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Jala and the Wolves
Jala is a curious girl who spends most of her time learning new facts about animals-especially wolves. One day, she is only a little surprised to find that a mysterious mirror has appeared in her room. Like Alice's looking glass, the mirror is only the beginning.
98 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2015
9 people are currently reading
1070 people want to read
About the author
Marti Dumas
27 books198 followersWriter:
Marti Dumas is a native New Orleanian with a passion for storytelling. When she is not teaching or parenting, she is reading or writing. She prefers to do some combination of the above within view of ancient oak trees or the banks of the river. Or both.
Narrator:
For over a decade Marti has narrated and produced audio books for use in educational settings, using her melodic voice to captivate audiences of children and adolescents. More recently, her honeyed tones have been featured in radio plays and television spots, and her first commercially available audio books were released in December of 2012.
Marti is a bel canto trained mezzo soprano and a versatile vocal performer, with a wide dramatic range and more than 20 years of experience in the performing arts. She speaks English and French, and works in a variety of accents and dialects.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 13, 2015
I wrote this story for my daughter as a Christmas present when she was in first grade. I printed a copy on Blurb so it would be "fancy" and like any of the other chapter books she was reading, just with the added twist of her being the main character. Like her mama, Jala has always been a sucker for fantasy adventures, so we enjoyed reading this little story together.
Years later, her little brother noticed the single copy of Jala and the Wolves on the shelf and asked me if I would make an audiobook of it. This is not such a strange request since: 1) He loves listening to audiobooks and 2) He knows his mama has narrated quite a few of them. I told him I would make one just for him, but he was insistent that I make a "*real*" one, like I had made a *real* book for Jala. I didn't mind, but somewhere in the process several people read and (claimed to have) enjoyed the little story that I wrote for my little girl for Christmas when she was 6, so the children and I collectively decided to publish it and the audiobook as well.
We enjoyed the book, but as they say, there's no accounting for taste. :-) We give it 4 stars because, even though I wrote it, we reserve 5 stars for The Chronicles of Narnia and the like.
Years later, her little brother noticed the single copy of Jala and the Wolves on the shelf and asked me if I would make an audiobook of it. This is not such a strange request since: 1) He loves listening to audiobooks and 2) He knows his mama has narrated quite a few of them. I told him I would make one just for him, but he was insistent that I make a "*real*" one, like I had made a *real* book for Jala. I didn't mind, but somewhere in the process several people read and (claimed to have) enjoyed the little story that I wrote for my little girl for Christmas when she was 6, so the children and I collectively decided to publish it and the audiobook as well.
We enjoyed the book, but as they say, there's no accounting for taste. :-) We give it 4 stars because, even though I wrote it, we reserve 5 stars for The Chronicles of Narnia and the like.
April 13, 2015
Having listened to the audiobook for Jala and the Wolves, I had the pleasure of listening to this captivating adventure This is an urban fantasy of sorts, where little Jala (with a love for bean pie, which I’ve never tried but am now curious), finds a strange mirror in her room that transforms her into a wolf.
From there the adventure includes Jala helping a pack of wolves learn how to survive again. It’s funny that at the beginning Jala can never seem to eat enough, and is indeed somewhat glutonous, but has to teach the wolves how to find food, and even eat stuff they would never otherwise have considered. It’s a great lesson for Thanksgiving, remembering that not everyone has unlimited supplies of food, and especially not of every food they want when they want it (as she feels about bean pie at the beginning). On that note, it is a bit of a Thanksgiving story, and indeed Thanksgiving soon follows Jala’s adventures – we are left knowing she will have a different view on this holiday and indeed, life.
This is just one of many lessons in Jala and the Wolves. It is a story many will enjoy, for all age groups. I believe the target age groups would be ages 6-12 (somewhere in there), but like any good story, it works for all age groups.
And on top of all that, the voice of the narrator is pleasant to listen to, giving us listeners the feeling of lying in bed as a child as our mothers read us our bedtime stories.
From there the adventure includes Jala helping a pack of wolves learn how to survive again. It’s funny that at the beginning Jala can never seem to eat enough, and is indeed somewhat glutonous, but has to teach the wolves how to find food, and even eat stuff they would never otherwise have considered. It’s a great lesson for Thanksgiving, remembering that not everyone has unlimited supplies of food, and especially not of every food they want when they want it (as she feels about bean pie at the beginning). On that note, it is a bit of a Thanksgiving story, and indeed Thanksgiving soon follows Jala’s adventures – we are left knowing she will have a different view on this holiday and indeed, life.
