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Wolf Camp
Meet Homer, a dog who heads to camp to live like a wolf! Here’s the perfect book for the legions of kids out there who love dogs and funny books. Homer is a dog . . . but he also secretly fancies himself part wolf. So when an invitation to attend WOLF CAMP (“Where every dog can live as a wolf for a week”) falls out of his kibble bag one morning, he’s determined to go. After his people finally agree, Homer boards the bus bound for Wolf Camp, along with fellow campers Trixie and Rex. They’re greeted on the other end by wolf counselors Fang and Grrr (“they seem nice”), and what follows is an array of wolf activities, including learning to howl, mark, and hunt. Of course, Homer’s a little homesick at times, and the food isn’t very good, but that just makes heading home all the sweeter. Perfect for all those kids anticipating camp themselves, Zuill’s debut introduces a charmer of a dog and puts him in some laugh-out-loud scenarios.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2016
4 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
May 9, 2016
If you have a dog, you will understand this book.
If you just know a dog, you will understand this book.
It's probably also good for parents who have children who are going away to summer camp for the first time and are experiencing the nerves. That's not relevant to my life, though, so I only care about the dogs.
Homer finds a flyer for Wolf Camp in his bag of dog food and carries it around, showing it to his people, until they agree to let him go.
Wolf camp is hard. The food has hair on it. There's howling instead of sleeping.
Buuuut you know what they say about getting used to anything.
We all need to embrace our more primal natures from time to time and Homer is here to show us how. This story, illustrations and all, is absolutely delightful.
If you just know a dog, you will understand this book.
It's probably also good for parents who have children who are going away to summer camp for the first time and are experiencing the nerves. That's not relevant to my life, though, so I only care about the dogs.
Homer finds a flyer for Wolf Camp in his bag of dog food and carries it around, showing it to his people, until they agree to let him go.
Wolf camp is hard. The food has hair on it. There's howling instead of sleeping.
Buuuut you know what they say about getting used to anything.
We all need to embrace our more primal natures from time to time and Homer is here to show us how. This story, illustrations and all, is absolutely delightful.
August 16, 2016
”Ahh-WhoooAhh-Ahh-Whoo”
Homer is a dog on a mission. He wants to let his inner wolf out to howl and hunt. Homer wants to go to Wolf Camp!
With humor and howls galore, readers dive into wolf lessons right along with Homer. Fur, funny tastes, bugs, homesickness and more! Hehe….The look on Homer’s face is priceless! This story is funny and cute from beginning to end.
A howl-at-the-moon read that will inspire readers to go after their dreams. If you want to go to wolf camp, make it happen!
Recommended for all ages. I mean really...there’s a little wolf in all of us. :D
Read this one!
February 22, 2020
An ordinary household pet gets a chance to explore his wild side when his family lets him attend Wolf Camp.
It's a howlin' good time, though I was disappointed that no one made a lanyard.
It's a howlin' good time, though I was disappointed that no one made a lanyard.
April 5, 2020
Having always felt a little wolfish, Homer the dog manages to convince his humans to send him to Wolf Camp for the week in this hilarious picture-book, discovering that life in the wild isn't everything he'd expected. But although he misses his comfortable bed, safe home, and tasty (hairless) food, Homer eventually finds his wolfish rhythm, and has a great time. He returns home a slightly changed canine, one more in touch with his inner wolf...
With a tale that will have readers chuckling, and immensely droll illustrations that greatly add to the humor, Wolf Camp is an auspicious debut for first-time author/illustrator Andrea Zuill. I enjoyed Homer's story, and greatly appreciated the artwork, particularly the scenes in which our canine hero attempts to convince his humans to send him to camp - he follows them everywhere (even to the bathtub!) with the advertisement for Wolf Camp - as well as that in which he and his camp-mates get their orientation talk. The list of dangers enumerated by the wolf-counselor has all three dogs wide-eyed! Recommended to younger children who love dogs and/or appreciate humorous stories.
