Eye of the Wolf

Story

A one-eyed wolf from Alaska. A boy from Africa. They stand on either side of the wolf’s zoo enclosure. Both have seen loss and tragedy on their journey to this moment. Somehow they manage to communicate to each other through a silent exchange and gain an understanding of each other’s stories.

Why we chose it

Two stories about being far from home, woven together and connected by eye contact as the boy and the wolf stare into each other’s eyes – a dream-like, atmospheric story.

Where it came from

Daniel Pennac was born on the same day as his first dog. He doesn’t profess to be an expert on the subject of all things canine but does see himself as part dog and a friend to the species.

Where it went next

In 1997 the book was made into a television special for French TV, directed and written by Hoël Caouissin. In 2003 it was translated into English by Sarah Ardizzone (née Adams) for which she won the 2005 Marsh Award for Children’s Literature in Translation.

Associated stories

Pennac writes extensively for children and adults. Other works for children include his book series La Saga Malaussène which tells the story of Benjamin, a scapegoat, and his family, and The Rights of the Reader which explores why, how, where and when we read and also why we may choose not to read.