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.

Review: Eye of the Wolf

I think the opening of this story is fantastic. It draws you in and sparks your curiosity. The tale of the Wolf from his point of view is very well written and thought provoking.

I also enjoyed most of Africa's story however I was disapointed by the ending. I am not sure if something is lost in the process of translation. It seemed to end too suddenly and left me wanting something more.

I have used the book at school but only the opening rather than the whole story.

Bernadette from Winston Way

Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac

I really enjoyed reading this book: it was a very quick read and so satisfying to finish a book in a few evenings; the illustrations added to the read; the life of the wolf is fascinating and made you think again about how cruel humans can be to animals; the ending brings everything together in such a satisfying way and leaves you with that warm feeling all good books should. Also, my 13 year old son loved the book and I want to thank the project for inspiring him to read again as he used to in primary school (he is now ahead of me and is reading "The Boy in Striped Pyjamas"!). I agree with other comments that the names of all the wolves were confusing and I had to keep reading back over a few parts to work out which animal was which.

St Matthias and Dr. Bell's Bristol

Eye of the wolf

Having read The Other Side of Truth and The Garbage King, I was really looking forward to reading this book.
I did find it a little difficult and disconcerting at first, but after the first couple of chapters, I really started to feel like I could understand each of the characters. I feel I have to agree with some of the other comments, in that I think it deserves a second read to fully understand all of the different concepts in the story.
I really thought it was heart-warming that the boy and the wolf found a true companion in each other, and although you have to suspend your disbelief a little, it was really sweet to have most things worked out by the end of the story.
A really interesting story.

Rahima Miah
Mayflower Primary
Tower Hamlets

Daniel Pennac Eye of the Wolf

I thoroughly enjoyed The Other SIde of the Truth and The Garbage King, so was a little disappointed when I started reading The Eye of the Wolf. I found it difficult to get into and a little confusing - Where did the cubs come from? Had it gone back in time? Who was telling the story? Who was Blue Wolf/Grey Wolf etc. I found myself having to re-read bits to make sense of it. I should point out that I was reading in bed and was very tired, hence I nodded off a few times. I will endeavour to read the book again, preferably when I am more alert!

Raye Scott
Alderwood Primary School

Message from Hillingdon

The whole school have embraced the project by creating reading corners in their classrooms and spending quality time in their classrooms reading aloud. Jo at Sacred Heart.

Whitehall Juniors have really taken off with the project, enhanced their learning environment and incorporated the teaching seqeunces into their planning. Rosa Harkin.

We've been reading There's a Boy in the Girl's bathroom and they love it! When I whip it out there's an enormous 'Yesssss!' from the children. Anna at St Matthews.

Lady of Shalott

We have just begun the Lady of Shalott - the children have really enjoyed it and have begun to make better links using the Likes / Dislikes / Puzzles / Connections sheet. We have produced some great art and I'm looking forward to building some poetry!

Barnet Power of Reading Group

We started Into The Forest and my class have started doing lots of work on it in their own time at home! Simone, Summerside School.

I made a snow cave in the reading area to go with the winter theme. My reading area was previously quite bleak, now it's really exciting. The children love it!
Hannah at Cromer Road School.

We have completely revamped our reading areas at very little cost. It is now being visited almost continously!
Joyce and Marian at Bell Lane School.

Central Group B Teachers

"I've just started doing Skellig with my yr5/6 class and they are hooked!"Jane Begum, St Paul's, Southwark.

"We've just finished Ice Palace, I've noticed that they are so immersed in the text that it feeds into all their writing and they've produced really good quality work." Sharon Leach, Michael Faraday, Southwark.

"I have a boy in Year 6 who didn't use to like reading - since we started doing the London Eye Mystery he has since said "I didn't use to like reading, but something inside me sparked." Rhoda McDairmant, St Francesca Cabrini, Southwark.

