Description

‘If you know where to look, kiddo, the world is full of magic and monsters.’

Six-year-old Henry believes his life is a fairytale. He’s a Star Prince, his mum is a Star Queen and they’re hiding from Henry’s father, the mysterious ‘Wolf King’.

When news arrives that his Grandma is gravely ill, Henry and his mum must take a road trip across the country and back into the Wolf King’s orbit. Henry isn’t afraid: he knows his magic powers will save them. But as the King draws ever closer, Henry’s world starts to fall apart. Who is the real baddie in his life? Who can he trust? And why don’t his powers seem to work?

In this astoundingly original story of heroes, villains and the messy reality between them, a world of violence and fear can be wildly funny and streaked with magic. Through its unforgettable narrator, The Wolf Who Cried Boy explores how cycles of violence, misogyny and corruption must be broken if we ever want our children to grow up free

About the author(s)

Mark Mupotsa-Russell is a writer living on Wurundjeri Country in the Yarra Ranges. His debut novel, The Hitwoman's Guide to Reducing Household Debt, won the 2023 Affirm Press Mentorship Award. Before writing novels he was a screenwriter, film reviewer, cocktail columnist, PR consultant and communications adviser in the suicide prevention sector. He lives among the trees with his art therapist superstar wife, hilarious son and a moodle majestically named 'Mufasa'.

Reviews

'The Wolf Who Cried Boy is violent, unnerving, sadistic and challenging. It is an amazing story to be read with a double gin and tonic within reach for readers of a delicate disposition.'

'Mupotsa-Russell has serious range as a writer: his previous novel was the bestselling black comic crime caper The Hitwoman’s Guide to Reducing Household Debt. This one’s more in the vein of Boy Swallows Universe ... but is just as skilled and absorbing.'

'Thought-provoking.' 

'Mupotsa-Russell’s execution of a child’s perspective is masterful'.