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Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7, the Most Famous Wolf in the West
This beautiful picture book follows the journey of a young gray wolf who garnered nationwide attention when he became the first wild wolf in California in almost a century. Using facts recorded by Fish & Wildlife scientists, author Emma Bland Smith imagines the wolf's experiences in close detail as he makes an epic 2,000-mile trek over three years time. The wolf's story is interwoven with the perspective of a young girl who follows his trek through the media. As she learns more about wolves and their relationships with humans, she becomes determined to find a way to keep him safe by making him a wolf that is too famous to harm.
32 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2016
2 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Emma Bland Smith
33 books48 followersEmma Bland Smith is the award-winning author of twelve book for children. Her debut picture book was Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7, the Most Famous Wolf in the West. Many of Emma’s books include animals—wolves, dogs, pigs, even alligators! Emma is a librarian and author and lives in San Francisco with her husband, two kids, dog, and cat—but no wolf, pig, or alligator. Visit her online at emmabsmith.com and on Twitter at @emmablandsmith.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 18, 2017
I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway, but this did not affect my opinion.
Journey is the true story of a wolf, who migrated almost 2,000 miles from northeast Oregon's long trek into Northern California and eventually settling in southern Oregon, where he found a mate. I really liked the story of the wolf, which was based on actual sightings, but did not care for the alternating pages which followed a young girl Abby's attempts to aid the wolf, who she helped name. Similarly, I loved illustrator Robin James' nature shots, which were beautiful versus her mundane pictures of Abby's home. Even though this was a children's book, I think Emman Smith could have done more to develop the human characters and plight of wild wolves.
Journey is the true story of a wolf, who migrated almost 2,000 miles from northeast Oregon's long trek into Northern California and eventually settling in southern Oregon, where he found a mate. I really liked the story of the wolf, which was based on actual sightings, but did not care for the alternating pages which followed a young girl Abby's attempts to aid the wolf, who she helped name. Similarly, I loved illustrator Robin James' nature shots, which were beautiful versus her mundane pictures of Abby's home. Even though this was a children's book, I think Emman Smith could have done more to develop the human characters and plight of wild wolves.
October 3, 2019
Detailed, beautiful illustrations that capture the life and adventures of Journey, or OR7, a lone wolf who migrated from northeast Oregon to northern California, eventually finding a mate and settling in southern Oregon to establish a pack. The book cleverly alternates his story with that of a Californian named Abby, one of the children who participated in the contest to name Journey, as she follows his travels thanks to his radio tracking collar. Great story to explain wolf behavior, migration, and socialization, with a group activity and discussion guide along with a downloadable teacher's guide.
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August 24, 2016Would pair well with The Wolves of Currumpaw by William Grill. I really like how this alternates between the wolf and the girl—she roots for Journey as he makes his way (and makes history).
February 4, 2017
(Please note: I received my copy of this book free through the Goodreads giveaway program.)
After years of government bounties drastically thinned California's wolf population, the last wolf in the state was killed in 1924. The government eventually saw the negative ecological consequences of hunting a species to extinction, but not until the 1990s was a plan enacted to reintroduce wolves to the region. Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7, the Most Famous Wolf in the West tells how the 2,000 mile odyssey of a single wolf led to the species' rebirth out West, and the possibility of new generations of wolves in California for the first time in more than half a century.
The young wolf—tagged, tracked, and dubbed "OR7" by scientists—hesitates when the time arrives to leave his parents in Oregon. But his instincts tell him everything he's looking for is beyond the horizon, so he sets out through some of America's most gorgeous land in search of a mate. What OR7 doesn't know is that his journey is being followed by humans, especially as he nears the California border. Will he settle in the Golden State? One girl in California is elated when OR7 enters her state, though she worries about farmers who might shoot at him to protect their animals. A wildlife advocacy organization stages a national naming contest to create a bond between OR7 and the public, and it works: now known as "Journey", the wolf never comes to harm as he finally locates a mate and starts a family. The second chance for wolves on the West Coast has begun.
Journey is a nice conservationist story, but it's the almost human aspects of the wolf's quest that make it memorable. Journey knows life would be simpler if he stayed near the woods where he grew up, but he feels compelled to explore the great frontier, wild land stretching farther than any modern wolf has seen. How can we know what's possible if we don't push our limits? Journey travels through some spectacular natural scenes: dense forests, snowcapped mountains, huge, hidden lakes, long, quiet rivers, and sand dunes towering over the open desert. You'll never see what wonders there are beyond home if you don't head out and find them. Every wolf and human feels the call of the wild to search out new territory and make it their own. Obey that call and you'll never rue what might have been.
