Boy with the striped pyjamas - do with your class or not?

We at CLPE wonder if teachers might use this POR 'teachers book' with their year 6 classes. A few teachers have used it - but it's such a heartrending issue for primary children to come to terms with - I'm just not sure. What do people think?

Olivia, CLPE

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

I would say that I love this book, but it's so sad it almost feels wrong to say that I enjoyed it! I wanted to show Bruno what was really going on and found it very frustrating that I couldn't! I think it's a wonderful, subtle introduction to the horrendous history of WWII for KS2 and 3 pupils.

Natalie, Bank Leaze Primary

West of England Project

Message from Group E

It has been great to use Drama in the literacy lesson, enabling the children to get into role. It has been really powerful. Julia, Christ Church

We have transformed our literacy environment into an 'imagination station' with books, story props and children's own published books. The talk and enthusiasm for reading has developed hugely. Rachael, Christchurch

We had an author visit us, Ros Asquith, which was very inspirational. The children could see that authors are real people and were mesmerised by her. The outcome was some fantastic alien books and descriptive writing. Jane, Manorfield

Message from Group D

The children love it - it's real! The children like working with the same text over two weeks, they love Bob! Elspeth, Edmund Waller

We've done three books already! My class were practising slow motion self defence for hamsters when the head and chair of governors walked in! The children love it.

Jayne, Meridian

We've been doing Beegu - it has been particularly successful with children with EAL - the pictures were really good for discussion and how the characters were feeling.

Helen, Nightingale

Beegu in Bristol

Beegu has been amazing in my Year 1/2 class. They loved her & she helped with our work during Equalities Week. We have done some beautiful writing & artwork .The children continue to pick up the book out of choice when we read or share a book.
Alice, St George Primary
Bristol

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

I found this book to be a very easy (and quick!) read but also very frustrating! It really bugged me that the whole way through you knew what was really going on and how it would end and yet I still hoped that Bruno would see what was going on! Whilst part of me was begging for the blossoming friendship to cause a change in events, the inevitable was always looming :(
(Having said that, I'm much more likely to watch the film now I've read the book!really I guess that's not point of the book but hey!)
Lora, Glenfrome
West of England Project

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

This book is amazing. The funny thing is that you know what a possible ending for this book is likely to be but it still shocked me and made me cry!
I am intrigued to see how it pans out in the film now.
Laura, Portishead
West of England Project

Group C

We've been having a really good look at our bookcorners and thinking how to develop them across the whole school.

Lyon park School

Traction Man is highly engaging and the children are really enthusiastic about it!

Message from Wandsworth teachers

The books really capture the children's imagination - we're doing I was a Rat

Bernie, Sheringdale

A boy in my school this morning was waving The Garbage King, saying how much he was enjoying it.
Fiona, Ravenstone

A little five year old had a real tarantuala on her hand after reading Aaaarrgggh Spider

Jane, Beatrix Potter

The Man on the Moon has been out of this world. Abena, St Judes.

We've had fun with spaghetti from the Spaghetti Spaghetti poem. Helen, St Peters.

The children have really enjoyed talking about the characters from Beegu. Ade, English Martyrs

Message from West of England Teachers

Themed book corners have transformed the children's interest in reading. Debbie, Glenfrome

A 'reluctant writer' in year 6 said " I don't want to stop writing I've got too many ideas!" Beth, Woodlands

I taught the teaching sequence Ten Ways to Help my World with my year one children, they have really enjoyed it- we did booktalk they made links with their own world. Rebecca, Kingsway

I've been using Traction Man it has inspired the lower ability writers and we had a classroom full of action men! Laura, Portishead

Message from Merton POR

I taught the Traction Man sequence and it was fantastic - all the children enjoyed it.

Natalie

It made my class enthusiastic about reading everything.

Cassie

We've put up photos of staff with their favourite books.

Sarah

I taught Clockwork - children loved the story but are critical about the ending.

