A Well-Mannered Young Wolf
Who has ever heard of a well-mannered young wolf? In this funny tale a young wolf is hungry and in search of food to eat. Because of his good manners, he lets two possible food sources get away—a rabbit and a chicken. The third delicious food possibility is a little boy who manages to hold the wolf off from devouring him by inviting him to his hut. He tells the wolf that he wants to show his friends the drawing the wolf made for him. In a surprising twist of fate, it turns out that the boy’s friends are the chicken and rabbit. What happens next is up to the reader’s imagination!
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
After reading the story, ask the children what it means to have good manners. Responses may include ideas like taking turns, listening when someone else is talking, saying words like “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.” How did the young wolf show his good manners? Did the rabbit, chicken, and the boy have good manners? How can you tell? Ask the children if they think the rabbit and the chicken will trick the wolf again at the end of the story or do they think he is going to solve his hunger problem?
Discuss and share with families that wolves are often a character in stories, especially in traditional stories like fairytales and folklore. Sometimes they are shown as big and scary while at other times they are shown as caring and misunderstood. The unexpected character of the wolf creates humor in A Well-Mannered Young Wolf. Ask parents what they think of the story. What do you think of the surprise ending? Encourage the parents and their children to plan, write, and illustrate an ending to the story.