This is just one of many lessons in Jala and the Wolves. It is a story many will enjoy, for all age groups. I believe the target age groups would be ages 6-12 (somewhere in there), but like any good story, it works for all age groups.
And on top of all that, the voice of the narrator is pleasant to listen to, giving us listeners the feeling of lying in bed as a child as our mothers read us our bedtime stories.
Want to read
May 1, 2017The cover is beautiful. The colors are calming, yet enticing. I can't wait to start this cute thing!
March 6, 2015
I finished Jala and the Wolves within an hour. It’s a book for mothers to read with their daughters, and is also a book that children (chapter-book reading age) can read on their own. I enjoyed the story and found it intriguing; it starts off with a young girl who’s asked to leave the kitchen while breakfast is prepared, and afterwards she ends up picking up a book to read that is all about wolves, but before she gets the chance, she’s whisked off to a magical world, one where she is an alpha wolf. I’m not going to share any more, not wanting to spoil the sweet story, but it’s filled with adventure and is an entertaining read. One small paragraph briefly mentions the word mating, and that’s one thing I might gloss over when I read it to my six year old, then the story moves on. The only thing I would like to see different throughout the book is the addition of a few pictures of Jala’s journey with the wolves in the mystical world, being that it’s for children to enjoy.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars! Great read.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars! Great read.
January 26, 2015
I really enjoyed Jala and the Wolves from Marti Dumas. It was such a well-written story and had a lot of character. I loved how the story started how with some hand-drawn pieces of art. That really got me interested in the story as I am an artist myself and so is my daughter. I downloaded this book for us to read together. She is in Kindergarten and still enjoys for me to read to her. I found that my daughter was easily able to connect to Jala. Jala is the main character and she always has her eye out for learning about new animals. She is especially interested in canines. I loved how the book was filled with fantasy and education. I feel as though my daughter learned more about wolves through this story and she was interested in the book from the beginning to the end. This is a book that I would recommend to parents with young children and older children as well.
March 24, 2022
I am... genuinely a little mindboggled at this book? Let me explain.
On a trip to New Orleans, I visited Blue Cypress Books and asked a bookseller for a recommendation on a local middle grade author. They immediately said I must read something by Marti Dumas. Done! Was drawn to Jala and the Wolves' beautiful cover artwork. Totally on board.
This story is wonderfully self-indulgent. According to the reviews here on Goodreads, Dumas herself says she wrote it for Christmas for her daughter, Jala, and that made so much sense to me; I could tell this "self-insert" style of story was penned with immense love and magic. The sense of empowerment and blessing to live unapologetically black that Dumas wrote for her daughter is truly gripping. Do not feel silly; love what you love and know your worth. "Cringe culture" is dead, baby, go be a wolf and eat raspberries.
While there were certainly choices that made me scratch my head (I have never before seen a tilde used interchangeably with hyphens or words interrupted by ellipses rather than em dashes), the story makes so much more sense to me, knowing it was a gift for a daughter.
I enjoyed this tale, and I would have absolutely adored it when I was in elementary school. Definitely a rec for any little girls who love wolves and fantastical stories of magic!
On a trip to New Orleans, I visited Blue Cypress Books and asked a bookseller for a recommendation on a local middle grade author. They immediately said I must read something by Marti Dumas. Done! Was drawn to Jala and the Wolves' beautiful cover artwork. Totally on board.
This story is wonderfully self-indulgent. According to the reviews here on Goodreads, Dumas herself says she wrote it for Christmas for her daughter, Jala, and that made so much sense to me; I could tell this "self-insert" style of story was penned with immense love and magic. The sense of empowerment and blessing to live unapologetically black that Dumas wrote for her daughter is truly gripping. Do not feel silly; love what you love and know your worth. "Cringe culture" is dead, baby, go be a wolf and eat raspberries.
While there were certainly choices that made me scratch my head (I have never before seen a tilde used interchangeably with hyphens or words interrupted by ellipses rather than em dashes), the story makes so much more sense to me, knowing it was a gift for a daughter.
