A Wolf Called Wander

by Rosanne Parry

[Beth C.]

*NOTE: I read a bound galley for this, so there may be changes and I can't comment on the artwork, as it was not included (sadly).*

I am a wolf-lover. Have been for years. I feel like they've been unfairly demonized for so many years, and that they have a valuable place in our ecosystem - other than to be classified as "vermin" or "pests" or "evil". Of course, that means I'm somewhat familiar with OR-7 (otherwise known as Journey), the wolf that the book is based off of. So...I was curious. Curious how the book would be written (writing from the animal's perspective can be...a challenge...), and whether or not I wanted to try and get a couple of copies for the bookstore I work at. Short answer? Yes :)

The writing is not flowery or overdone, rather it seems meant to follow the train of thought as a wolf would - short, succinct, and with impressions of smells and sounds playing a huge role. While that is how Wander conveys his thoughts, the rest of the writing is enough to make sure there is no confusion with what may be happening. I have a feeling the artwork will go a long way towards portraying what is happening as well, though again - it was not part of the galley I read. Unfortunately, neither was the factual information that will be included in the book. However, just based on the story itself that I read - I would definitely recommend it, and I intend to get a couple of copies for the store. It's interesting, portrays wolves in a way that many kids will relate to - even those (like me) who may simply be young at heart. ;)