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A Wolf for a Spell



Last updated Sunday, May 23, 2021

Author: Karah Sutton
Date of Publication: 2020
ISBN: 0593121651
Grade Level: 3rd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2021

Synopsis: Since she was a pup, Zima has been taught to fear humans - especially witches - but when her family is threatened, she has no choice but to seek help from the witch Baba Yaga. Baba Yaga never does magic for free, but it just so happens that she needs a wolf's keen nose for a secret plan she's brewing... Before Zima knows what's happening, the witch has cast a switching spell and run off into the woods, while Zima is left behind in Baba Yaga's hut - and Baba Yaga's body! Meanwhile, a young village girl named Nadya is also seeking the witch's help, and when she meets Zima (in Baba Yaga's form), they discover that they face a common enemy. With danger closing in, Zima must unite the wolves, the witches and the villagers against an evil that threatens them all.

Note to readers:
•  This is a story about a wolf, a witch, and a girl who all love the forest but fear each other. told from three different perspectives, this fairy tale is about learning to trust others and being brave in doing what is right.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you see on the book cover?
•  Who likes fairy tales and why?

Vocabulary

•  Littermate - one member from a group of animals born together
•  Navigate - plan and direct the route of transportation
•  Devious - showing a skillful use of dishonesty to achieve goals
•  Tsar - an emperor of RussianBab
•  Baba Yaga - this is the name of the witch. In Slavic Folklore, Baba Yaga is a supernatural being who live sin a hut usually described as standing on chicken legs.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Do you know another fairy tale about a wolf? (Red riding hood)
•  Do you think the wolf will be bad or good?
•  Who is your favorite character? Why?

Craft ideas:
•  Easy Origami Wolf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NUVD-LA7a0
•  #Make a card for Mother's Day - for your mother, grandmother, aunt, someone who takes care of you and looks after you.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/may-2021-fantasy-folklore-fairytales/

Special activities:
•  Online Word search: https://thewordsearch.com/puzzle/2294053/a-wolf-for-a-spell/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!