Module 1: Winston the Book Wolf

Summary: This is a very charming and engaging story book about learning appropriate library behavior. Winston the wolf loves to eat words. After eating a library sign telling him “No Wolves Allowed,” Winston is taught by a young girl named Rosie the basics of reading words instead of eating them. Soon, he is a reader and lover of books, and able (in disguise!) to share his new skill with other children at the library.

Reference: McGee, M. (2006). Winston the book wolf. London, UK. : Walker Books.

Impressions: I have read this book many times aloud to story hour groups. It is engaging and interactive, and teaches lessons about the values of reading. and respecting rules. The book opens with Winston trying to eat a library sign, and ends with him fully involved in the library’s daily use. The reader, through Winston, is taught how to follow directions, how to be considerate of others, and the best ways to appreciate reading books.

The illustrations are vivid and eye-catching. Winston is forthright and a bit devious, but when taught otherwise by his young friend, Rosie, he experiences first-hand the benefits of reading. The story is sprinkled with repetitive phrases (No wolves allowed!) and onomatopoeia (crunch, munch) that kids can repeat to be more interactive. By the story’s end, the child should have a better understanding of both reading and using the library. Winston is an exuberant character that draws kids in, and the story’s text is well-paced and structured to build adequate reading and comprehension skills. I would recommend it for early readers ages 4-6.

Review:

“Youngsters just embarking on their reading adventures should eat this up.” - Publisher’s Weekly

(2006, July 24). [Review of the book Winston the book wolf, by M. McGee & I. Beck]. Publisher's Weekly. Retrieved from: https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-8027-9569-4

Library Use: For my public library story times designed for ages 3-6, this book has been used with a wolf hand puppet for interaction. I also made several large cue cards for parts where the children can shout along to certain repeated phrases. I pause occasionally to ask questions, and make sure the group is following the plot and jokes.