The Wolf Pup
The Wolf Pup
Every day I would journey back beyond the hill to see the baby Arctic wolf. We had become friends and would go on strolls together, and each time he would walk closer and closer to me. When I chased butterflies, he would stare at me with wonder and confusion. But it also made him curious, and he got so close to me that I could see him clearly in all his beauty. Slowly, I knelt with a hand on one knee, then stayed perfectly still so he would come closer.
Inspired by a true story, Snowball tells the tale of his daily adventures in Qurlutuq where he spent his summer as a boy. One summer, Snowball meets a wolf pup. Over time, they become friends, and together they go hunting, exploring and catch butterflies for Aippaq, Snowball’s grandmother. Snowball is eager to pet the pup, but the pup still shows signs of uneasiness. As summer ends and Snowball’s return home looms, the boy gains enough trust with the pup that he can finally pet him! On his final day in Qurlutuq, Snowball reflects on the summer he had and wonders if the pup is thinking of him too.
Illustrator Emma Crossland beautifully captures the magic and joy of summer through colourful illustrations. The imagery in The Wolf Cub evokes a sense of wonder and appreciation of the natural world and captures the diverse landscapes of the Arctic.
Etua Snowball is an Inuk author who writes of his traditional and unexpected experiences within a modernizing world. The story is written similarly to oral storytelling and is reminiscent of hearing stories told by older generations. The Wolf Cub nurtures children's appreciation for the natural world and helps children to see their connection to the land and animals.
A resident of Edmonton, Alberta, Mackenzie Newhook is a curriculum facilitator at an early learning and child care centre and has a love for children's literature.