Sasha and the Wolfcub
#1 of 2 in Sasha and the Wolf Series
What’s inside...
Sasha takes his father's sleigh and drives it outside the confines of his Russian village, despite his mother's warnings about wolves. When he gets lost, Sasha comes across a little wolfcub, itself lost, and strikes up a friendship. A story set in a Russian winter, Sasha takes his father's sleigh and drives far outside the village. When the sleigh overturns in the snow, Sasha seeks shelter in a little wooden hut. There he finds a fierce wolfcub with bright shining eyes. Ferdy, the wolfcub, is no ordinary wolfcub - he can talk!
Discussion points
How did Sasha feel when she first met the wolfcub and how did her feelings change throughout the story?
What would you do if you found a wolfcub like Sasha did?
Why do you think the wolfcub was important to Sasha?
How can we help someone feel welcome and cared for when they are new to a place, just like Sasha did with the wolfcub?
What lessons did Sasha learn from her adventure with the wolfcub?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions about each character's actions, emphasizing empathy and understanding.
Compare the story to real-life situations, asking your child how they would react in similar scenarios. This builds critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Discuss the importance of kindness and courage, as demonstrated by Sasha, to inspire these qualities in your child.
Use the book’s illustrations to deepen the discussion, prompting your child to describe what they see and how it relates to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: In 'Sasha and the Wolfcub', Sasha shows kindness to a lost wolfcub, teaching readers about empathy by caring for someone who is different.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding and addressing the feelings and needs of their classmates or pets, fostering a more compassionate approach towards others.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Sasha takes on the responsibility of protecting and nurturing the wolfcub, demonstrating the importance of being accountable for the welfare of others.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's life by taking care of their belongings, doing chores at home, or looking after younger siblings, cultivating a sense of duty and reliability.
Example Lesson: Courage and facing fears
Explanation: Sasha confronts fears by protecting a wolfcub despite the potential dangers, illustrating bravery and the importance of facing fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace this lesson by tackling new challenges at school or in social settings, learning to overcome fears and grow in confidence.
Example Lesson: Friendship and trust
Explanation: The bond between Sasha and the wolfcub highlights the themes of friendship and building trust, regardless of differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to build meaningful relationships and trust with diverse peers, promoting inclusivity and understanding in their interactions.