I enjoyed this tale, and I would have absolutely adored it when I was in elementary school. Definitely a rec for any little girls who love wolves and fantastical stories of magic!
July 18, 2020
I read this with my almost-8 year old daughter. She was very upset about one scene that dealt with (non-violent) death, but it was well written as was the entire book. I loved how the author set the scene and described so perfectly the sensory experience.
I was annoyed that the main character was 6 years old but she was the one who came up with a survival strategy. She did not think like a six year old for the majority of the book, except for the very beginning and the very end; I did not get the impression that her transformation had anything to do with her maturity, although I could be mistaken.
I was annoyed that the main character was 6 years old but she was the one who came up with a survival strategy. She did not think like a six year old for the majority of the book, except for the very beginning and the very end; I did not get the impression that her transformation had anything to do with her maturity, although I could be mistaken.
February 26, 2017
A beautiful book for children and especially fitting for a parent to read to their child, I think. If I had children, I would definitely read them this story. It was very well written, creative, sweet, had some moral messages, and was all together quite lovely. I particularly enjoyed the way the wolves communicate with one another. Very original and described well.
October 14, 2017
This was extremely strange but in a good way! Great imagination inducing story
July 24, 2020
A quick, delightful, and magical read.
July 31, 2015
AudioBook Review:
Stars: 4 Narration: 4 Story 4
I’m always on the lookout for child-appropriate titles that will work as books to share with your children, or encourage new readers of chapter books to ‘do it themselves’. Surprisingly harder than you would expect, watching for content, message and of course, avoiding too much of the action or scare factor that would discourage some young readers. For that reason, faerie-tale morality stories that trend to a more humanist view of the world are my favorites, and are well-suited to a variety of readers and ages.
Jala and the Wolves by Marti Dumas is an action-packed, thoughtful tale following Jala and the lessons she learns along the way. Set just before Thanksgiving, Jala’s obsession with food and animals collide into a fantasy adventure unlike any others I have read.
Jala is obsessed with food, particularly bean pie (I have no clue –but am curious) and she’s apparently often underfoot as food is being prepared. Shooed out of the kitchen one morning during breakfast preparations, she retreats to her room to read more in her book about wolves. But a strange mirror draws her attention, and soon she is the alpha female, tasked with managing this new pack.
The wolves have hit a rough patch, and aren’t the best at finding food for their own survival. Jala uses her own experiences and knowledge to teach the wolves a new way, and learns much about availability and making do as she travels.
The lessons in this story are multilayered, from understanding that not everyone has or knows what you do, to the often very real struggle for enough to eat, and using your own knowledge and experience to move forward in multiple situations. Jala was a wonderful character, with a solid voice and curiosity.
Narration was provided by the author, Marti Dumas, and her presentation is wholly relaxing and reminiscent of ‘story hour’ at the children’s library. Dumas knows her story thoroughly, and presents Jala with a youthful tone and optimistic approach to life and her journey, and a thoughtful side that explains and presents her conclusions from the journey in an easy to understand way for readers 5 and up.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from the author via AudioBook Blast for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Stars: 4 Narration: 4 Story 4
I’m always on the lookout for child-appropriate titles that will work as books to share with your children, or encourage new readers of chapter books to ‘do it themselves’. Surprisingly harder than you would expect, watching for content, message and of course, avoiding too much of the action or scare factor that would discourage some young readers. For that reason, faerie-tale morality stories that trend to a more humanist view of the world are my favorites, and are well-suited to a variety of readers and ages.
Jala and the Wolves by Marti Dumas is an action-packed, thoughtful tale following Jala and the lessons she learns along the way. Set just before Thanksgiving, Jala’s obsession with food and animals collide into a fantasy adventure unlike any others I have read.
Jala is obsessed with food, particularly bean pie (I have no clue –but am curious) and she’s apparently often underfoot as food is being prepared. Shooed out of the kitchen one morning during breakfast preparations, she retreats to her room to read more in her book about wolves. But a strange mirror draws her attention, and soon she is the alpha female, tasked with managing this new pack.
The wolves have hit a rough patch, and aren’t the best at finding food for their own survival. Jala uses her own experiences and knowledge to teach the wolves a new way, and learns much about availability and making do as she travels.