Rebecca

Message from Central A teachers

It has given me confidence and freedom to enjoy a range of texts and
different activities and teaching approaches in new and exciting ways! Ollie
Winstone, Eltham C of E

My class have really enjoyed The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. It
has been great to unfold the book and explore the text as a whole, seeing the
whole picture. Kidbrooke Park Primary

It has changed my planning for the better! I have been more imaginative
in my approach and it's not taking such a long time! Eltham C of E

Welcome to the Power of Reading blog 2011-12

Welcome to all Power of Reading bloggers new and old for the year 2011-12.

We hope you will use the blog to record your responses to the teachers' books, the classroom texts and teaching sequences.

In particular in the next few weeks we're looking forward to hearing what you think about The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne.

The CLPE team

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

I'm so glad I got around to reading this book and that I hadn't seen the film before hand.So powerful and moving. Made the mistake of finishing it in bed just before going to sleep, big mistake! I almost gasped out loud when I realised exactly what was going to happen when the boy had his head shaved,I actually had a physical reaction to that part.I can't decide if I want to see the film or not now, maybe in a while when my own images have dissapated a bit. A while ago I read The Book Thief, it went on my list of books I would recommend without any hesitation, The Boy with the Striped Pyjamas is on there too.So thanks for another great read, even though it led to a sleepless night! Jill, Bristol

The Boy In Striped Pyjama's

I admit I am not a big reader and it takes something special to draw me in and this book did it. Maybe it was something to do with the simple front cover and blurb that intrigues the reader without giving anything away. I read the book in one day and thoroughly enjoyed the mixed back of emotions and the simple but effective way the story was told. A tale of two boys living very different lives, been brought together to form a true friendship against all odds. A powerful story that stays with you for days. Well worth a read.

Claire Henley in Arden

The Eye of the Wolf

We both enjoyed reading this short story, as others have already mentioned it was an easy read. We both preferred the boy's narrative as opposed to the wolf's. We liked how each unfortunate event the boy faced he turned into a positive. We were intrigued by his connection to animals. We thought the pictures aided the story well as they were simple so it allowed us to use our imaginations. The ending was interesting as one of us interpreted it that the dreams were a vision of what heaven might be like, where you might meet the significant people/animals in your life. We both agreed we would probably read stories by Daniel Pennac again.

Palak and Leena, Dollis Infant School.

I didn't really enjoy this book as I found it quite random and not that gripping. I liked the writers use of language and it was quite surreal, which was at least different. But the main reason for my lack of engagement was that I didn't really feel strongly about either character so I ended up not being that interested in what happened to each of them in the end of the story. Luckily it was quite short so I did finish it out of interest. However, I think that, had it been longer, it would have been left unfinished on the side. I much perefered both the other books we have read and am reading such a good book at the moment (The help, by Katherine Stockett) that I wasn't too enthused about this one.

Lucy - Woodridge Primary

Barnet Power of Reading group
The eye of the wolf

enjoyable and easy to read with lots of good, descriptive language and imagery. We like the two voices aspect of the writing especially the impact causesd when the human voice took over the narrative. We certainly think it suitable to be used with upper KS2 children; they would enjoy the animal acting in human ways. Joyce, Marian, Bell Lane School.

eye of the wolf

This was a very captivating (& unusual) story, right from the outset, when the boy & the wolf first face each other & you wonder what's going to happen. As the stories of the boy & the wolf unfold, you are drawn into their respective landscapes of Africa and Alaska, & you can almost imagine being there - so effective is the story telling. Throughout the book, there is a sense of sadness, not only because of the way each character has suffered, but because of the environmental implications as well. So the book is not only a good read, but also carries a message.

We think it would be a good story to share with children. Although, in many ways, it's very sad, it ends on a note of optimism, & at the end you feel uplifted. It's also quite a short book (with short chapters & sentences), where children could quickly become immersed – & not get bored.

