Book illustrations are AI-generated under the creative direction of C. J. McGuire.P. W. Quigley is a name for this illustration process, not a human illustrator.
A FUNNY, GENTLY SPOOKY PICTURE BOOK · AGES 5–7
Penelope is six and three-quarters. She and her little brother Scott have a theory about Dad. A very hairy theory.
The hairy feet. The howling. The way he attacks a plate of ribs. The evidence is piling up, and the children have an excellent plan to catch him. What could possibly go wrong?
In preparation · Get publication news
LOOK CLOSER
Penelope has a guidebook. Scott has questions. Every picture gives little detectives something else to notice.
Read it with whispers, dramatic pauses and your best suspicious voice. Give children time to study the pictures and decide for themselves: is Dad really a werewolf?
FREE FAMILY BONUSES
What if Dad really were a werewolf? Give this friendly fellow a colorful shirt, some very scruffy shorts and your own ideas about fur.
Print him. Color him. Come back for a fresh copy whenever you like. The colors are your call. The mug stays.
Download your free coloring page1-page PDF · Free · No email needed
Print on US Letter, or choose “Fit” for A4.
An imagined extra to color, not a new ending to the story. For children who prefer an activity without monsters, try a little case below.
DRAW, POINT OR TELL · ABOUT 5 MINUTES
Notice something ordinary. Make a guess. Think of another explanation. A grown-up can write down the detective’s words.
Get the case file + grown-up guide ↓2-page PDF · Print page 2 for the child’s sheet
NO PRINTER · ABOUT 3 MINUTES
With a grown-up, choose a safe everyday object—a spoon, a sock or a leaf. What do you notice? What else could it be in a pretend story?
Take turns being the detective. No special supplies needed.
NO PRINTER · ABOUT 2 MINUTES
Try “Suspicious. Very suspicious.” in a whisper, a thoughtful voice and a silly voice. Quiet voices count, and listening is joining in too.
More easy read-aloud ideas →FOR TEACHERS & LIBRARIANS
Read, notice, wonder—and let the children make their case. Start with the free Werewolf companion, or choose an activity that works without the book.
Free downloads need no email or purchase. Zoom workshops are subject to availability.
The book is in preparation. Join the book-news list below for publication updates.
For a professional review inquiry, contact C. J..
FOR THE GROWN-UPS
Occasional notes from C. J. about the books and publication updates. For parents, teachers and other grown-ups.