With a tale that will have readers chuckling, and immensely droll illustrations that greatly add to the humor, Wolf Camp is an auspicious debut for first-time author/illustrator Andrea Zuill. I enjoyed Homer's story, and greatly appreciated the artwork, particularly the scenes in which our canine hero attempts to convince his humans to send him to camp - he follows them everywhere (even to the bathtub!) with the advertisement for Wolf Camp - as well as that in which he and his camp-mates get their orientation talk. The list of dangers enumerated by the wolf-counselor has all three dogs wide-eyed! Recommended to younger children who love dogs and/or appreciate humorous stories.
January 31, 2017
Well this was fun!!! And the final two illustrations remind me of my puppy.
February 15, 2016
Adorable story of Homer, an ordinary dog who wants to be a wolf. When he receives a flyer advertising Wolf Camp he gets permission to attend. There he meets his two wolf counselors, Fang and Grrr. (This cracked me up). This is a great story to share with kids before they are going off to camp. Homer is a little afraid of the things that are going on at camp. Sleeping outside, all the bugs, eating wild game, but he perseveres and manages to receive his Honorary Wolf certificate. Illustrations are adorable.
March 1, 2020
A pampered suburban pooch tries to get back in touch with his inner wolf in what is basically a brief retelling of City Slickers. Amusing ("It's got hair on it!"), with art that borders on the ugly but serves well enough.
January 4, 2019
The premise is cute, but I wish it had been developed more.
January 30, 2020
The main character is a dog named Homer, who wants to go to wolf camp!?!? How could i NOT love this book! I can't wait to read this out loud to my Homer.
February 28, 2020
This is cute and funny and kind of odd (Who's driving the bus???). I liked the sequence with the wolf camp flyer.
September 16, 2016
Whether it is time for camp or “back-to-school,” there is no one season for learning about how to tackle new experiences, face your fears and make new friends. WOLF CAMP is a hilarious and heart-warming picture book that will encourage young listeners and little learners to be brave and have fun, and howl in harmony as one of the pack.
Our hero is Homer, a hound dog with scrawny neck and legs, big nose and a tail that wags frantically when he’s excited. Sometimes he acts “wolfish” pouncing playfully on his pink stuffed toy moose from behind the sofa. Homer believes all dogs have a bit of inner wolf, and fantasizes about living like one of the pack, racing through the wilderness with purpose. It seems like a dream come true when an invitation to Wolf Camp (“Where every dog can live as a wolf – for an entire week!”) falls into his kibble bowl.
Homer really wants to go to Wolf Camp. He pesters his human family, bringing the invitation to their attention over and over, until they relent and agree that he can go. “I’m going to be a wolf!” thinks Homer excitedly as he heads off on a big yellow bus. The camp counselors, Fang and Grrr, are actual wolves, sharp-nosed, pointy-eared, shaggy giants. Homer’s fellow campers are a bumbling, fuzzy golden retriever named Rex and Pixie, a teeny-tiny gray Chihuahua. Homer thinks the counselors seem nice, but the wolves appear slightly skeptical about the well-hidden potential in their new recruits. Nonetheless, after a detailed safety talk, the Wolf Camp lessons begin.
Zuill’s pen and ink drawings with watercolor wash are zany, charming and unbelievably expressive. She masterfully contrasts wolf and dog postures and body language, perfectly positioning their poised or clumsy bodies for stalking, howling, tracking and sleeping. The animals’ eye rolls, ear tilts, and tail movements convey oodles of meaning and emotion that enrich the wry, witty text and funny speech bubbles. It’s a guaranteed giggle when Homer pens a classic camp letter to his “people” at home, complaining about the food and bugs.
WOLF CAMP is filled with loopy, lupine humor and heart. Readers will root for Homer, Rex and Pixie as they bond, persevere and slowly master the skills necessary for wolf-y, woodsy living. The new pack members succeed in earning Honorary Wolf certificates by the end of the week, but perhaps Homer has been changed forever by his wild experience. You’ll be howling with laughter throughout this silly, sweet and smart story for campers and canines alike.