I was a fan of Robin James's illustrations well before Journey. Her artwork for Stephen Cosgrove's Serendipity series won me over long ago, but I didn't know she was capable of drawings like the ones in this book. Her depictions of the American Northwest and West are phenomenal, as good as the art for just about any book that ever won a Caldecott Medal. Robin James's contribution is, in my opinion, the best part of this book, and I recommend Journey to all young animal lovers. Take a trip alongside Journey through the Western frontier. You'll be glad you joined in.
After years of government bounties drastically thinned California's wolf population, the last wolf in the state was killed in 1924. The government eventually saw the negative ecological consequences of hunting a species to extinction, but not until the 1990s was a plan enacted to reintroduce wolves to the region. Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7, the Most Famous Wolf in the West tells how the 2,000 mile odyssey of a single wolf led to the species' rebirth out West, and the possibility of new generations of wolves in California for the first time in more than half a century.
The young wolf—tagged, tracked, and dubbed "OR7" by scientists—hesitates when the time arrives to leave his parents in Oregon. But his instincts tell him everything he's looking for is beyond the horizon, so he sets out through some of America's most gorgeous land in search of a mate. What OR7 doesn't know is that his journey is being followed by humans, especially as he nears the California border. Will he settle in the Golden State? One girl in California is elated when OR7 enters her state, though she worries about farmers who might shoot at him to protect their animals. A wildlife advocacy organization stages a national naming contest to create a bond between OR7 and the public, and it works: now known as "Journey", the wolf never comes to harm as he finally locates a mate and starts a family. The second chance for wolves on the West Coast has begun.
Journey is a nice conservationist story, but it's the almost human aspects of the wolf's quest that make it memorable. Journey knows life would be simpler if he stayed near the woods where he grew up, but he feels compelled to explore the great frontier, wild land stretching farther than any modern wolf has seen. How can we know what's possible if we don't push our limits? Journey travels through some spectacular natural scenes: dense forests, snowcapped mountains, huge, hidden lakes, long, quiet rivers, and sand dunes towering over the open desert. You'll never see what wonders there are beyond home if you don't head out and find them. Every wolf and human feels the call of the wild to search out new territory and make it their own. Obey that call and you'll never rue what might have been.
I was a fan of Robin James's illustrations well before Journey. Her artwork for Stephen Cosgrove's Serendipity series won me over long ago, but I didn't know she was capable of drawings like the ones in this book. Her depictions of the American Northwest and West are phenomenal, as good as the art for just about any book that ever won a Caldecott Medal. Robin James's contribution is, in my opinion, the best part of this book, and I recommend Journey to all young animal lovers. Take a trip alongside Journey through the Western frontier. You'll be glad you joined in.
August 21, 2022
3.5 stars. Young or old, you might find yourself more interested in wolves after this inspiring picture book story about a wolf on a journey to find a mate .
April 7, 2025
Beautifully illustrated by Robin James, this picture book is based on the true story of a wolf who wandered into California from Oregon in 2011, making him the first wolf on California territory since 1924 when they were all killed off. The scientists named him OR7 (the seventh wolf from Oregon to be tagged for movement monitoring). A local sustainability group wanted to raise the wolf's profile to the point where his safety from hunters was guaranteed, so they ran a contest to name him. The winning name was Journey, submitted by two kids in two different states. Journey did indeed become too famous to kill, and he went on to be the subject of a documentary. Journey paired with a female and they had pups but they settled on the Oregon side of the border. Google tells me that California now has seven confirmed wolf packs.
The artwork in this book is beyond beautiful. The story line is split between telling of Journey's wanderings, and a separate story of a girl who is following the media reports of his movements. I didn't think that split structure exactly worked, but I guess it was a way of bringing in the media hoopla that the wolf created. At any rate, the art alone is a very good reason for picking up and reading Journey. The illustrations inspire respect and awe for the natural world, which is surely the point of the story of Journey.
The artwork in this book is beyond beautiful. The story line is split between telling of Journey's wanderings, and a separate story of a girl who is following the media reports of his movements. I didn't think that split structure exactly worked, but I guess it was a way of bringing in the media hoopla that the wolf created. At any rate, the art alone is a very good reason for picking up and reading Journey. The illustrations inspire respect and awe for the natural world, which is surely the point of the story of Journey.