Jackie & Tracey - Church Hill School

The Eye of The Wolf

The Eye of The Wolf was a quick and easy book to read. It was very interesting and atmospheric especially the section about the wolves at the beginning. There was an overiding atmosphere of sadness and a sense of inevitability. I enjoyed it myself but wondered whether it might be a bit bleak for children. The story was well written and gripping. It was fascinating to read the story from the wolf and the boy's points of view and finding out their stories made you want to read on. The boy's perception of the wolf's feelings was intriguing shown by his kindness, as the wolf said, in one closing eye.
At the end of the story what did everyone think happened?

Anne and Eimear
Our Lady Queen of Heaven Primary

Eye of the Wolf

This book was a quick one to read. The use of the different view points was interesting and it gives scope to really identify with each character. We could see how to use it in class, but as an actual class book we were not sure it would hook the children. When we tend to read to the class it is in 10/15minute chunks, and for this book we think you may need longer to really get into the story with your class. The issues thrown up the book could be explored, and we both think from that point of view it could produce a lot of varied work and debate within the class.

Camilla and Sarah

Hotham Primay

There's a Boy in the Girls Bathroom

I'm with my Year 5 class now, having just done a lesson on TABITGB....!
We would like to say:

"This book is written by Louis Sachar who is a great author and it is about a boy called Bradley and a new student called Jeff" Halimat Y5

"This book is an interesting book because of what has happened to Bradley Chalkers and how he behaves." Stefanie

"I like this book because the main character relates to me, but I can use my brain much more wisely than he can!" Kyreece

Eye of the wolf

I really enjoyed the language in this book and how it enhanced the wolfs perspective. It would be interesting to see how KS2 children would respond to this, especially if they are looking at how non-human characters behave in their writing.

Lawrence Wild

The Eye of The Wolf

Very quick read!

We found the plot very disengaging and surreal. We found the language to be very poetic; which was very enjoyable.

Unfortunately, we both feel that we would struggle with enthusiasm to introduce this text to the children. however, we think that the book could generate some interesting debates.

Remi and Rachel St Stephen's C of E Primary School.

The Eye of the Wolf

We're not sure whether we enjoyed this book, but it was an easy and quick read. The language was beautiful and evocative which helped create a dreamlike atmoshere that we found interesting. However we thought that the plot was disjointed and surreal in places, a bit like a work of art that you can appreciate but not really engage with. The ending was particularly weak with an unsatisfying conclusion. We found it difficult to imagine how we might excite children with this book. Perhaps reading it again might help to us to identify and engage with the storyline.

Ros and Cath
Long Lawford Primary

Eye Of The Wolf by Daniel Pennac

I read this book over the space of a few evenings. I enjoyed this book and found it quite easy to read. I liked the way it was portrayed from the Wolfs perspective and enjoyed the different twists. I think this book would be enjoyed by children in Key Stage Two and I think it would open up alot of different learning opportunities.

Becky - Boughton Leigh Infant School

Eye of the Wolf

I really enjoyed this book, particularly the way it came full circle at the end. I found it powerful and atmospheric, whilst still being accessible. I liked the way the boy could communicate with the animals and the mirroring of behaviour and attitudes between humans and animals. The way tragedies were addressed, such as the wolves being hunted and Africa being sold by his Mother, were very effective and could generate some interesting conversation amongst younger readers.

Ruth, Great Alne

Eye of the Wolf

A superb read, really engaging for the adult reader. I loved the way the stories developed and found it hard to put down. Both parts of the story developed so effectively. I would definitely look at more books by this author.