Our hero is Homer, a hound dog with scrawny neck and legs, big nose and a tail that wags frantically when he’s excited. Sometimes he acts “wolfish” pouncing playfully on his pink stuffed toy moose from behind the sofa. Homer believes all dogs have a bit of inner wolf, and fantasizes about living like one of the pack, racing through the wilderness with purpose. It seems like a dream come true when an invitation to Wolf Camp (“Where every dog can live as a wolf – for an entire week!”) falls into his kibble bowl.
Homer really wants to go to Wolf Camp. He pesters his human family, bringing the invitation to their attention over and over, until they relent and agree that he can go. “I’m going to be a wolf!” thinks Homer excitedly as he heads off on a big yellow bus. The camp counselors, Fang and Grrr, are actual wolves, sharp-nosed, pointy-eared, shaggy giants. Homer’s fellow campers are a bumbling, fuzzy golden retriever named Rex and Pixie, a teeny-tiny gray Chihuahua. Homer thinks the counselors seem nice, but the wolves appear slightly skeptical about the well-hidden potential in their new recruits. Nonetheless, after a detailed safety talk, the Wolf Camp lessons begin.
Zuill’s pen and ink drawings with watercolor wash are zany, charming and unbelievably expressive. She masterfully contrasts wolf and dog postures and body language, perfectly positioning their poised or clumsy bodies for stalking, howling, tracking and sleeping. The animals’ eye rolls, ear tilts, and tail movements convey oodles of meaning and emotion that enrich the wry, witty text and funny speech bubbles. It’s a guaranteed giggle when Homer pens a classic camp letter to his “people” at home, complaining about the food and bugs.
WOLF CAMP is filled with loopy, lupine humor and heart. Readers will root for Homer, Rex and Pixie as they bond, persevere and slowly master the skills necessary for wolf-y, woodsy living. The new pack members succeed in earning Honorary Wolf certificates by the end of the week, but perhaps Homer has been changed forever by his wild experience. You’ll be howling with laughter throughout this silly, sweet and smart story for campers and canines alike.
June 29, 2016
written and illustrated by Andrea Zuill will delight both adults and young readers. Zany illustrations ripe with energy and humor chronicle the journey of one lovable dog as he tries to get in touch with his inner wolf. His fellow campers include a charming group of canine companions–a chihuahua named Pixie and a golden retriever named Rex. Together they learn to punch through fear, master new skills and make new friends and pull together–all admirable tasks whether you are a dog or a human!
One illustration depicts Homer’s letter to home. It’s a classic. Any parent who’s sent kids to camp has probably received a similar letter. Wolf Camp is a delight with an important–and very subtle–message about daring to face fears, take on new experiences, make new friends, and grow into a stronger person.
Adoption-attuned Lens: Like the other books in reviewed in this post, readers will see the value of friendship, the benefit of being open instead of limited by bias and the willingness to dare–to be stronger, braver and more open-minded. These are great lessons for all kids but especially for adopted children who throughout their lives will frequently be treated as “other” simply because they were adopted.
The conversations which this book might open can include topics like defeating fear, trying new things, and walking in the “shoes” of others. --Gayle H. Swift, "ABC, Adoption & Me: A Multicultural Picture Book
One illustration depicts Homer’s letter to home. It’s a classic. Any parent who’s sent kids to camp has probably received a similar letter. Wolf Camp is a delight with an important–and very subtle–message about daring to face fears, take on new experiences, make new friends, and grow into a stronger person.
Adoption-attuned Lens: Like the other books in reviewed in this post, readers will see the value of friendship, the benefit of being open instead of limited by bias and the willingness to dare–to be stronger, braver and more open-minded. These are great lessons for all kids but especially for adopted children who throughout their lives will frequently be treated as “other” simply because they were adopted.
The conversations which this book might open can include topics like defeating fear, trying new things, and walking in the “shoes” of others. --Gayle H. Swift, "ABC, Adoption & Me: A Multicultural Picture Book
May 5, 2016
If you have a love for dogs and funny books, then you are sure to enjoy the new book, Wolf Camp, by Andrea Zuill
In Wolf Camp, you're introduced to Homer, a dog that feels that he has a little bit of wolf in him. When Homer receives a flyer to attend Wolf Camp, he is determined to go. After his humans finally agree, his adventure begins.
Upon arriving at Wolf Camp, he was greeted by his two counselors (Fang and Grrr) and introduced to his fellow campers, Trixie and Rex. After the introductions, they participate in a variety of different wolf activities, including mark, howl and track.
After the tracking exercise, Homer starts to get a little homesick. The food isn't very good (it has hair in it), and everything is much different than how he lives at home (he had to sleep outside).
Overtime though, Homer learns to love Wolf Camp and is a little sad when the time arrives to head home.
When Homer does arrive home, he is of course over-the-moon excited to see his humans and had to admit that he had changed just a little..he wasn't just plain ole' Homer anymore.
The story line and illustrations of Wolf Camp, left my five and nine-year old laughing out loud. This is on book, we highly recommend.
For the complete review and a peek inside the visit, visit here
In Wolf Camp, you're introduced to Homer, a dog that feels that he has a little bit of wolf in him. When Homer receives a flyer to attend Wolf Camp, he is determined to go. After his humans finally agree, his adventure begins.
Upon arriving at Wolf Camp, he was greeted by his two counselors (Fang and Grrr) and introduced to his fellow campers, Trixie and Rex. After the introductions, they participate in a variety of different wolf activities, including mark, howl and track.
After the tracking exercise, Homer starts to get a little homesick. The food isn't very good (it has hair in it), and everything is much different than how he lives at home (he had to sleep outside).
Overtime though, Homer learns to love Wolf Camp and is a little sad when the time arrives to head home.
When Homer does arrive home, he is of course over-the-moon excited to see his humans and had to admit that he had changed just a little..he wasn't just plain ole' Homer anymore.
The story line and illustrations of Wolf Camp, left my five and nine-year old laughing out loud. This is on book, we highly recommend.
For the complete review and a peek inside the visit, visit here
May 12, 2016
Homer relishes his life in the bosom of his family, but sometimes he yearns to give in to his wolfish nature. After much persuasion, his family eventually sends him off to Wolf Camp where he learns to howl, hunt, and learn to live in the wild. When he returns home, he's able to put into practice at least one skill he's learned--howling. Several of the scenes are typical of how a youngster might feel about camp. For instance, Homer writes a letter home complaining about the camp food and being dismayed by the sleeping conditions. Readers can easily imagine how dismayed he and his other canine companions are as they become accustomed to life in the great outdoors and then return home to the comfort and safety of a warm bed and all the toys a dog could ever want. The illustrations, created in pen-and-ink and watercolor and then relying on Adobe Photoshop for digital manipulation, show Homer and his two camp companions, a very small dog, Pixie, and a very large one, Rex, and their counselors, the appropriately-named Fang and Grrr, as they cope with being away from home. Although every illustration contains something worth noting, I especially smiled at the look of dismay on the wolf counselors as they meet Homer and the butt sniffing practiced by each of the campers.
June 19, 2016
"Wolf Camp" by Andrea Zuill tells that tale of Homer, a dog that feels like he is a wolf. He enjoys doing wolfish things, such as hunting his stuffed moose and howling at the moon. While eating breakfast one day, Homer receives an invitation to attend Wolf Camp.
Through his persistent begging, Homer's family agrees to let him go to camp. He can barely contain his excitement as he boards the bus with his fellow campers. Homer soon finds out that being a wolf is very different from how he thought it would be. Will he have the courage to stay at camp and become an honorary wolf?
This book has officially become one of my all time favorite children's books! The illustrations are adorably heartwarming. I fell in love with Homer the moment I saw the cover of the book! Many of the illustrations remind me of some of my favorite childhood cartoons.
I greatly enjoyed that humor that is laced throughout the story. From the subtle jokes on the professor's chalkboard to Pixie's moose hunting, I laughed and smiled the entire time I read this story. Readers and animal lovers of all ages will be enchanted with this story. I know that this book is destined to become a new children's classic.
Through his persistent begging, Homer's family agrees to let him go to camp. He can barely contain his excitement as he boards the bus with his fellow campers. Homer soon finds out that being a wolf is very different from how he thought it would be. Will he have the courage to stay at camp and become an honorary wolf?
This book has officially become one of my all time favorite children's books! The illustrations are adorably heartwarming. I fell in love with Homer the moment I saw the cover of the book! Many of the illustrations remind me of some of my favorite childhood cartoons.
I greatly enjoyed that humor that is laced throughout the story. From the subtle jokes on the professor's chalkboard to Pixie's moose hunting, I laughed and smiled the entire time I read this story. Readers and animal lovers of all ages will be enchanted with this story. I know that this book is destined to become a new children's classic.
August 14, 2016
When Homer (the dog) finds an announcement about Wolf Camp in his pet food, he convinces his family to sign him up. What dog wouldn't want to get a chance to be a wolf? But is Homer really ready?! "Wolf Camp" is laugh out loud funny, especially if you have ever attended summer camp (people -- not dog). The issues of food, lodging, counselors, and other pests are brilliantly addressed. Normally I would take away a star when a bunny is depicted in peril, but so is a squirrel -- so I gave the star back.* I think this would be a great read before sending your little camper off. While it does show that camp has its problems, there is also the reward at the end. My favorite part was the letter Homer sends home. Oh my! This is the author's debut picture book. I cannot wait to see what she creates next!! *If a squirrel came down your chimney and hopped into bed with you, I suspect you will feel similarly.
June 23, 2016
I love, love, love Homer -- the dog who always wanted to be a wolf. The story evolves around Homer, a beagle who has always wanted to be a wolf. A flyer in his dog food speaking of a "Wolf Camp" for dogs, was like a sign from heaven that his dream was about to become true. The illustrations in this book are just too cute and my grandchildren and I have read it over and over. We even used it as a learning tool that when you want to strike out and try different things that you don't have to be afraid -- you will always find comfort at home. You can take away from your experiences the things you loved (for Homer it was learning to howl) and expand upon them and you can forget those things you didn't like (for Homer it was eating in the wild -- the food had hair on it). A funny story of adventure, and a fun week in the life of a dog.
January 26, 2018
Homer is just a dog that wants to go to Wolf Camp. He convinces his owners to let him go to experience the life of a real Wolf. He soon finds himself at the camp in a completely different environment from back at home. He experience a life in the wild without a bed, the safety of the house, and food that has hair on it. Homer quickly becomes friends and learns to have fun.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is also based on the owners dog. I liked the part where Homer finally learns what it is like to be a wolf. In the book you seem him change into a little more wolf like. Also its funny to watch Homer convince his humans to let him go to the camp. He follows them everywhere until they agree.
I would use this book to give to a student who may be going to their own summer camp. Or just to read to students for a comical story.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is also based on the owners dog. I liked the part where Homer finally learns what it is like to be a wolf. In the book you seem him change into a little more wolf like. Also its funny to watch Homer convince his humans to let him go to the camp. He follows them everywhere until they agree.
I would use this book to give to a student who may be going to their own summer camp. Or just to read to students for a comical story.
May 13, 2016
Homer is a dog who wants to get back in touch with his ancestry and wonders, "what would it be like to live as a real wolf?" His family reluctantly abides and sends him off to Wolf Camp where he learns how to mark, howl, track, hunt, and sleep in the wild. But Homer becomes homesick and realizes that he misses his domesticated life despite his longing to understand his roots. Lots of silly, fun humor in this story! Friends of canines will also enjoy "From Wolf to Woof" by Hudson Talbott for more in depth details about the origins of our furry companions. Recommended for grades K-2. Review by: Alyson D., Youth Services, Vernon Area Public Library
January 25, 2018
Homer so desperately wants to go to Wolf Camp after finding the flyer for it. He is able to convince his people to let him go. After he gets there, he makes a few friends and they all realize just how hard Wolf Camp is. Can they make it though the whole visit?
This book is adorable and I feel like my dog would have been the same way! I love to see pets personified, because I like to think of my pets as part of the family, and giving them a voice makes that easier.
