The Wolf Cub


Children - Animals
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 11/02/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

Is it possible for one small act of kindness to make a big difference? Alison Bellringer’s The Wolf Cub tells the gentle, heartfelt tale of Lewis, a shy young boy living in a quiet village. His closest companions are the forest animals that live nearby, whom he visits when his mom is at work. He likes talking to them and finds spending time with them comforting. His life changes when he meets an injured mother wolf. She entrusts her young cub to the child to care for it. From then on, Lewis and the wolf cub, Blue Merle, form an inseparable bond. Together, they face the challenges of loss, new beginnings, and growing up. At its heart, this story is about thoughtfulness and acceptance of others, while also exploring friendship, strength, and our connection to nature.

After finishing The Wolf Cub by Alison Bellringer, one word comes to mind: empathy. This book is perfect for teaching kids how others feel. It could also be used to spark conversations about responsibility, different family structures, and what it means to care for others, both people and wildlife. Extension activities could include writing about unlikely friendships or creating lists of ways to help local wildlife. I think that even without illustrations, the vivid descriptions make it easy for readers to picture scenes, such as the meadow being described as “covered in pretty, colourful wildflowers, and lots of animals liked coming to drink from the shallow pool.” Teachers and parents alike will find it a meaningful addition to lessons on compassion, community, and caring for the world around us.

Pikasho Deka

The Wolf Cub is a children's tale by Alison Bellringer. Lewis is a four-year-old. All he wants is to wander in the nearby forest when his mother, Mrs. Cartlow, is in the tailor's shop working as a seamstress. From the butcher to the store manager, Lewis greets everyone in the village as he sets out to explore the forest. One day, while sitting by his favorite watering hole, Lewis encounters a wolf. Not just any wolf, but an injured wolf with a cub by her side. Soon, she leaves her cub with Lewis and embraces her fate. Suddenly, young Lewis finds himself responsible for taking care of little Blue Merle. Will his mother find out? What happens when Blue Merle grows up?

The Wolf Cub is a heartwarming adventure for kids. This is the perfect book to teach children about empathy for animals. Alison Bellringer's character work is stellar. The author masterfully captures the psyche of a young child in the narrative with the depiction of Lewis. Keeping an unhurried pace, Bellringer allows readers to fully immerse themselves in a fascinating world while weaving a plot that is both captivating and deeply moving. Lewis is someone who will inspire kids. His bond with Blue Merle tugs at your heartstrings and makes you root for both youngsters. I also enjoyed Lewis's relationship dynamic with his mother. The ending took me by surprise, but it was satisfying nonetheless. All in all, it's a delightful adventure that makes for a perfect bedtime read.

Luwi Nyakansaila

The Wolf Cub by Alison Bellringer is a heartwarming children's story that follows Lewis, a young boy living with his widowed mother near a forest. Although many people in their small village care for him and his mother, Lewis prefers the company of wild animals. He is captivated by the sounds of nature and the activities of the creatures that inhabit it. One day, Lewis stumbles upon a wounded wolf, who gives him her baby cub. He immediately feels a sense of purpose in taking care of the cub, whom he names Blue Merle. The two develop a strong bond and are almost inseparable. However, as reports of night attacks on chickens in the village increase, the villagers begin to look at Blue Merle with suspicion. Lewis fears that if they discover he has a wolf as a friend, the cub might face the same fate as his mother.

The Wolf Cub is a touching and inspiring tale that explores themes of compassion, kindness, bravery, and prejudice. It celebrates the unique bond between humans and animals, showing how friendship can thrive between even the most unlikely pairs. Lewis understood Blue Merle's struggles, having lost his own father and witnessed his friend's mother suffer from a wound that he feared would be fatal. Readers of all ages can learn from his example and become more empathetic toward others. The story also addresses grief and the importance of not labeling individuals as evil before truly understanding them. Blue Merle, despite being a wolf, is gentle, kind, and brave. Alison Bellringer's soothing narrative and vivid descriptions bring the woodland setting and characters to life. The setting is depicted as a place of quiet beauty, with a bustling village life and heartfelt moments. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend sharing it with your children to instill values of kindness and the importance of not judging others too quickly.

Jamie Michele

The Wolf Cub by Alison Bellringer follows four-year-old Lewis, who lives with his mother in a cottage at the edge of a forest near a village. While wandering through the woods and along the village streets, Lewis notices animals that he names and meets neighbors who offer small lessons and kindnesses. One day, a wolf cub is brought to Lewis by its injured mother in the forest. Lewis names him Blue Merle. He guides the cub as it investigates the cottage and the village, introducing it to the world around him while learning from what he sees. Together they spend days observing, interacting with people and animals, and discovering their surroundings, moving between the forest and village. Their shared routines, encounters, and small discoveries shape Lewis’s days, forming a quiet companionship that grows gradually with each passing season.

The Wolf Cub by Alison Bellringer celebrates the tender development of trust and companionship between a young boy and a wolf cub. Instead of following a conventional plot, the story focuses on moments that reveal characters, relationships, and the environment through Lewis’s growing responsibility and his bond with the cub. Bellringer’s attention to detail brings both village and forest to life, showing readers Lewis guiding Blue Merle through everyday discoveries and routines. Interactions with animals, neighbors, and his mother convey patience, attentiveness, and the gentle patterns of shared life. The style of writing is very simple and straightforward, and my daughter and I enjoyed reading it a few chapters at a time over the course of three evenings. The book provides an intimate glimpse into the gradual building of trust, observation, and companionship, leaving a lasting impression on readers of all ages.

Carol Thompson

The Wolf Cub by Alison Bellringer captures the bond between a young boy and a wolf cub. Set against the backdrop of a quaint village and a sprawling forest, the story follows Lewis, a shy and curious four-year-old, as he navigates life after his father’s death. Left to explore the world on his own while his mother works tirelessly as a seamstress, Lewis finds solace in the company of woodland creatures and the enchanting forest near his home. The story takes a heartfelt turn when Lewis sees a wounded mother wolf who entrusts her cub to him before vanishing into the forest. From that moment on, Lewis and the cub, whom he names Blue Merle, form a strong bond. The story follows Lewis as he takes on the responsibility of raising Blue Merle and learns about life, love, and the struggles of growing up.

Alison Bellringer’s love for animals shines through in her portrayal of the wolf cub and other creatures, making them essential to the story’s emotional core. As Blue Merle grows into a majestic adult wolf, the story explores the challenges of raising a wild animal in a human environment. The narrative takes a suspenseful turn when the village is struck by a series of mysterious attacks, sparking suspicion and fear. Through these moments, the story emphasizes the importance of trust, understanding, and standing up for what is right. The Wolf Cub is a touching and uplifting story that celebrates the power of love and the special bonds that can develop between humans and animals. It is a delightful read for all ages, offering a glimpse into the beauty of nature and the strength of the human spirit.