Claudia Rueda adapts a traditional play song from her native Colombia into a picture book that will come alive with the participation of young listeners. “Wolf, are you there?” asks each animal in turn as it enters the forest. But Wolf is busy getting dressed, and each time he replies (“I am putting on my undershirt . . . I am putting on my pants . . . ”), an ecstatic purple deer responds, “Let’s play in the forest while the wolf is not around!” The animals are joined by a little red-hooded girl and they have a fine time jumping rope and playing ball, until . . . “ 'Wolf, are you there?’ 'Yes, and I am very hungry!’ ” Rueda’s comical art style (lots of big bulging eyes) complements a rousing participatory story. (Brief instructions for how to play the game are provided.) (Ages 3–6)

Let's play in the forest while the wolf is not around, sing the animals in the forest. Wolf, are you there? I am putting on my underpants, Wolf answers. As Duck, Bunny, Moose, Beaver, and others play between the trees, Wolf continues getting dressed: undershirt, pants, T-shirt, socks, and shoes. By the time he has combed his hair and put on his backpack, Wolf is VERY hungry, and the animals are suddenly VERY afraid. Luckily for the animals, Wolf is hungry for PANCAKES -- his favorite!