Wolves

Written by Seymour Simon

Bibliographic data

Simon, Seymour. 1993. Wolves. New York: Scholastic Inc.

ISBN 0590636219

Plot Summary

This is an informational book on the misunderstood animals, wolves. Through straightforward text and extraordinary photographs you will learn about the characteristics, behaviors, and life of a wolf. This is a great book give insight into these amazing creatures.

Critical Analysis

This nonfiction book was written by the award winning science writer, Seymour Simon. He collaborated with the Smithsonian Institution in this story about the truth of the wolf.

Simon is very thorough in giving credit to the photographers of the beautiful color photographs. In this book, the reader learns of the differences between the factual information about wolves and the misinformation that has been believed by so many. Wolves actually resemble dogs more than you would probably think. Simon provides the beliefs of scientists throughout the text.

The layout of the book is very clean and simple. Each page with text has an opposing side with a real life color photograph of wolves in their nature environment. Unlike most books I have read, the credits, dedication, and copyright information are located at the end of the book on the last page.

Simon does not stick to one specific wolf, but he presents the behaviors and characteristics of various species of wolves. As a writer, Simon does a great job in providing the reader with an abundance of information without being overwhelming. I learned a lot of new information about wolves from this book, but the photographs really caught my interest and attention.

Review Excerpts

• "Simon dispels the traditionally negative images of the wolf in this...attractive and simple introduction."  School Library Journal
• “[The facts] debunk the big-bad-wolf horror stories without in any way detracting from the fierce beauty of the wolves' wild nature.” Booklist

Connections

• Have students read another informational book about wolves, like Face to Face with Wolves by Jim Brandenburg
• Have the students select different types of wolves to learn about.
• Introduce the students to other books by Seymour Simon, like Butterflies or Penguins.