Message from Warwickshire Power of Reading teachers

'We trialled Naughty Bus with reception, it was fabulous, the children loved it. We made a movie, they made up a song. The bus company came in, some of the children had never been on a bus before and that was exciting.'
Natalie Johnson,Emscote Infants

'We've changed the reading environment, slimmed it down and separated it into sections. We've got finger puppets and bean bags and cuddley toys to make it inviting.'
Katie Brown, St Patricks Primary

'The children got very involved in Beegu and very empathetic with his feelings. They've extended the story - what happened when Beegu got home, and made their own version of the book. And done some drama and drawing. They've thoroughly enjoyed it and they are now planning our role play area.'
Lisa Booth, Weddington Primary

Message from Wandsworth Power of Reading

We did Fly Eagle Fly. My kids really loved all the discussion about it -the eagle chick, looking towards the sun...
Helen, Smallwood Primary

We're looking at the Wolf's Footprint. The children love it, we're researching wolves, the children are looking at all different kinds of wolves.
Abi, Westbridge

We read Way Home - we did lots of PSHE, talking about runaways. My kids love it, talking about pictures, doing maps.
Kara, Smallwood Primary

We did Where the Wild Things Are - we went on a journey in role - they've done some fantastic writing.
Lottie, Allfarthing

We're reading Floodland - we're using it in Year 6 and the children have produced some lovely writing and a big display.
Diane, Franciscan Primary

Message from Central C

'The kids are really enjoying the books.' Tilly Billington Buckingham Primary.
'The teachers are enthusiastic, there's a buzz around the school.' Caron Harrison, Odessa Infants.
'The children can't wait for the next session.' Stephanie Thomas, Brampton Primary.
'I've really seen an impact on their writing straight away.' Rachel Lewis, St Stephens Primary.

Redbridge Teachers

In Redbridge:

• we are seeing the impact on children's writing immediately with the first sequence we've tried
• through reading aloud we have inspired children to read with more enthusiasm - the children don't want us to put the book down
• the boys are really motivated and want to keep reading the book

Message from Merton Power of Reading

I've got a system for children to recommend books and they enjoy recommending their favourite books.
Lyndsey, Benedict Primary



The children enjoyed being part of creating a brand new reading area. They decided on a theme of space and this led into our half termly topic.
Stephanie

We did some fantastic work around Into the Forest - children wrote some wonderful notes to their missing dad.

Central A Group message

"We've been working on Way Home in Year 6. The children have really enjoyed the drama and artwork which have led to some fantastic writing and a school assembly." Catherine Smith, Deansfield Primary.

"We found it interesting completing the 'can do grid', and then to hear their responses and them 'being allowed' to say that they did not like reading in general. From that we are now compiling a list of books that they want in school." Maggie, Celestine and Mandy.

"Children in year 2 are really excited about Traction Man and we've decided to use action heroes as our theme for the reading area." Joanne Newton, St Alfege Primary.

Power of Reading in North Somerset

"I started with Traction Man and had a wonderful adventure story from a boy who had always said that he hated literacy". Esther, Uphill Primary School

"We had an action man day following the Traction Man sequence. All of the children brought in their own action figures and were inspired to write some fantastic stories". Pippa, Birdwell Primary School

"I've developed my reading corner with drapes, cushions and puppets. The children love being in there!" Laura, St. Peter's Primary School

Welcome to the Power of Reading blog 2010!

We hope you'll use the blog to comment on the books you've read, to share experiences of the POR project, and to make suggestions for activities and books for the classroom.

The CLPE team

Teacher and pupil responses to the POR project

I enjoyed immersing the children into the world of the story through drama, story -telling and other talk for writing activities. We already teach a lot of drama in our school, so that is not new, the difference with the POR teaching sequences is that the drama provided a solid basis for text-led writing activities (rather than objective-led ones), which has been liberating for teaching and learning. The children seemed freer to express their ideas and were so inspired that they naturally wrote in role for a real purpose. The children’s focus was shifted from the process of writing to its content.

The reluctant readers and writers in my class had enough ideas and motivation to write down their ideas and before they knew it, had written a paragraph. One boy said, “I want to marry writing,” and sighed with disappointment when it was time to stop. Since we started the POR project, one mother commented, “He is always asking to read at home and that’s a first!”

The more experienced writers were able to take advantage of the simple, yet open structures to find their voice and express their ideas to their best ability.

Beverly Titmuss
Patcham Junior School, Brighton

The Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac

I read this book in the Easter holidays when I was staying on a holiday farm in the middle of nowhere, in the countryside, in Suffolk. I enjoyed reading the book (quite an easy read), maybe more so, because I felt close to nature and animals? I thought it was a fantastical read, cleverly written portraying the voices and thoughts of the 2 main characters in the text. As humans, it gives us a sort of glimpse into the animal world. I think children would enjoy hearing this book read aloud to them as they always seem so much more sympathetic to animals then adults. A different sort of book to anything I've read before, but nonetheless enjoyable and should be celebrated for being different!

Audrey Dean John Hunt Primary & Nursery School, Newark, Nottinghamshire