When I Met the Wolf Girls

by Deborah Noyes, August Hall (illustrator)

Two little girls—raised by wolves—have just arrived at the orphanage, and life will never be the same.

Based on a true story, this book is about many things at family, friendship, and what it means to have a home.

Genres: Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 14, 2007

About the author

Deb writes for adults and children and is also an editor and photographer. She lives in Massachusetts with her family.

Reviews

[Angelo · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations were the only redeeming quality of this depressing little story, and really not even quite good enough to make it worth reading again. Being based on a true story is interesting, but it's not a very inspiring one and it seems like there was a missed opportunity. Instead of focusing on the sensationalism of the feral children, including one of their deaths, and the other children's fear and dislike of them, more could have been examined regarding their relationship with the jungle or Missus. But I still probably would not have liked it.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really sure of my take-away opinion.
Interesting subject, though a bit dark and serious for a picture book - not a topic for a standard story time. The pictures are interesting, though the depictions of the wolf girls themselves are (personally) unsettling - though they do reflect the original description of the real-life wolf girls' "piercing eyes". I liked the touch of history at the end about the real girls, but overall it seems a little bit superficial for such a deep subject.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noyes, Deborah When I Met the Wolf Girls, illustrated by August Hall PICTURE BOOK Houghton Mifflin –

One day, a missionary brings two feral little girls to his orphanage in the jungles of India. Seen through the eyes of one of the other charges, the adults attempt to “domesticate” the girls with love and kindness. The haunting story will be loved by elementary students; the illustrations, done in acrylic by a master of Disney, Pixar and ILM, delight the eye.

EL – ADVISABLE

[Haley Reddick]

This book was an interesting and true story about a couple little girls who were found in the wild and taken in by a community. I recommend this book to anyone who may be interested in the behavioral aspect of humans who were raised in the wild. In a way, it kind of reminds of The Jungle Book, which is a Disney story that a lot of students may be familiar with. I think this book would be good to share as an educator for history.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A dreary story based on true girls, and including a fictional girl who is parentified in the story. So, nothing really redeeming about it except the illustrations, for which I gave a generous two stars rather than the one that I wanted to give.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little too dark and serious for my taste in a picture book. I will not be using this one in story time.

[Thomas Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book. I think the actual history is more interesting however, so I am grateful for the research notes at the end of the book. :-)

[Viviana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sad and sweet. Art's nice

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true story of feral girls that came to live in an orphanage. Really interesting tale. Some very beautiful illustrations especially the one with the animals in the forest watching the fireworks.
Bulu, Kamala and Amala are characters that will stay with me. I love the portraits of all the animals, especially the peacock.

[Marissa Elera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This curious book is many things - fascinating, lyrical, and beautifully illustrated. It toes the line near too much text for a picture book, but the illustrations balance it and bring the highly poetic text and complicated topic to life.

[Aine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story based on truth. Loved the art.

[Maeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different, but interesting.
Would be good for a special program storytime for older children.

[Tatum Renken · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nonfiction work about feral children being eased into society, it's content seems dark for a children's book, but it entices interest in young readers and has beautiful illustrations.

[Kaethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting for the note at the end, but not well done, no insight

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

W+
I++