The lessons in this story are multilayered, from understanding that not everyone has or knows what you do, to the often very real struggle for enough to eat, and using your own knowledge and experience to move forward in multiple situations. Jala was a wonderful character, with a solid voice and curiosity.
Narration was provided by the author, Marti Dumas, and her presentation is wholly relaxing and reminiscent of ‘story hour’ at the children’s library. Dumas knows her story thoroughly, and presents Jala with a youthful tone and optimistic approach to life and her journey, and a thoughtful side that explains and presents her conclusions from the journey in an easy to understand way for readers 5 and up.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from the author via AudioBook Blast for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
April 20, 2015
AudioBook Review:
Stars: 4 Narration: 4 Story 4
I’m always on the lookout for child-appropriate titles that will work as books to share with your children, or encourage new readers of chapter books to ‘do it themselves’. Surprisingly harder than you would expect, watching for content, message and of course, avoiding too much of the action or scare factor that would discourage some young readers. For that reason, faerie-tale morality stories that trend to a more humanist view of the world are my favorites, and are well-suited to a variety of readers and ages.
Jala and the Wolves by Marti Dumas is an action-packed, thoughtful tale following Jala and the lessons she learns along the way. Set just before Thanksgiving, Jala’s obsession with food and animals collide into a fantasy adventure unlike any others I have read.
Jala is obsessed with food, particularly bean pie (I have no clue –but am curious) and she’s apparently often underfoot as food is being prepared. Shooed out of the kitchen one morning during breakfast preparations, she retreats to her room to read more in her book about wolves. But a strange mirror draws her attention, and soon she is the alpha female, tasked with managing this new pack.
The wolves have hit a rough patch, and aren’t the best at finding food for their own survival. Jala uses her own experiences and knowledge to teach the wolves a new way, and learns much about availability and making do as she travels.
The lessons in this story are multilayered, from understanding that not everyone has or knows what you do, to the often very real struggle for enough to eat, and using your own knowledge and experience to move forward in multiple situations. Jala was a wonderful character, with a solid voice and curiosity.
Narration was provided by the author, Marti Dumas, and her presentation is wholly relaxing and reminiscent of ‘story hour’ at the children’s library. Dumas knows her story thoroughly, and presents Jala with a youthful tone and optimistic approach to life and her journey, and a thoughtful side that explains and presents her conclusions from the journey in an easy to understand way for readers 5 and up.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from the author via AudioBook Blast for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Stars: 4 Narration: 4 Story 4
I’m always on the lookout for child-appropriate titles that will work as books to share with your children, or encourage new readers of chapter books to ‘do it themselves’. Surprisingly harder than you would expect, watching for content, message and of course, avoiding too much of the action or scare factor that would discourage some young readers. For that reason, faerie-tale morality stories that trend to a more humanist view of the world are my favorites, and are well-suited to a variety of readers and ages.
Jala and the Wolves by Marti Dumas is an action-packed, thoughtful tale following Jala and the lessons she learns along the way. Set just before Thanksgiving, Jala’s obsession with food and animals collide into a fantasy adventure unlike any others I have read.
Jala is obsessed with food, particularly bean pie (I have no clue –but am curious) and she’s apparently often underfoot as food is being prepared. Shooed out of the kitchen one morning during breakfast preparations, she retreats to her room to read more in her book about wolves. But a strange mirror draws her attention, and soon she is the alpha female, tasked with managing this new pack.
The wolves have hit a rough patch, and aren’t the best at finding food for their own survival. Jala uses her own experiences and knowledge to teach the wolves a new way, and learns much about availability and making do as she travels.
The lessons in this story are multilayered, from understanding that not everyone has or knows what you do, to the often very real struggle for enough to eat, and using your own knowledge and experience to move forward in multiple situations. Jala was a wonderful character, with a solid voice and curiosity.
Narration was provided by the author, Marti Dumas, and her presentation is wholly relaxing and reminiscent of ‘story hour’ at the children’s library. Dumas knows her story thoroughly, and presents Jala with a youthful tone and optimistic approach to life and her journey, and a thoughtful side that explains and presents her conclusions from the journey in an easy to understand way for readers 5 and up.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from the author via AudioBook Blast for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
May 14, 2015
Jala is a curious six year old girl. She loves to read, especially about animals, she is always learning new facts about them. Jala knows her mother is magic, her mother always knows what she is thinking and when she is hungry after all! One day she finds a mysterious mirror in her room and she just knows her magic mother put it there. Jala travels into the mirror like Alice and Jala finds a wolf pack on the other side.
