Description
Nine-year-old Andrew’s parents run an animal rescue center from their home. When they get a call about a wolf hit by a vehicle, they rush to the scene to find the wolf's three orphaned wolf pups.
The pups are unable to survive on their own, and the family brings them home to care for them. Andrew forms a strong bond with the pups, feeding them and even sleeping outside their pen so they feel less scared. He promises to do everything he can so the pups can be re-released into the wild. With the help of a local trapper, Andrew and his family locate the pups’ old den and leave a blanket with their scent to help the pack remember them. Soon the pups are old enough for release. Even though Andrew wants them to be free, it's hard to let them go. He will miss them, but this was always the plan: for the wolves to get back to their wilderness home and rejoin their pack.
The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Praise for Eric Walters:
★“A profound, realistic story of a multiracial family...This brilliantly written tale is a lovely introduction to the important topics of wildfires and animal sanctuaries for young readers. Great for animal lovers and children curious about nature.”—School Library Journal, starred review for Bear in the Family
Author Bio
Eric Walters is a Member of the Order of Canada and the author of over 130 books that have collectively won more than 100 awards, including the Governor General’s Literary Award for The King of Jam Sandwiches. A former teacher, Eric began writing as a way to get his fifth-grade students interested in reading and writing. Eric is a tireless presenter, speaking to over 100,000 students per year in schools across the country. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.
Olga Barinova is a children's book illustrator. A graduate of the Alberta University of Arts, Olga lives in Calgary.
Prizes
- Telling Tales Reading ListCommended 2026
Review Quotes
“Walters offers smooth pacing and the seamless integration of teaching moments. This enthralling book will capture the hearts of animal lovers who will be rooting for the successful release of the wolf pups. Recommended for collections seeking fresh, nature-centered stories.”
— School Library Journal (SLJ)Biographical note
Eric Walters is a Member of the Order of Canada and the author of over 130 books that have collectively won more than 100 awards, including the Governor General’s Literary Award for The King of Jam Sandwiches. A former teacher, Eric began writing as a way to get his fifth-grade students interested in reading and writing. Eric is a tireless presenter, speaking to over one hundred thousand students per year in schools across the country. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.
Olga Barinova is an award-winning children's book illustrator based in Calgary, Alberta. Olga has a design degree from the Alberta University of the Arts and over six years of experience as an illustrator. Her chosen medium is digital, but she strives to give her artwork a traditional look inspired by materials like gouache and color pencils. She has illustrated Maxy Survives the Hurricane, Buckle Up, Let's Celebrate Halloween and the Day of the Dead and Bear in the Family.
