Customer Reviews

The Eyes of Gray Wolf

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of those children's picture books that doesn't quite fit a given, standardized genre. In many ways, it bucks the trends, refuses to be pigeonholed, and is a departure from the norm.

While "The Eyes of Grey Wolf" is indeed supposed to be a children's book, it defies description and genre in such unique ways as to make it fit for any age group. Best of all, the story is guaranteed to stay with you, despite taking up only thirty pages.

Written in a short, to-the-point, and almost poetic prose style that conjures up Native American folk tales, the book is equal parts kids book and adult literature. And the paintings? Absolutely glorious in their realistic depiction of Gray Wolf's adventure on a snowy, moonlit night. The effect of combining both the stylized writing and luminous art is an almost magical tale that could have come from Native legends.

Included at the end is a page or two with factual information on wolves, and contact information for some wolf conservation groups. Overall, an excellent book for any youngster's report on wolves, endangered species, or the environment.

The book is relatively short, but do not let that dissuade you from purchasing it. Once you've read it, you'll be glad to have "The Eyes of Grey Wolf" in your collection.

To author London and illustrator Van Zyle, I say thank you for putting this project together.

By looking into Grey Wolf's entrancing yellow eyes, we are able to grasp the radiance and spirit of these magnificent animals. Grey Wolf has lost his mate to a steel trap that man had set in the forest. We hear his howling, his "untamed music." It echoes from the mountains. Through illustrations of moonlit valleys hugged by the still night air, we become part of Gray Wolf's quest. He finds a pack in night's stillness and his eyes dance with the eyes of the pack leader. A white wolf separates herself from the pack and she and Gray Wolf circle each other. "Even the trees seem to hold their breath." Then the wolves trot off across the snow and soon curl up together to wait for spring. They will make a new pack of their own. The poetic prose written for a lower elementary audience and magnificent drawings vividly depict the great beauty of the wolf. At the end of the book, the author lists many preservation groups and shows a map of the wolf's range in North America in the 1700's versus its range today. This book is a wonderful starting point to educate children about the wolf's endangered status in the lower 48 states (except Minnesota where they are threatened). There are many wolf recovery programs in the United States including the Wolf Reintroduction Program at Yellowstone.

Words, words, words. London knows how to choose them. He educates while entertaining you.

I emailed the sender to explain that I needed this item quickly. It was shipped right away and exactly as promised!

I don't know if I got a fluke book, but ours had the cover both upside down and backwards. Not a major deal but for a 6 year old who loves wolves it is disappointing due to confusion.