Bea Wolf Review by the Hobbit. This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
Know Before You Read
Book: Bea Wolf
Author: Zac Weinersmith
Illustrator: Boulet
Publication Date: March 21st, 2023
Pages: 208
Reading Age: 6 and up
Genres: Action/Adventure, graphic novel, classic literature (retold), fantasy, English legends
Warnings: The silliness may go overboard at times. This might bother some parents.
Quick Bea Wolf Summary
This is a zany and fun retelling of the classic Old English story of Beowulf. This book is designed for middle grades and up but can easily be read to younger kids. It retains the feel of Beowulf but in a totally different setting – one that will be more relatable to many kids than the original.
Continue Reading for our Bea Wolf Review
Bea Wolf Review (Contains Spoilers)
“Listen to the lives of long ago kids, the world fighters…”
With these words, we begin our journey into the fantasy world of Bea Wolf. We begin with Carl and his cardboard crown.
“Many foes were felled beneath the cardboard crown. Realms of bullies were raided, their ill-got riches returned. But time waits for no one, and Carl grew up…but passed on his crown. Until the crown came to Roger. In Roger’s reign a tree house is built… A safehouse for kids, strong against foes. A high hall built hard, binding oak and aspen, bridging tree and time.”
Treeheart, Quote from Bea Wolf
But the revelry in the tree house disturbed many of those older. And “one age withered night-walker nursed more wickedness than all the others.” Mr. Grindle.
If you are familiar with Beowulf, you can see where this comes from, and you know where it is going. The evil Mr. Grindle attacks Treeheart. A hero (in this version, a female hero) comes to save King Roger – Bea Wolf. As you can perhaps see from what I have quoted, the author attempts to mimic the feel of the original Old English (and I think does a wonderful job). As explained in the afterwards, he uses a lot of alliteration. He keeps some reference to the structure and uses kennings (twirl the ballet of battle is an example. Reading the afterwards is a treasure)
Bea Wolf takes us through part one of Beowulf and potentially sets up part two.
I am sure many have challenged students to write in the style of Beowulf. With this as a guide that task will be even more interesting. The book can be read to younger children, and enjoyed by elementary age, but is really intended for 8th grade audience up.
Note that the book is a fantasy and takes us to a world much like our own but with differences. There is a lot of quirky silliness as the exploits of long-ago warriors are transposed into this world. So, for instance, our young kids stay up all night drinking soda – the transposition of the original where they partied with something a little harder than soda. Some kids will take this for what it is; others may take it too seriously.
Bea Wolf Discussion Questions
Major Themes to Discuss: Loyalty, courage
- How does the premise of Bea Wolf (kids under the age of puberty) match with the Old English warriors in the original?
- Like the original Bea Wolf emphasizes certain character traits. What are, in your opinion, the ones most highlighted?
- What was the best part of the story?
- Have you read Beowulf? How does this compare if you have?
Thanks for reading our Bea Wolf Review. Check out some of our related content here:
–Yorick and Bones Review: A Shakespearian Skeleton!
–Twelfth Review: Modern Nancy Drew Meets Shakespeare
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