September 1, 2021
A cute, interesting book. I liked how the author personified the thoughts and feelings of the wolf, and though I found Abby's side of the story slightly less interesting, it was cool to learn about the efforts of conservationists to protect this wolf and the future of wolves in the area.
My favorite part of this book is the illustrations. They're gorgeous. I also liked the inclusion of a timeline and additional information at the back of the book.
My favorite part of this book is the illustrations. They're gorgeous. I also liked the inclusion of a timeline and additional information at the back of the book.
October 30, 2016
Sasquatch (Little Bigfoot) delivers another beautiful book. A bit choppy at times (for young readers), alternating between the POV of the little girl who names the wolf in a contest and the wolf itself, but it actually added to the overall story to have both POVs.
I'm a huge fan of wildlife and wildlife photography, and any messages that can be delivered to the younger generation in such a caring and awe-inspiring way to help them see the importance of preserving all species, without moralizing or preaching, is a high ranking book in my view. I've spent many trips in Yellowstone trying to spot wolves and marvel at how the very few in the whole state of OR/CA were able to find each other. Great story (based on truth) and one I'd read again. Well done.
I'm a huge fan of wildlife and wildlife photography, and any messages that can be delivered to the younger generation in such a caring and awe-inspiring way to help them see the importance of preserving all species, without moralizing or preaching, is a high ranking book in my view. I've spent many trips in Yellowstone trying to spot wolves and marvel at how the very few in the whole state of OR/CA were able to find each other. Great story (based on truth) and one I'd read again. Well done.
November 23, 2016
A thoughtful and thought provoking book based on the true story of OR7, a wolf who trekked nearly 2000 miles from Northern Oregon to Northern California. I particularly enjoyed the way Emma Bland Smith told the story through alternating perspectives of the Wolf, and a child who follows his journey, and ends up choosing his name. After reading it my children felt that they too could make a difference in helping wild animals. They studied the photographs, maps and the timeline in the back with great interest. I highly recommend this book.
November 30, 2016
Insightful and astute writing of a wolf's journey, based on a true story, is complemented by exquisite art. This is not just for wolf lovers, wildlife aficionados, or those who look for real-life stories to combat little red riding hood or the three little pigs and their iconic wolves as symbols of evil danger. This story is for all lovers of a good story, period. I recommend this beautiful book for all ages.
October 26, 2016
This is a beautiful book and an amazing story. Nature-loving kids will be captivated by the fact that it's based on true events, and parents will be drawn in by the language--by turns gentle and energetic, just like Journey's story.
November 21, 2016
I highly recommend this picture book. It is a fantastic, true story that is skillfully told by alternating the wolf's story and the story of a little girl who follows his story and ends up naming him. The writing and illustrations, especially of the wolf and his wilderness, are excellent.
December 4, 2016
2016 Cybils Picture Book Nominee.
Enjoyed this book on so many levels.
Enjoyed this book on so many levels.
March 2, 2025
Author Emma Bland Smith and illustrator Robin James tell a fictionalized version of the story of OR7—a real wolf who lived in Oregon's Wallowa Mountains and was tagged by biologists, who tracked his 1000-mile journey to find a new pack in 2011—in this lovely and engaging picture book. The perspective alternates between that of the wolf, eventually named Journey, and a young girl named Abby, living in northern California and eagerly following the news of OR7. Determined to do her part to help, Abby participates in a contest to name the wolf, and her suggestion is eventually adopted. Journey, for his part, spends three years looking for a mate, falling in with some coyotes for a time, but eventually moving on. Then one day, he finds another lupine wanderer, and begins a family and pack of his own, in southern Oregon's Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The book closes with notes about OR7's real journey, and a timeline...
I first encountered the story of OR7 in Oregon children's author Rosanne Parry's wonderful novel, A Wolf Called Wander , which also offers a fictional retelling of the tale, as well as a factual afterword. Having greatly enjoyed that title, I was delighted to discover Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7, the Most Famous Wolf in the West! I was not familiar with Emma Bland Smith, although I see she has written a number of interesting works of picture book nonfiction, but I did know Robin James, given her work on the Serendipity picture books which were so popular when I was young. In any case, I lost no time in tracking down a copy of this one, and am glad I did! The story is fascinating, and the artwork lovely. I was tickled by the fact that the girl in the story is named Abby, and I thought alternating between the wolf and human perspective created an interesting contrast, highlighting both the wolf's search, and the human support and opposition to the return of these wonderful creatures to Oregon and northern California. Recommended to young animal lovers—especially wolf lovers—and to anyone who, like me, enjoyed A Wolf Called Wander .
