What This Book Is About
Bao is a quiet, anxious kid who is afraid of just about everything—the dark, loud noises, new places, other kids. School is especially terrifying. But when Bao puts on a wolf suit, something shifts. Inside the costume, Bao feels brave, powerful, and unstoppable. The wolf suit becomes a shield against the scary world, letting Bao do things that once seemed impossible: walk into the cafeteria, speak up in class, even make a friend.
Written and illustrated by Sid Sharp, The Wolf Suit is a warm, beautifully drawn early reader that understands childhood anxiety from the inside out. The illustrations do as much storytelling as the words, using visual metaphors to show how fears can feel enormous and how a small act of imagination can shrink them down to size. It's a story about discovering that bravery doesn't mean not being scared—it means finding your own way to face what scares you. Selected as a Junior Library Guild pick, this book resonates deeply with any child who has ever felt too small for a big world.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why We Recommend This Book
For A1-level readers (Grade 2), The Wolf Suit is a standout recommendation for three reasons.
First, it addresses anxiety and fear with honesty and warmth. Many children in international schools are navigating new environments, new languages, and new social dynamics—Bao's story validates those feelings while showing that courage comes in many forms.
Second, the visual storytelling supports early readers beautifully. The illustrations carry so much meaning that even children who struggle with text can follow the emotional arc of the story, building comprehension skills and reading confidence simultaneously.
Third, it sparks important conversations. UWC values social-emotional learning, and this book gives parents and teachers a natural way to talk about feelings, coping strategies, and the difference between pretending to be brave and actually finding strength within yourself.
Reading Level Guide
Building reading foundations? Start with picture books and read-alouds first.
Perfect difficulty. The illustrations carry the story alongside the text, making every page accessible and emotionally rich.
A comfortable, quick read. Focus on the visual storytelling and deeper emotional themes.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.