The Big Busy House ® ©1998 HarperCollins Publishers

Back to Julie and Her Wolves Guides Julie's Wolf Pack Discussing and Responding Reaching Across the Curriculum Synopsis: Julie has successfully saved her wolves from the Arctic hunters and returned home to her family. Meanwhile, on the tundra, the lives of the wolves are once again threatened. This time, Julie's beloved wolves face disease and famine. Discussing and Responding Describe the conflict between Kapu and Raw Bones. How does the behavior of Raw Bones resemble that of a schoolyard bully? What is Kapu's responsibility as a leader? How does he prove his leadership qualities throughout the book? Why is protocol so important in wolf society? What happens when a wolf violates protocol? Julie's fiance, Peter, says, "It would be good to live close to the wolves and nature as our elders did. There is much to learn about ourselves out there." What do you think Peter expects to learn from the wolves? What have you learned about wolves that indicates that they are not "lone," but social animals? Reaching Across the Curriculum Language Arts || Social Studies || Science || Careers Language Arts Fairy tales and folktales often portray wolves as bad. How does Jean Craighead George reveal that this portrayal is inaccurate? Which of Julie's wolves might be considered a "villain"? Which wolf is the hero? Ask students to choose one of Julie's wolves and write a folktale, making the wolf a hero instead of a villain. Social Studies Find out how the Eskimos and other residents in Alaska celebrate the summer solstice. Locate pictures of typical Eskimo dress for special occasions. Design Julie's and Peter's wedding attire described on page 177. How is their dress representative of their Eskimo heritage? Draw a picture of the wedding party and write a description of their day that Julie might send to her pen pal, Amy. The map in the front of the book clearly labels "Wolf Pack Territories in Alaska." Research other areas in the continental United States (the "lower forty-eight") where wolves might be found. Search articles in National Geographic or sites on the Internet to find out the best locations to observe wolves. Science Make a list of all the animals mentioned in the book. Locate brief facts about each animal and create a picture dictionary of arctic animals for younger children. March is the mating season for wolves, but wolves donŐt always choose to mate. What determines whether they mate? The birth of pups is a joyous occasion in wolf society. Discuss the role of the mother. What is the father's responsibility? How do other members of the pack respond? Compare and contrast the mother's behavior toward her pups to that of dogs. Rabies is a threat to the animals in the Arctic. Find out the symptoms and treatment of rabies. Why is it important to have domestic animals inoculated against rabies? Ask a veterinarian to speak to the class about the various shots their pets need. Dr. Oomittuk compares Julie to Jane Goodall, the woman who is famous for her study of chimpanzees. Research further information about Jane Goodall. Why are her studies significant to science? How might Julie make a similar contribution? Write a short paper that Julie might have written about her firsthand knowledge of wolves' behavior -- how they feel, interact, play, love and mourn. Careers Julie wants to go to school and study mammalogy. What courses must she take? Research career opportunities in mammalogy. What other courses of study might Julie consider that would qualify her to work with animals? Julie of the Wolves | Julie Thematic Connections || About the Author Back to Teacher's Guides Home