Scruffy: A Wolf Finds His Place in the Pack

by Jim Brandenburg

Scruffy just didn't seem to fit in. When photographer Jim Brandenburg first saw him on the tundra of Ellesmere Island, the yearling wolf was awkward and his fur was a mess.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Picture Books

Hardcover

First published October 1, 1996

About the author

Jim Brandenburg was an environmentalist and nature photographer and filmmaker based near Ely, Minnesota. His career included over 10 years as a newspaper photojournalist, over 30 years as a contract photographer for the National Geographic Society, and commissions from such groups as the United States Postal Service, NHK and the BBC.
Jim Brandenburg was a Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers.

Reviews

[CanadianReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not surprising that Jim Brandenburg created a book of this quality. The photographs are stunning, but the text, too, is warm and personal. Brandenburg traces the story of Scruffy, a low-ranking wolf in a pack on Ellesmere Island in the High Arctic. At first Brandenburg can't figure out why a wolf Scruffy's age, about a year old when the author/photographer arrives, is with this pack-- until he sees him with the pups and understands that babysitting the young is a critical role in itself. Well worth buying if you have young kids or are a primary educator.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating photography with descriptive text takes the reader into the life of an Arctic wolf pack. It focuses on Scruffy, low on the dominance tier, yet finds out even he has an important place on his pack.

[Ariana Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for kids about 8+. Awesome pictures with captions and also a story. This man went to the artic to take pictures for National Geographic and became totally captivated by the wolves he found there and started to observe them and learn their story. He was even allowed by a gentle wolf mother into a den to take pictures! The true story of awkward young wolf who ends up playing a very important part in his pack could really be a blessing to a little one who doesn't seem to fit in themselves. I very much enjoyed reading this to my neices and nephews. So many stories unjustly villainize wolves kids just seem to think they're bad to the core. I hate that. This book is beautiful, accuate, and FUN to read.

[Ava · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short children's book, but it's worth mentioning here for how much I really adored it as a child. The story of Scruffy, a good-for-nothing omega in a wolf pack, is beautifully coupled with photographs, captivating to any kid, and even parents. The story within is impossibly sweet.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great photos! I would love to be the guy (girl, I mean!) who photographs these animals in the wild!

[Zahra Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it two times. It was great and I learned a lot about the arctic and the way wolves react to different things.