Cry of the Wolf - Hardcover

Melvin Burgess

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0862643082 ISBN 13: 9780862643089

Publisher: Andersen Press, 1990

Synopsis

Young Ben Tilley inadvertently reveals the existence of a pack of wolves--the last in England--in the nearby countryside to a hunter searching for glory, who makes it his mission to wipe out the entire breed.

About this title

From AudioFile

The lonely nighttime cry of a wolf is chilling--but not nearly as chilling as this unusually grim children's book about the struggles of Grey Cub, Britain's last wild wolf. The contemporary story, read with authority and heart by English actor Sean Barrett, pits a ruthless man, identified only as "The Hunter," against the young wolf and gives the listener a fascinating look at the world through the slanted, amber eyes of Canis lupus. But be prepared to be deeply depressed by a death-filled tale whose happiest moment is one of revenge. M.C. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-- A dramatic and horrifying tale of the tragedy of extinction, this is also an intense picture of a killer on the edge of insanity. There are only about 70 English wolves alive when a young boy, Ben, accidentally spills the secret of their existence to a man identified only as ``the Hunter.'' The wolves, assumed to be extinct for 500 years, now become the prey of this thoroughly vile man who is determined to achieve his glory by hunting the rare animals. Three years into his quest, only the pack leader, her mate, and one of their cubs, Graycub, remain, and bring Ben and his family into their struggle against evil. Graycub, the last of his kind, survives and searches five years for another, only to find, instead, the Hunter. The man becomes the prey as Graycub instinctively seeks revenge in an intense climax complete with turning points and terror. Although the wolves' thoughts and plans tend to be anthropomorphic at times, this is clearly their story; very little appears in the narrative that is unknown to them, leaving readers with sketchy background on the humans involved, but with a strong sense of the intelligence and desperation of the animals. The intensity of the action and the absolute lack of morality of the Hunter is effective--he comes off as a psychotic serial killer--but may be too violent for some children. It's an ecological thriller that will draw nature lovers and horror fans alike. --Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Andersen Press
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0862643082
• ISBN 13: 9780862643089
• Binding: Hardcover