Kids

Winter Stories

Books to Fight the Cold

Image for "A Wolf Called Fire"

A Wolf Called Fire

A NATIONAL BESTSELLER

"Sure to help readers reflect on where and how they fit into the world. Highly recommended."--School Library Journal

"Another winner from a proven author."--Booklist

The stand-alone companion to Rosanne Parry's New York Times bestseller A Wolf Called Wander tells the story of a wolf named Warm. Warm is not the strongest or biggest in his pack, but when he needs it most, he finds within himself the heart of a true leader. This Voice of the Wilderness Novel is an animal survival story illustrated in black and white throughout. Features educational back matter, including a map.

Warm is the smallest pup, the one his father calls the heart of the pack. But all Warm sees is his bigger brothers Sharp and Swift, even his sisters Pounce and Wag, winning all the wrestling matches. Warm finds his place in the pack helping take care of the young pups, a role he is assured is important, but doesn't always feel like it is.

When enemy wolves attack, the pack is forced to defend themselves. Instead of joining the fight, Warm leads the pups away to safety, only to find himself alone on the mountain with four helpless pups. His pack has scattered. The pups are his responsibility now. Fearful and uncertain, Warm and the pups climb higher and higher into the mountains. Their journey is grueling, lonely, and full of danger, and they face hunger, storms, fire, and enemy wolves nipping at their heels. Will Warm have the courage to be the leader his pack needs when the fiercest enemy of all comes to challenge him? Will Warm and the pups ever find a place to call home?

A Wolf Called Fire is a stand-alone companion novel to A Wolf Called Wander. The story is inspired by Wolf 8, a real Yellowstone wolf who was the smallest of his pack and was constantly bullied by his bigger brothers. Wolf 8 survived a tumultuous first year and grew up to be a different sort of leader--one who fought many rival wolves to submission but never killed any. He became the patriarch of the largest wolf pack in Yellowstone, not by being the biggest or strongest, but by choosing to be collaborative and generous.

Each Voice of the Wilderness novel contains:

  • Spectacular black-and-white illustrations throughout
  • A map of the protagonist's journey
  • Information about the real-life animals who inspired each story
  • Detailed descriptions of the habitats, flora, and fauna mentioned in the book
  • Resources for young readers who want to learn more

Rosanne Parry's stand-alone Voice of the Wilderness novels include A Wolf Called Wander, A Whale of the Wild, A Horse Named Sky, and A Wolf Called Fire.

Image for "The Fox and the Forest Fire"

The Fox and the Forest Fire

A story of hope and friendship, in which resilience trumps tragedy in the wake of a forest fire.

After moving from the city, one boy discovers his new home in the woods isn't so bad--there is friendship in the midst of the forest. But when he spots a fire on the horizon that soon engulfs everything he's come to know--the bugs, the plants, the fox who keeps him company--he is forced to flee. When his newfound comfort goes up in smoke, how can he ever feel at home again?

In a forest fire, so much can change in an instant. But both fox and boy learn that there are some things fire cannot burn. With time, the forest will regrow, the animals will return to their home, and so will the boy and his mom.

As we all search for tools for understanding the destruction of forest fires, this touching story shows that hope, friendship, and resilience shine the brightest.

TIMELY: As fires rage over a wider swath of the United States and internationally, and as fire season lengthens year after year, and sets new records year after year, these are themes communities are engaging with daily during fire season.

WRITTEN BY A FIREFIGHTER: The author-illustrator was a volunteer firefighter, giving him a unique perspective on the topic of forest fires.

EMOTIONALLY RESONANT: This moving story ends with rebuilding--both for humans and for nature--and with a truly uplifting message of resilience.

COMMUNITY-BUILDING: A wonderful resource for families and communities experiencing the aftermath of a fire or other natural disasters, as well as anyone looking to empathize with, and better understand, those communities in need.

CLASSROOM RESOURCE: Not only is this the perfect resource for talking about topics like the environment, natural disasters, forest management, and emergency preparedness, this book will also spark important conversations about coping with personal and community tragedies. The author-illustrator reflects on his own experiences with forest fires in the autho's note, and backmatter provides additional context.

Perfect for: Parents, Educators, Nature lovers