes running, only to throw off her clothes, change into a wolf, and go romping off into the distance. That's right-Jennings spins this interesting historical yarn about a family of werewolves who make their living herding sheep. This tale is no comedy, though, but rather a compelling, thoughtful story. When Laszlo discovers that Muno, an orphaned Basque girl whose parents were executed as witches, has witnessed his mother's change, he worries that she won't keep the family's secret. Cultural, historical, and geographic details make for interesting reading. Also compelling is Laszlo's desire to come of age, to join his parents in making the change. His first journey to the village alone, his first change into a wolf, and his first experience of caring about another young person are all well rendered. Readers are likely to identify with the werewolf metaphor, which evokes the physical and emotional changes that adolescents experience. The exciting climax sees justice served, with Laszlo realizing the preciousness of life and his family secure with hopes for a new and safer life in a new village.-Joel Shoemaker, Southeast Junior High School, Iowa City, IA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly
(December 1, 2003; STARRED)

Jennings (Faith and the Electric Dogs; The Beastly Arms) demonstrates a superb diversity of style and characterization with this gripping tale of a family that can turn into wolves, set in 16th-century France. By choosing this era, the author probes the tenets of Christianity and the corruption of the church at a time when purported witches were burned at the stake. Born into a long line of shepherds, 13-year-old Lazlo lives with his family off by themselves, isolated from the townspeople, due to their foreign accent and ways. His mother and father possess an advantage in their vocation: they can transform into "loup-garou" (what the French called werewolves) to negotiate with wolves in the neighboring pack and protect their flock. When Muno, an orphan girl Lazlo's age, witnesses his mother's transformation while running away from her warden-the town's evil priest-Lazlo realizes that she knows the truth. Yet his desire for a friend impels him to conceal from his parents both Muno's knowledge of their secret and the growing hostility in the village toward them. Taking on the mindset of his characters, Jennings appeals to readers' senses, especially as Lazlo finally chooses to change into a wolf and "the softly fragrant forest... was now a place noisier and smellier than the village square." In contrast to the kindness and integrity of the natural wolves, the "loup-garou" and society's other outcasts, the priest and townspeople emerge as the bestial creatures. This page-turner delivers a fascinating commentary on what constitutes true goodness. Ages 12-up. (Oct.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Voice of Youth Advocates
(December 1, 2003; 0-439-39555-0)

Laszlo's family members are shepherds in sixteenth-century France, living outside the town walls and attending town functions and church infrequently. Another trait that sets his family apart is their ability to change into wolves. Laszlo meets Muno, the priest's charge, as she is running away and witnesses Laszlo's mother changing. Laszlo is afraid that she will tell and the priest will persecute them, but as time passes and Muno does not, he becomes more afraid for the fate he realizes she will suffer living with the priest. In an exciting scene, the family escapes from the dungeons along with Muno and flees to the next township, but no

Publishers Weekly

PW's starred review called this a "gripping tale of a family that can turn into wolves, set in 16th-century France." Ages 10-14. (May) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature

Laszlo has the basic things any adolescent boy could want: beautiful pastures for his sheep, two loving parents, and the chance to become a werewolf someday. His world is full of conflict, though; the town his family lives near dislikes werewolves (which his parents already are). Despite admonitions from a corrupt town priest, Laszlo chooses to accept his family's gift when his own "wolving time" arrives. He is drawn to the human world because of a girl his age, Muno, but the animal sense he gains reveals to him the cruel side of men. Glimpsing both the human and the animal world but not totally understanding either, he is called to be brave beyond measure. Laszlo captivates and inspires readers. The story offers fantasy that stirs one's imagination to take in this supernatural crisis, yet the reader walks in the unmistakably adolescent shoes of a human boy. Magic aside, the book's lessons have direct applicability. Many a teenager is torn between two "worlds" (whether that means between growing up and not, between groups of friends, or otherwise). Laszlo's tale may well parallel theirs. He might inspire anyone to stand on his own four paws and seize the day. 2003, Scholastic Press, Ages 12 up.
—Katie Schooler

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-Near the end of the 16th century, Laszlo Emberek, 13, leads a seemingly idyllic life as a poor shepherd to his family's tiny flock in the French Pyrenees-at least until a wolf appears nearby. He whistles to signal his mother, who comes running, only to throw off her clothes, change into a wolf, and go romping off into the distance. That's right-Jennings spins this interesting historical yarn about a family of werewolves who make their living herding sheep. This tale is no comedy, though, but rather a compelling, thoughtful story. When Laszlo discovers that Muno, an orphaned Basque girl whose parents were executed as witches, has witnessed his mother's change, he worries that she won't keep the family's secret. Cultural, historical, and geographic details make for interesting reading. Also compelling is Laszlo's desire to come of age, to join his parents in making the change. His first journey to the village alone, his first change into a wolf, and his first experience of caring about another young person are all well rendered. Readers are likely to identify with the werewolf metaphor, which evokes the physical and emotional changes that adolescents experience. The exciting climax sees justice served, with Laszlo realizing the preciousness of life and his family secure with hopes for a new and safer life in a new village.-Joel Shoemaker, Southeast Junior High School, Iowa City, IA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Set in a medieval French village, this owes more to the historical werewolf mythology than pop culture. Laszlo's family members are shepherds and werewolves (a contradiction that Jennings makes believable). The Embereks are, in fact, kinder, gentler, and better educated than the villagers they live among. A pitiable girl, who is victimized and enslaved by the village priest who condemned her parents as witches, observes Laszlo's mother change into a wolf. Subsequently, under torture, the girl denounces the werewolf family. The Embereks change into wolves to escape prison, taking the girl with them and heading for a refuge offered by a kind man for whom they have done a good turn. Jennings uses his setting well to limn the double life of the family against the superstitions and harsh social and religious constraints of the time. The stew of adolescent emotions, as Laszlo reaches the age when he can transform at will into a wolf, is made more complex by the terrifyingly beautiful and dangerous world he has entered. Not as action-packed as readers might like, but layered and thought-provoking. (Fiction. 12-14)