Donkey Wolf
What’s inside...
Donkey Wolf is an aging wolf who is no longer able to keep up with his pack and lives on his own near a mining camp. He is nicknamed Donkey Wolf due to his abnormally long ears and is often teased for it. Although he has easier access to food from the camp, he experiences loneliness and yearns for adventure. One day, he overhears sparrows, kept by miners to detect deadly gases, plotting an escape. He decides to help them, freeing them from their cages and embarking on a journey to the ocean, where they hope to board a ship back to England. Along the way, they encounter various adventures and receive help from other animal friends and a Native American boy. The story follows their journey and leaves readers wondering what they will find upon reaching their destination.
Age
2-10
Length
38 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Donkey Wolf felt the way he did when he first met the other animals?
What would you have done if you were in Donkey Wolf’s situation?
How did Donkey Wolf's actions change the way the other animals thought about him?
Can you think of a time when you made a new friend who was different from you?
What do you think is the most important message in 'Donkey Wolf'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, introduce your child to the main characters and ask what feelings they might have about meeting someone very different from them.
Use expressive reading to highlight the emotions and major turning points in the story, enhancing your child’s understanding and engagement.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child to predict what might happen next, fostering critical thinking and anticipation skills.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture or write a short paragraph about their favorite part of the book or favorite character, reinforcing comprehension and creativity.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, which enhances empathy and personal connection to the themes discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: In 'Donkey Wolf,' the hybrid animal protagonist struggles with its dual identity but learns to embrace both aspects of itself. This teaches children to accept and celebrate differences in themselves and others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding and appreciating the diversity among their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: The protagonist faces various challenges due to its unique nature but learns to overcome them through perseverance. This illustrates the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to persist through difficulties in their studies or social interactions, understanding that challenges can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: The Power of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, 'Donkey Wolf' finds friends who accept and support him. This emphasizes the value of friendship in overcoming personal troubles and finding self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to build strong, supportive friendships and be that friend to others, which can be crucial in developing social skills and emotional support networks.
Example Lesson: Self-Discovery
Explanation: As the story progresses, 'Donkey Wolf' embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning more about his unique abilities and identity. The narrative encourages self-exploration and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and accept their own unique talents and characteristics, boosting their self-esteem and personal growth.