PPBF: Wolf! Wolf!

If you've been looking for just the right story to help your students understand not only that they need to always tell the truth, but also what it means to create a win-win situation, then you must 

check out this PPBF!

Title:  Wolf! Wolf!

Written and Illustrated by: John Rocco

Publisher: Hyperion Books For Children New York

Date:  Fifth Edition February 20, 2007

Suitable for: Kindergarten - Grade 3 

Fiction

Simple Synopsis: This tale is an entertainingly whimsical spin-off of Aesop's Fable about the little boy who cried wolf. In this version, the aging, arthritic, and somewhat hearing-impaired Wolf hears the boy's call - "Wolf! Wolf!" - as he's tending his garden. He thinks he's being summoned by someone he might know, so off he goes to investigate. He sees that it's just a young boy playing a trick on some angry villagers. After three go-arounds, however, the crafty creature decides to trick the little prankster. 

Opening Page: 

THE HUNGRY OLD WOLF was too slow to snatch birds and too stiff to chase rabbits, so he tried growing food in a small garden.

     "Bah, weeds everywhere! There are so many I can't even find the vegetables." The old wolf growled, rubbing his empty stomach.

     As he yanked dandelions from where his carrots should have been, his ears began to twitch.

Resources:

Enjoy the Aesop's The Boy Who Cried Wolf {here}

Find curriculum integration from Round Rock ISD {here}

Read a review and suggestions on Margo Dill's blog {here}

Why I like this book: Readers of every age are likely to enjoy this humorous version of an age-old tale because it's hilarious; I like it, too, because it's full of follow-up food for thought. Compare and contrast it with Aesop's version or other versions on the market. How are the versions alike? How are they different? How do all of the versions connect to the virtue of trustworthiness? Is honesty always the best policy? Why or why not?

The idea of setting the story in Asia makes for an interesting twist. Students can now research whether or not drawings of the clothing, landscape, and the overall look of the story are accurate. What do students find as they study Eastern culture and philosophy that's comparable to their lives? What are some notable differences?

In Wolf! Wolf!, the author creates a win-win situation; use the story as an opportunity to talk about stakeholders in our choices and decisions. Every action creates a reaction. Ask your students to think of a time when their good choice created a win for themselves as well as for two other people in their lives. Have them create a win-win graphic organizer to show the concept visually.

With springtime just around the corner, this would also be a good opportunity to talk with students about gardening. The privilege of having a garden comes with it the responsibility of tending it. Watering and weeding are a big part of those duties. What would happen if you didn't weed your garden? What if you didn't water it? For enrichment and/or a service project, find a plot where your students can plant a giving garden. Plant veggies like radishes that are easy to grow. Donate the produce to a local homeless shelter.