"When the first wolf says, "I love you, child," and the second wolf says, I must admit you make a better girl that you would have made a meal," the girl is happy. The days pass, and the girl grows stronger and wiser. The first wolf says, "Time moves too fast." The second wolf says, "I'm afraid she will leave us one day."
A cover that pictures a little girl between two wolves howling at the moon is rare, is it not? I know that anything can happen in a picture book, and also that the cover is meant to intrigue the reader with an invitation to take a look.
I had no idea what to think when I opened this unusual and appealing book. I was surprised by its story, and the tenderness it shows young readers when letting them know that families are often different from what might be expected.
What is inside is the tale of a baby in a basket floating nonchalantly down the river.
"She just goes with the flow."
Two wolves on the riverbank, contemplating very different views of their world, happen to see the basket and decide to bring it ashore. Seeing she is all alone, they take the baby home with them. Delighted with her presence in their den, each has a contrasting notion for having her there. One plans on nurturing and teaching her, while the other has plans for a ready meal.
Luckily for all concerned, they do teach her well. She grows older and wiser in a world filled with love and admiration. Then, comes the day the wolves have feared. While she out picking berries, she is inspired by something she has never seen before and it makes her restless for a change. She knows it is time for her to go, and so do the wolves. It is what they have tried to teach her throughout their days together ... "good and evil, light and dark, right and wrong."
The tables are turned and the girl is able to show her love and appreciation for all they have provided by doing the same for them. Lovely artwork and compelling storytelling will make this a favorite read.
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