Africa

A very easy read, consumed in one sitting! Having said that I cannot say I enjoyed it a great deal, and it's nothing like the kind of thing I would normally read myself or to my class. I thought there was some beautiful language used, and some lovely ideas. As I read it I tried to imagine what my class would get from it, and if they would engage with it. Food for thought.
Kate Midgley - Friars

Eye of the Wolf

Daniel Pennac is one of my favourite authors and this is the first book of his I have read in English. I think it was a tremendously good idea for a novel and provides lots of scope for children to work with the text, in terms of perspective of the different characters, the theme of journeys and of relationships between humans and animals. I think he has a style of writing that is unique but also accessible for children. A fantastic read!

The Eye of the Wolf

Really enjoyed this book! Particularly enjoyed the boys story and hearing about all the different sides to Africa.
Liked the repetition of the few lines about the boy being a good storyteller, which were throughout the book.
Would like to think that this is the kind of book that my children will read in the future.
Mrs Gregory and Miss Oldham - Malmesbury Primary School

The Eye of the Wolf

I read this book in one sitting. I thought it was very easy to read, and I imagine that children would enjoy the story. Having said this, I did not massively enjoy the story. I appreciated the idea of telling a story from the wolf's perspective, and thought it was very clever how the wolf displayed very human like emotions. I thought the author had a great imagination and raised many interesting issues. I however found the story a bit odd and not very stimulating as an adult reader.
Katherine, All Saints', Merton

The Eye of the Wolf

I really enjoyed reading The Eye of the Wolf. It was very interesting to read part of the book from the wolf's perspective, this would obviously really appeal to children too. It raises a great deal of serious issues in a more accessible way. This book would provide a good gateway to introduce children to some difficult environmental ideas.
Alex Jenkins
Bond Primary

Eye of the Wolf

I have enjoyed reading this book and especially like the idea of animals being able to connect with human beings through a shared sense of loss. The wolf's story has an amusing perspective on human beings which makes you wonder how animals do see us. Africa's gift of storytelling is also an intersting idea in the story. I think my class would like this story, although it requires a bit of a leap from the reader through parts.

Eye of the Wolf Review

I read this book during the Christmas holidays and although I found it a quick and easy read, I didn't enjoy it much. I did, however, love the imagery and the idea of the story, especially the moral content regarding the sister wolf's change of name.
Vickie Parker, Hillside Junior School

Eye of the wolf

I thought I was going to find this book diffficult to read as I don't particularly like books where animals think and speak in a human manner. However, I became curious very quickly as to what was going to happen and read it to the end in one go. It made me reflect on taking more time to really see what's on the inside of others!

Anne Hammond (Oak Farm Infant School - Hillingdon)

Our thoughts on The Eye of the Wolf are:

We loved it. The different parts of the story fell together so well and the symmetry of the text was very appealing. The zoo was intentionally sad but when the characters were all reunited it made sense. We both feel it has great potential for classwork although it may be trickier with the younger children - however, we are open to suggestions!

Looking forward to Tuesday.

Best wishes
Lesley and Amy
William Morris

Eye of the wolf

I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Thought at the beginning, I would find it a slog to read, but enjoyed following their journeys and loved the ending. Didn't expect the eye opening twist!

JSewell St Matthew's, Hillingdon

The Eye of the Wolf

Although this was not my idea of a great read, I can see how children would be gripped by a story that looks into the eye of the animal. It would be interesting to use this story as a model for children's writing, changing the wolf character to another animal or changing the setting of the story so that they can write a 'new' version. It was easy to read and dealt with topical issues.

The Eye of the Wolf

I really enjoyed the book. Thought it was really well written. Found both the wolf and the boy's stories equally interesting and was hooked all the way to the clever ending. Will definately read with my Year 5 class, who are all real animal lovers.

Sarah Daly, St Giles junior School

Eye of the Wolf

I am afraid I did not enjoy this book, maybe because I am not a great fan of books about animals. I do however appreciate the comments made by others about the powerful language and the strength of the relationship built up between the two characters. I think I would have looked at it in a different light if I had actually been reading it with a view towards using it with children. Carol All Saints', Merton

I read The Eye of the Wolf but did not enjoy it as much as other texts I have read recently. I did not like the way it kept changing from the boy to the wolf, although I can appreciate the complexity of writing the book.

