Wolf Tales
What’s inside...
A collection of legends from the Cherokee, Dakota Sioux, and other Indian tribes, centering around the spiritual power of the wolf and its interaction with man and other animals. Through her research, Mary Powell has selected traditional wolf stories to be read and enjoyed by children ages 8 and up.
Age
7-9
Length
38 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the wolf felt when he was trying to find his way back home?
What would you have done if you were in the wolf's place during his adventure?
Why is it important for the wolf to have friends who can help him?
What did you learn about how wolves live from this story?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like the characters in the book helped each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a cozy reading nook to make the reading experience special and intimate.
Use different voices for each character to bring the story to life and captivate your child’s imagination.
After reading, relate the story’s themes to your child’s daily experiences to enhance understanding and empathy.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. Discuss why they made that choice.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story or in a hypothetical continuation, sparking creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Wolf Tales', the characters often face challenges that require them to consider each other's feelings and viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Children can use this understanding to better relate to peers and family members, fostering a more empathetic community.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The wolves in the story must work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles, highlighting the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of cooperating with others, whether in school projects or group activities.
Example Lesson: Courage and facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist encounters situations that test their bravery, teaching children that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to face their own fears and challenges with bravery, be it trying new activities or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: Throughout 'Wolf Tales', characters must communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings and achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: This underlines the importance of effective communication in a child’s daily interactions and conflict resolutions.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book frequently encounter setbacks, and their journey teaches resilience and the importance of persisting despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persevere through their own challenges, whether in learning new skills or dealing with personal setbacks.