I first encountered the story of OR7 in Oregon children's author Rosanne Parry's wonderful novel, A Wolf Called Wander , which also offers a fictional retelling of the tale, as well as a factual afterword. Having greatly enjoyed that title, I was delighted to discover Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7, the Most Famous Wolf in the West! I was not familiar with Emma Bland Smith, although I see she has written a number of interesting works of picture book nonfiction, but I did know Robin James, given her work on the Serendipity picture books which were so popular when I was young. In any case, I lost no time in tracking down a copy of this one, and am glad I did! The story is fascinating, and the artwork lovely. I was tickled by the fact that the girl in the story is named Abby, and I thought alternating between the wolf and human perspective created an interesting contrast, highlighting both the wolf's search, and the human support and opposition to the return of these wonderful creatures to Oregon and northern California. Recommended to young animal lovers—especially wolf lovers—and to anyone who, like me, enjoyed A Wolf Called Wander .
August 25, 2019
I've just been doing my own background research online about wolves, recently focused on wolves in Oregon, and ran across this book. I really appreciate the back matter. It fills in some gaps and has photos with age of the wolf attached that I could not find elsewhere.
I am appreciative to see a picture book about wolves that is not negative. This book does a good job of being realistic historical fiction, taking some liberties in the true story to make the story easier to follow for a child – kids on the older range of picture books and beyond who likely understand it all. This would be a good resource for middle grade teachers to use as well.
The author chose to bring this to children via one child's interest from seeing the wolf on the news. In the back matter, Emma Bland Smith clarifies in real life two children sent in the chosen name Journey and how this may have helped save the wolf's life. This would be good topic for deeper discussion in a class, since she doesn't explain very clearly why this made a difference.
The illustrator Robin James made an interesting choice to never show the girl's entire face, which threw me at first. I realized her intention was to keep the story focus on Journey, the wolf. Her art style is on traditional realistic with some close-ups of small items not essential to the story bordering on super-realistic. It works for this story, with the cover absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately the paper type is likely to blame for the inside art printing a bit dull, which brings it to feel a bit like older textbook art. With a little more contrast and color, this art would sing higher, but I love the wolves nevertheless.
It's a timely [fairly recent] story, so there may have been time pressure on production. I really do think it's an important resource for any library, school library, and classroom.
I am appreciative to see a picture book about wolves that is not negative. This book does a good job of being realistic historical fiction, taking some liberties in the true story to make the story easier to follow for a child – kids on the older range of picture books and beyond who likely understand it all. This would be a good resource for middle grade teachers to use as well.
The author chose to bring this to children via one child's interest from seeing the wolf on the news. In the back matter, Emma Bland Smith clarifies in real life two children sent in the chosen name Journey and how this may have helped save the wolf's life. This would be good topic for deeper discussion in a class, since she doesn't explain very clearly why this made a difference.
The illustrator Robin James made an interesting choice to never show the girl's entire face, which threw me at first. I realized her intention was to keep the story focus on Journey, the wolf. Her art style is on traditional realistic with some close-ups of small items not essential to the story bordering on super-realistic. It works for this story, with the cover absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately the paper type is likely to blame for the inside art printing a bit dull, which brings it to feel a bit like older textbook art. With a little more contrast and color, this art would sing higher, but I love the wolves nevertheless.
It's a timely [fairly recent] story, so there may have been time pressure on production. I really do think it's an important resource for any library, school library, and classroom.
September 6, 2017
JOURNEY is one of the loveliest books we own. When we first received it, it was on our nightly reading list and has continued to hold a spot there for the last six months. The best testament I can offer to my child's love for this book is that when we were recently forced to evacuate our home, he was told he could bring three books. This was the first book he chose.
Emma has done a brilliant job of chronicling the journey of OR7, weaving dual stories (that of the wolf and a child who follows the wolf's journey) that provide a comprehensive narrative of this incredible animal and bring the wild directly into your home.
Based on true facts, JOURNEY does an excellent job of raising awareness of the plight of these creatures. This is a beloved book that we will continue to hold dear for many years to come.
