Saint Francis and the Wolf
What’s inside...
In Gubbio, Italy, a terrible wolf is terrorizing the town, and no one can stop him despite sending a brave knight, an army of trained warriors, and a mighty war machine. The villagers are at a loss until Saint Francis visits the town and speaks to the wolf in his own language, showing the villagers that neither wealth nor strength are as powerful as love and compassion.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the wolf decide to be friends with Saint Francis?
How do you think the townspeople felt when they saw the wolf change?
Why is it important to show kindness to all creatures, as Saint Francis did?
Can you think of a time when you made a new friend in an unexpected way?
What would you do if you were in Saint Francis' place when he first met the wolf?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the characters, making the story come alive.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points to keep them engaged.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing times when they showed kindness to others.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene from the book, and then describe it to deepen their understanding.
After reading, ask your child how they might act if they met someone who was misunderstood, like the wolf.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and Understanding
Explanation: In the narrative, Saint Francis shows kindness and empathy towards a feared wolf, transforming him with understanding rather than resorting to violence.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach conflicts with empathy and understanding, fostering peaceful and compassionate interactions with others, regardless of initial perceptions.
Example Lesson: Bravery in the Face of Fear
Explanation: Saint Francis courageously approaches the wolf despite the town’s fear, demonstrating the importance of confronting fears to resolve issues.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and challenges bravely, knowing that often the solution requires stepping out of one's comfort zone.
Example Lesson: The Power of Communication
Explanation: The story highlights how dialogues between Saint Francis and the wolf lead to a peaceful coexistence, emphasizing the importance of open communication.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of talking through problems, showing how effective communication can resolve conflicts and misunderstanding.
Example Lesson: Importance of Making Amends
Explanation: The wolf, after understanding the repercussions of his actions, seeks forgiveness and rectifies his ways, which teaches the importance of making amends.
Real-World Application: This can guide children to understand the value of acknowledging mistakes and working towards correcting them, essential for personal growth and relationships.