I liked that it was short and you could read it easily with a class but I think some students would be easily confused by whose point of view was being used.

Karen - Stanford Primary

Eye of the Wolf

I read this book over two evenings. I found it easy to read and enjoyed the story - it was no effort to read. The beginning was wonderful and the language used really allowed my imagination to picture the scenes. The boy's story I didn't find quite so engaging. However, I loved the way the story was intertwined and the ending was super.

After reading - I fully appreciated the book cover - the illustrator had painted such a wonderful image which was lost on me until I had read the story.

Eye of the Wolf

I Loved the beginning of this book it really made me want to read on.I started reading it in a hurry as I had to choose some books for some actors/story tellers to read in school. I was looking for a book suitable for year 6 and thought I'd read a few pages of the Eye of the Wolf to see if it was a possible choice. I stood in my kitchen and read half the book without even realising! I was fascinated by the wolf and the description of his eye and the stare off between the boy and the wolf.
The actors/storytellers who visited the school read the first part of the story to year 6 as planned and they loved it, one of the actors paced around the children staring at them whilst another read.
I returned to the book later to finish it, I enjoyed it, but was not so engaged with the characters and was a little disappointed as it hadn't lived up to the cracking start.

Eye of The Wolf

I enjoyed the story very much, being an animal lover I was unsure at first how graphic the wolf's story would be (and had my tissues at the ready!). I coped! I liked both parts of the book equally and was pleased with the ending - although secretly I wanted all the animals to be set free! I feel this book would be suited to a KS2 class.
Katie Moy
Ipswich prep

Barnet Power of Reading Group

just checking to see if we can actually do this thing called blogging!!! yes we can, yippee
Joyce and Marian at Bell Lane

Eye of the Wolf

I loved this book. The description of the characters and how all their lives intertwined led to an almost traditional, happy ever after.

Allison Mclatchie

Morehall Primary school

Eye of the Wolf

My third attempt to write on this blog! Silly school computers.

I enjoyed Eye of the Wolf - I loved the relationship the two characters built up and the fact they both learnt their stories through each other's eyes - fantastic description of the Wolf's eye. Our link colleague Jennie Clarke had actually shown us this extract during our POR INSET and actually having that experience and looking more closely at the text made me understand it more when I was able to read the whole thing and understand the context for the extract.

I, in contrast to a lot of people, found the second part harder to understand. The boy's story was more abstract but easy to read and I read this quickly in an evening. I didn't feel like putting it down (even with the pressure of having to read it!) This would make a great Guided reader - the relationships between characters (animals and humans) the description of the landscapes - links to geography, history - that I think a lot of children would enjoy getting into this book. It's perfect for the Tell me Grid - what I liked, disliked, patterns, puzzles, questions and what it reminds you of - what a great couple of sessions that would be on its own.

Sarah Lowden
Churchfields Junior School, Redbridge

The Power of Reading!

After starting this project as a lover of books I initially thought it would be impossible to read 10 books; where would I ever find the time? But after the first introduction to 'The Other Side of Truth' I have read all the books given to us and bought three more. I have shared this love of books and reading with my Year 2 class and have even started swapping books with other pupils in my school. 'You're a bad man, Mr Gum!' By Andy Stanton is a very funny book, with an excellent play on words, that amuses children an adults alike. I am looking forward to more inspiration on Thursday.

Rebecca England, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Greenwich.

The eye of the wolf

The first time I tried to read this book i could not get into it at all and gave up after the first chapter. I found it confusing and boring. However, on the second attempt I had less distraction and once past the first chapter found it intriguing. The contrast between the boy and the wolf was very clever. The story of what happened to the wolf was also moving. I agree with other people, however, it is not a book I would choose to read or recommend. i much preferred The garbage king and other side of truth.

