WEREWOLVES DON'T KEEP DIARIES

A boy begins a mysterious transformation on his birthday.

Lou Chandra-Pine’s life seems typical. Sure, his wildlife biologist parents might be keeping a secret or two—and they run a bat rescue out of the attic. But, like any kid, Lou squabbles with his older brothers, and he’s more than a little disappointed when his biggest birthday gift is a “musty old book” (“This was what being the youngest, smallest one in the family got me”). Putting on a brave face, Lou blows out his candles, wishing to become “a total beast,” so he’ll finally be noticed. Unfortunately, his wish comes true. He starts scarfing down raw steak, his feet sprout hair, and he feels an undeniable urge to howl. Lou might just be growing up, but the signs do seem to point toward a certain canine monstrosity. This story of self-discovery is told in first person, with lots of winking asides and flights of fancy—the hallmarks of any kid with an active imagination. Patel’s goofy, hyperexpressive illustrations accompany brief, chatty chapters, offering an experience sure to entertain and engage. In the black-and-white artwork, Lou appears tan-skinned; his mother’s surname, Chandra, implies South Asian heritage, while his father presents white.

Cute, capable fun for fans of silly scary stories.