Ann Matthews (1)

My wife and I were in Mogo last summer on vacation and I spotted this wonderful little memory at a sidewalk booth near the beach. Most adults will remember the fabulous little Disney film — from a time when Disney made some wholesome young adult fare — this book is based on. It is difficult to believe, however, that it was over thirty years ago!

Tackling it once we got back home, I found it to be a sentimental little gem perfect for a broad range of children. It’s fast flowing, and like the film, quietly wonderful. Usually these adaptations based on screenplays aren’t anything special, but this one from Ann Matthews sticks to the story and is fairly well-written. Aimed most likely at Grades 4-8 it has just enough atmosphere and depth for that age range, while being an easy enough read for the lower end of the age range.

Natty’s journey to find her father during the Great Depression after a mix-up is filled with just enough realistic touches to keep it interesting. The wolf who befriends young Natty might be the most unrealistic of the touches, but it makes for a heartwarming adventure, just as it does in the film, and also teaches children about letting go. If you can track one of these down, your child in the aforementioned age range might thank you.… (mehr)