Eye of the Wolf

I agree with the Sunday Telegraph review- "An exquisitely atmospheric novel."

Nicola Campbell

Fullwood Primary

It was definitely an interesting read but also a confusing one as I lost track of the story and connections towards the end of the book. I read it within a couple of hours so the words were easy to read. There was alot of description and detail, which I liked, but I found the changing of tense throughout the book quite hard to keep up with. I'm not sure it is a book I would like to read again but it would be interesting to read another of his books to see if there are any similarities.

Eye of the Wolf

As others have said, it was a pleasure reading a book that I could finish quite quickly. I didn't, however, find it an easy read and had to keep on re-reading pages and looking back at other chapters to check that I was on track. It was difficult following the characters, however, the language was easily understood and I found myself spending more time looking at the illustrations than conentrating on what I was reading. As someone else said that re-reading it may make it more enjoyable.

The Eye of the Wolf

I enjoyed the opening of the story and began to read on in eager anticipation. After finishing the book, I thought " I've missed something here!"I couldn't work out what was going on and wondered if the book lost something in the translation. I thought it was all rather strange and wonder what the target audience thought about it. Not for me I'm afraid. I much preferred "The Garbage King".

Eye of the Wolf.

I thought this was a brilliant read. It is a book I would choose to read independently and couldn`t put it down until finished. The start of the book captured my imagination and having stood and looked at a Canadian wolf moving around his compound, I felt Daniel Pannac reflected this in his writing and also the sense of it observing you as much as you looking at it.

Chris Johnstone, Newdigate Primary School, Bedworth, Warwickshire.

After reading Garbage King and The other side of the truth, I was really looking forward to reading the Eye of the Wolf. It took a long time to get into and I found it a bit confusing! I kept having to reread parts and work out who was actually telling the story at the time. Perhaps I will read the book again and concentrate a bit more on it. I kept finding myself other things to do! It didn't really capture me, but I will 'give it another go.'
Jo Norris, Whitnash Primary School

Traction Man - Mini Grey

An excellent book that hooked my year two class from start to finish. Mini Grey cleverly writes this story as a comic strip which is so different to anything I have used before.
My class loved keeping a class journal of the process undertaken. We were able to keep photo's, examples of work, the childrens thoughts and ideas plus lots more. The journal is now in our book corner and is well read and a constant reminder of the fabulous book.
Other activities such as drama and hot seating were very effective and helped the children to understand and explore the characters. They adored making the story boxes and adding props to create a new scene, a perfect lead into writing a new traction man story.
I cannot recommend this book enough and the work that comes from it is wonderful.

Eye of the Wolf

It took me a while to get into the book, although short and easy to read. I did however begin to appreciate the story and found it thought provoking.

Claire Hillingdon

Eye of the wolf

I really enjoyed this story. I liked the way the story started with the boy staring at the wolf, then how the story kept going from the past to the present. An enjoyable and easy read.

Michael Mallach
IJPS

Eye of the Wolf

I absaloutely loved it and was quickly transported to the other countries and places that DanielPennac describes with such succinctness and economy of language. The names of the animals were wonderful and I can imagine children easily identifying with names such as Great Wolf, Black Flame and Shiny Straw. My favourite has to be Saucepans though, can't you just imagine the camel trudging over the desert with pans clanking on his pack? The illustrations are beautifully drawn with just enough detail but plenty of scope for the imagination to go where ever you want. Having recently found out that I am closely related to the earliest settlers of New England and Conneticut, who were deeply involved in the colonial wars, and were made captive and transported across the lakes and forested wilderness of Canada,( in fact my ancestors story inspired James Fenimore Cooper to write The Last of the Mohicans) this has brought a whole new dimension to my reading of the book! Writing this blog is making me want to re-read it as it's weeks ago that I first read the book and I hardly ever re-read books as there are so many waiting to be read. I recommended it to my husband so that I could share what I just experienced. I would never have found this book without doing the Power of Reading course, so thanks for another really different enjoyable reading experience.

Jill Williams. Long Cross Primary and Nursery School Bristol.

Eye of the wolf

An enjoyabe read. Like how Daniel Pennac uses the point of view writing which comes together at the end.
Jo Rose Grove primary

The London Eye Mystery

I read this over the weekend.
What a great story.
I really enjoyed the perspective of Ted, the narrator, who has Aspergers (I assume) although this is never actually said explicitly.
The book also has a really interesting story attached to it about the author and the proceeds from the book.
So, thanks to Elizabeth, one of our Y6 teachers who motivated me to read it by sayong she was planning to use it with her class. Definitely interesting for our London children - maybe a day out can be planned to go and see the scene of the crime first hand???

Kathryn, Barnet LEA

Eye of the Wolf

This story was very thought provoking, particularly on the issue of hunting. I really liked the way that the author told the story through the eye and how this was a realistic connection between the wolf and the boy.
The book was a short, easy read but I could not put it down once I had started. I thought the ending may have been a bit too farfetched with all the animals being reunited in the zoo but maybe that was the point.

Emily-Merton Abbey Primary

The Eye of the Wolf

Enjoyed a quick read for a change!

Found the beginning a little confusing/distorted although I think this was the authors intent as the wolf was very caught up in himself to begin with. It came together as I read on and a powerful connection emerged between Africa and the wolf, who both had such negative human experiences and told their tales in a 'fable' style.

I did find myself having to go back and check who was grey wolf and who was blue wolf at one point in the story; I agree with other bloggers that a second read, knowing the ending, would give better comprehension and flow to the book as a whole.

I think children would enjoy reading this and many 'right or wrong?' environmentalist discussions could come from it.

Anna, St Matthews C of E School

Eye of the Wolf

I enjoyed this book and like others found it a pleasant change to be able to complete a book so quickly! I thought the words used painted really detailed pictures in my head and liked the structure of the story- moving from past to present and from character to character. However the length of the chapters sometimes left me wanting more. Just as I was getting into an aspect of the story it stopped. I also agree with another blogger that the ending was a bit abrupt for me. Overall though, a good read.
Louise - Goose Green Primary

Eye of the wolf

It took me a while to get into this book, but eventually I started to appreciate it. I found it very atmospheric and thought provoking, and I liked the way it jumped from past to present and from character to character. A very interesting book, but I preferred The Garbage King, which I couldn't put down.

The eye of the wolf

I really enjoyed the pace (and shortness) of this book, I was able to finish it in one bath, something never achieved before! I liked the twist at the end and had not seen it coming. I also enjoyed the use of description- conjuring up some beautiful images in my minds eye. Unlike some of the other bloggers I enjoyed how the story flicked between the present and the past and found it more engaging because of it. I felt that the wolf's story was a better tale than Africa's from what I can remember (I read it the evening after the last inset).
Lucy Howard Alderwood Primary School

This is the first text I have read in a long time, that is from the perspective of a animal - exploring and experiencing 'life' from their point of view. I like the way the story starts in the present - it is as if I too was by the cage, watching this scene between wolf and boy. As the story progresses, the narration informs the reader of the complex emotions felt by these animals, that a human cannot understand. It is so interesting to read their intrigue and fear of 'us'. What I particularly like about this story so far, is the depth of information about these wolf experiences and how the author emgages the reader in what is happening, by writing in the present tense. I am thoroughly enjoying The Eye of the Wolf.. I am wondering what will happen to Shiny Straw?
Helen Ellis - Mayflower Primary School

Review: The Eye of the Wolf

Initially I found this book difficult to get into and had to reread some parts several times, so I was sure of the characters. However I did eventually enjoy the story and was able to appreciate the difficulties the characters had come through. I particularly felt sorry for the boy, although the wolf had experienced truama too!

The book was quite a short read and may be worth reading again as I was reading the book late at night.