Julie of the Wolves and her little brother raise two orphaned wolf pups, understanding that when they can survive in the wild, they will return to live as wolves. But! Jean Craighead George apparently decided that it is just too sad for a little boy to have to give up something he really loves, so Nutik the Wolf Pup decides to give up the wolf pack and spend the rest of his life as a human's pet.

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A boy named Amaroq is introduced to a wolf pup named Nutik after his sister finds the sick pup and brings him home for care. Amaroq is responsible for caring for Nutik and his sister tells him from the start not to get attached because he’ll be leaving to return to his old pack once he’s stronger. Amaroq can’t help himself and Nutik becomes his best friend. Follow along in the story to see if Amaroq can remain brave when the time comes for Nutik to move on.

This book is part of our curriculum this week as we’re learning about wolves in the wild. The illustrations felt so authentic to us and it’s no wonder after reading that the illustrator, Ted Rand, traveled to Alaska to observe the arctic tundra first hand. It’s visually stunning and the story is powerful and emotional at the same time. 5*****

Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Library Binding: 40 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (January 9, 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060281650
ISBN-13: 978-0060281656 ( )

Nutik the wolf pup is in Amaroq's care, as he is sick. Amaroq's older sister, Julie warns him of growing attached. Amaroq feeds and cares for the pup, playing with him. Nutik grows stronger and bigger until the day his pack returns for him. This book I enjoyed as a picture book sequel to the Julie of the Wolves series. While it is not as evident as her other books, Jean Craighead George is amazing with her personification of animals and capturing their language. ( )

Even though Nutik's brother was not even his species, he belonged with him and not the other wolves. Family is who raises you and loves you. ( )

Amaroq was named after the wolf that saved his sister's life. In this Eskimo village, were wolves basically live among humans, Amaroq and his sister find two wolf pups that are starving and about to die. They take them into their home and feed and care for them until they are strong and healthy again. But Amaroq has formed a strong bond with Nutik, his wolf pup, and doesn't want to see him go. ( )