This book is perfect for younger readers. The narrative moves well, the language is simple and the story is intriguing. Most children will find something in Jala that is familiar. I don't think there is a child alive who hasn't pretended to be an animal at least once in their life.
I enjoyed this book a lot! Jala is an adorable child. She is special and magical and just grabs your heart strings. Jala reminded me a lot of myself as a child. I have always been a bookwork. I had a special place in my room to curl up with my books and read. I would have loved to find a magic mirror or wardrobe or rabbit hole to take me off on a magical adventure. Coming home at the end and finding my mother making me breakfast would have been the perfect end.
I recommend this book to all lovers of magical adventure. It is short and sweet and tells a great tale.
I received this book through GoodReads First Reads program.
This book is perfect for younger readers. The narrative moves well, the language is simple and the story is intriguing. Most children will find something in Jala that is familiar. I don't think there is a child alive who hasn't pretended to be an animal at least once in their life.
I enjoyed this book a lot! Jala is an adorable child. She is special and magical and just grabs your heart strings. Jala reminded me a lot of myself as a child. I have always been a bookwork. I had a special place in my room to curl up with my books and read. I would have loved to find a magic mirror or wardrobe or rabbit hole to take me off on a magical adventure. Coming home at the end and finding my mother making me breakfast would have been the perfect end.
I recommend this book to all lovers of magical adventure. It is short and sweet and tells a great tale.
I received this book through GoodReads First Reads program.
May 18, 2015
First Reads winner! This is a adventure story of traveling unexpectedly to another world, with the difference that this new world is not a crazy or menacing place to be (like Alice's Wonderland, or Coraline's alternate world, or Gregor's Underland, to name a few), which is rather refreshing. Instead, it's about Jala experiencing the thrills of being a wolf and the satisfaction of helping other wolves.
It's a quick read, perfect for kids who are beginning to read chapter books, as well as for more advanced readers who like animals and fantasy. This book leaves some unanswered questions, which will hopefully be addressed in future volumes!
G
It's a quick read, perfect for kids who are beginning to read chapter books, as well as for more advanced readers who like animals and fantasy. This book leaves some unanswered questions, which will hopefully be addressed in future volumes!
G
February 12, 2015
A fairytale written for all ages, Jala and the Wolves is a story that focusses on the meaning of family, and the roles that each member plays in the world. A book written for children, with enough story to prevent a reader from falling asleep at storytime. The characters are believable, friendly and reassuring. The lessons are perfect for children learning their place in the world, and the adventures are fun.
A wonderful story for children of all ages, with a plot that will keep adults and children alike enthralled through story time.
4.5/5
A wonderful story for children of all ages, with a plot that will keep adults and children alike enthralled through story time.
4.5/5
March 11, 2015
Jala and the Wolves is a delightful fairy tale about a young girl learning about how wonders of family. Perfect for young children and pre-teens who enjoy a bit of wonder. Girls and boys will enjoy.
I listened to the audio version of this book and I found the author's voice very soothing and sweet, although a bit slow for my liking. But, perhaps, this is better for a younger audience.
Very sweet story. Quick read.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
I listened to the audio version of this book and I found the author's voice very soothing and sweet, although a bit slow for my liking. But, perhaps, this is better for a younger audience.
Very sweet story. Quick read.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
April 9, 2015
I found the book Jala and the Wolves to be very entertaining and fun i think Marti Dumas' effort was exciting and could make a wonderful addition to a classroom or home library. The book was easy to read and easy to understand. The book had enough action to be exciting, but not so much as to be scary. I received s copy of this book through the Goodreads Firstreads program and it was a great, fu, and quick journey.
February 27, 2015
I got this book for my 8 year old nephew. He loves animals and I thought that he would enjoy the imaginative story. He and his Mom read the book in small increments before bedtime and they both loved it! Now, we just have to find a recipe for bean pie! :)
May 3, 2016
A short and sweet story.
June 23, 2015
A cute, well-written story. I liked it.
September 17, 2015
We are proud to announce that JALA AND THE WOLVES by Marti Dumas is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
December 11, 2016
Wonderful story...too short though.
June 21, 2015
This book was awesome!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews