The Wolf Zacharias and his friends are eager to take part in the contest for the Baddest Wolf! The winner must be the strongest, the fastest, the smartest, and of course the baddest!
However, Wolf Zacharias, who is very egotistical and always wants to win, keeps cheating. In the end, he wins the prize, but at what cost... Until something unexpected happens that makes him reflect on himself and his actions...
Although I don't usually prefer books that are part of a series, the children's books with the wolf Zacharias as the main character are different. They are not just simple children's books with little stories... They are pleasantly educational books that convey strong messages to our children, teaching them the right way to think and behave!
I chose this particular book from the series because I see that one of my twin boys always wants to win and be first in all activities. Also, I know very well from my own childhood how difficult it is to be first... How much effort and energy you waste for that reason. So I want to help him understand that it's practically impossible to always come first... All this effort is pointless and takes an emotional toll!
This book suits us perfectly... I had bought it when my kids were still little and that's why the long text tired them. But now that they've grown, we read it and they follow it more comfortably. So it's time for us to get the rest of the books in the series!
However, from the beginning they liked it and followed it with interest. The vivid colorful illustrations on most pages play a big role. Another reason is the more human and vulnerable side of the main character. Even though he is a bad Wolf, he feels loneliness, sadness, despair and is not ashamed to cry and admit his mistake!
I also really like all the covers of the series, which are based on a nice colorful background, like a chessboard, and in the foreground is Wolf Zacharias. With him is an object related to the story... A mirror and the first prize!
It is also small in size, with a thick cover and nice glossy paper, which makes it easy for children's little hands.
It really is pointless and exhausting to always strive for first place. To reach that position, you waste a lot of energy and time for no reason. And when you get there, there is loneliness, hatred, and jealousy from others.
On the contrary, friendship, cooperation, and fair play are qualities that all children should develop from a young age.
In all this, the bad Wolf Zacharias, who in the end isn't so bad after all, helps a lot!