Emma has done a brilliant job of chronicling the journey of OR7, weaving dual stories (that of the wolf and a child who follows the wolf's journey) that provide a comprehensive narrative of this incredible animal and bring the wild directly into your home.
Based on true facts, JOURNEY does an excellent job of raising awareness of the plight of these creatures. This is a beloved book that we will continue to hold dear for many years to come.
November 16, 2020
A young wolf leaves his pack and covers nearly 2,000 miles of Oregon and California in search of a mate and a place to call home. A year into his journey, a young girl named Abby begins to follow his story, through newspaper articles, television news and the internet. She even sends a suggestion to a conservation group to name the wolf Journey.
I liked the alternating viewpoints; Smith has been able to introduce conservation into the story through Ally's perspective. Robin James illustrations are beautiful! Includes a map, photos of Journey and his pups, a timeline and URLs for further reading.
I liked the alternating viewpoints; Smith has been able to introduce conservation into the story through Ally's perspective. Robin James illustrations are beautiful! Includes a map, photos of Journey and his pups, a timeline and URLs for further reading.
May 16, 2021
The fictionalized story of a young male wolf that leaves his pack to establish a new territory and pack in southern Oregon/northern California. The story alternates between Journey's wandering and the story of a young girl who is captivated by it. The girl represents one of two students who won a contest by the Oregon Wild organization to name the wolf to "make [the wolf] 'too famous to kill.'" Lovely illustrations. Map work tracking Journey's trail and information about how that was established. Extensive back matter including a composite map, timeline, and discussion and activity suggestions.
March 22, 2024
The illustrations of this book were magnificent. They very much evoked the feeling of grandeur & breathtaking, sunlit, mountainous beauty Northern California gave me upon arriving here to live a few months ago. I was organizing the children's non-fiction shelves today when the wolf on this book jumped out at me, & I am so glad I paused to read it. There is useful information & a couple of photographs at the end, too.
June 8, 2025
Journey is not a big book, but it packs a punch. Wolves were hunted to extinction in Northern California in the last century. None had been seen since 1924.
This book is based on the true story of Journey, a gray wolf, who made a three-year journey from Northeastern Oregon to Northern California and began the return of the gray wolf. An important story.
The illustrations, by Robin James, are superb.
My grandson will love Journey.
This book is based on the true story of Journey, a gray wolf, who made a three-year journey from Northeastern Oregon to Northern California and began the return of the gray wolf. An important story.
The illustrations, by Robin James, are superb.
My grandson will love Journey.
December 15, 2017
I highly recommend this book! It is an amazing story about a wolf who traveled almost 2,000 miles and 3 years to be the first wolf in the state of California since 1924 (this was in 2011.) To me wolves are beautiful, fascinating creatures. This book brought to life the tale of Journey and his historical travels to find a new home.
March 4, 2018
We enjoyed this story inspired by true events. The illustrations are detailed and lifelike. The way in which the story is told from two perspectives along the timeline of events held our attention. SPOILER ALERT Finally, depicting how a child played a role in protecting a wild animal from human harm was heartwarming.
August 25, 2017
Fantastic illustrations and the fascinating story of a famous wolf, Journey (OR7).
Kids loved the book and voted to give it 5 stars.
It's good for animal lovers, wolf lovers and wildlife lovers.
This book is for older children who can sit through longer stories.
Kids loved the book and voted to give it 5 stars.
It's good for animal lovers, wolf lovers and wildlife lovers.
This book is for older children who can sit through longer stories.
December 12, 2017
Lovely illustrations. The wolf's feelings are probably a bit too human-like, but as this book is for kids I think we can let it slide.
November 2, 2016
This is a great story with facts and activities listed in the back of the book. The pictures are very well illustrated which kept the attention of my grandchildren.
January 13, 2018
Wonderful! I hope he is allowed to live and is able to start a family. Books like this give me a bittersweet hope.
February 19, 2019
LOVED Journey! Non-fiction is my favorite and I learned interesting things about OR7 (Journey) and wolves in general. Wonderful back matter as well.
April 16, 2019
Have students "role play"and write about what they would do if they were the main character in the story
January 26, 2022
Based on a true story, appreciate the information at the end of the book. Sadly we live in a world where wolves will continue to be killed....
July 27, 2022
Another final book pick for my reading camp student!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews