Wolf in the Snow
What’s inside...
Winner of the 2018 Caldecott Medal, 'Wolf in the Snow' by Matthew Cordell tells the story of a girl and a wolf cub who are both lost in a snowstorm. Through rich and emotive paintings, this book explores themes of friendship and trust as the characters navigate their way home on a wintry night. The book is set to spark imaginations and warm hearts.
Age
2-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Girl
Wolf Pup
Mother Wolf
Discussion points
How do you think the girl felt when she found the wolf pup in the snow?
What would you have done if you were in the girl’s place?
Why is it important to help others, even if they are different from us?
How did the actions of the girl and the wolves show friendship and trust?
What do you think this story teaches us about bravery and kindness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider the feelings of both the girl and the wolf pup throughout the story.
Discuss the illustrations and ask your child what they can infer from the pictures about the story’s mood and the characters’ emotions.
Highlight the moments of decision-making in the story and ask your child what they would do in similar situations, fostering critical thinking.
After reading, relate the themes of the book to your child’s own experiences with helping others or forming unexpected friendships.
Praise your child’s responses and thoughts, to build their confidence in expressing their ideas and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: In 'Wolf in the Snow', the little girl shows kindness by helping a lost wolf cub find its way back to its pack despite the harsh weather and her own struggle to get home.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize when someone else is in need and act compassionately, even when they themselves face difficulties.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The protagonist, despite being small and faced with daunting weather conditions, demonstrates bravery by venturing into the unknown to help the wolf cub.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their fears and take action, especially in situations where they can help others, instilling moral courage.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Both the girl and the wolf cub show perseverance as they face the challenges of the snowy wilderness to reach safety.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence and determination in overcoming obstacles, whether completing a difficult task or resolving a conflict.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Trust
Explanation: Despite being natural adversaries, a bond forms between the girl and the wolf cub, underlining the message that friendship can transcend differences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to build trust and friendships based on mutual respect and care, regardless of external differences.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The girl has to navigate through the snowstorm and figure out how to help the wolf cub, showcasing her problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: It highlights the value of using logic and creativity to solve problems, encouraging children to think critically and act decisively in varied situations.