This would be great in the classroom as a fun random read. I think students would love to sit down on a carpet and read this story after a long day of class.
This book is adorable and I feel like my dog would have been the same way! I love to see pets personified, because I like to think of my pets as part of the family, and giving them a voice makes that easier.
This would be great in the classroom as a fun random read. I think students would love to sit down on a carpet and read this story after a long day of class.
April 15, 2018
I gravitated toward this book because 1. It was a camp book, 2. It has dogs, and 3. It looked silly. Everyone needs a good laugh and this picture book has it! After reading through, I found there were even more reasons to love this fun story. 1. It's told in First Person. Homer is a hoot! (And he may exaggerate just a bit.) 2. The ancillary characters are well named/attributed by both the simply PB descriptions and the illustrations. 3. It's fun to read aloud! My fifth graders loved it, my mom loved it, my writing group loved it! (And I enjoyed reading it over and over again.) I'm adding this book to my pile of mentor text and reading it again to anyone who hasn't heard it.
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May 12, 2016Homer feels invigorated when he gets a little Wolfish. After wondering what real wolves might live like, he discovers there's a camp for that! This camp experience is quite unique and filled with humor as Homer and his camp mates bring their inner wolves out into the wild. With comical illustrations and personified doggy personalities, children will be entertained and maybe even wonder what their own dogs are thinking about.
September 30, 2017
This book was very cute and it wasn't what I excepted it to be. This book is about taking a chance and the lesson learned from it. At the beginning, Homer the dog was nervous about staying at the camp. However, once he got the feel for it he was more comfortable and didn't want to leave. I would read this book again or to my class. This book taught me to go after my dreams, because it will be worth it in the end.
July 5, 2019
Homer, a very domesticated dog, wants to unleash his inner wolf, so he gets his people to send him to Wolf Camp. The first couple pages after Homer arrives at camp, and Homer's letter home, are hilarious. I wanted more of a twist at the end of the story, though I love the illustration of Homer in his bed tucked under his electric blankie beside his toy chest. The illustrations add humor throughout the book. An entertaining read, especially for dog lovers.
November 4, 2019
This book was adorable! The art style is very unique; scribbly and yet neat, colorful and lovely. The story was great, too. I love the idea of dogs going to their version of summer camp (an experience I've personally never had, human, wolf, or otherwise) and having new experiences through a deeper connection with the wild. There were a couple points where even I, an adult, laughed out loud, which I believe is a strength of any children's book that can pull it off.
August 30, 2016
This twist on going away to camp is hilarious, and will tickle dog-loving kids and adults. Both the illustration and the text develop the dog characters (especially main character Homer) and the counselors, Fang and Grrr. A funny discussion book for a child who's a little nervous about anything new.
May 1, 2016
Such a cute book sharing a bit of the dreams and aspirations of even the tiniest of fur babies among us. The illustrations are great, the story is inspiring (and realistic much to chagrin of the pups!), and the end message of we can be anything we want to be if only we have the heart is a great reminder for all.
June 6, 2016
This picture book is hilarious! I love it! When Homer finds a flyer for Wolf Camp. He begs his owners to let him go. When he goes, he learns all the ins and outs of being a wolf. The illustrations, along with the text, are so funny; sprinkled with little jokes all throughout. I found myself going back several times and finding new things to laugh at each time.
September 14, 2016
My son refused to relinquish this one to the library yet, instead, taking it to his bedroom and putting it on his nightstand. I am fairly certain I will be hearing howling from there shortly. He said it was the funniest I had ever been reading a story.
It really is a cute book. My favorite dog at Wolf Camp was the cat-sized one named Pixie.
It really is a cute book. My favorite dog at Wolf Camp was the cat-sized one named Pixie.
October 23, 2016
Funny situation where a dog is sent to wolf camp by his family. The dog is hilarious both in illustration and what he does and sees. The camp counselors to the other dog participants will have the reader giggling at the antics of the dogs trying to be wolves and eat what wolves eat. A fun read for adults as well as the child they read it to.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews