Howling Hill

by Will Hobbs, Jill Kastner (Illustrator)

Hanni the wolf pup has never been alone before, and now she's lost in the wilderness. She's too little and scared even to cry out for help! But Hanni soon learns to trust the world outside and the wolf inside--and finally discovers a howl within, long a deep, that brings her family to the rescue. From an award-winning novelist comes this thrilling picture-book tale, illustrated with dynamic paintings that capture the dramatic landscape of the far north.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1998

About the author

WILL HOBBS is the author of seventeen novels for upper elementary, middle school and young adult readers, as well as two picture book stories. Seven of his novels, Bearstone, Downriver, The Big Wander, Beardance, Far North, The Maze, and Jason's Gold, were named Best Books for Young Adults by the American Library Association. ALA also named Far North and Downriver to their list of the 100 Best Young Adult Books of the Twentieth Centrury. Ghost Canoe received the Edgar Allan Poe Award in 1998 for Best Young Adult Mystery.

In outdoor stories that appeal to both boys and girls, Hobbs has readers discovering wild places, sharing adventures with people from varied backgrounds, and exploring how to make important choices in their own lives. A graduate of Stanford University and former reading and language arts teacher, Will has been a full-time writer since 1990. He lives with his wife, Jean, in Durango, Colorado.

Will's books have won many other awards, including the California Young Reader Medal, the Western Writers of America Spur Award, the Mountains and Plains Booksellers Award, the Colorado Book Award, and nominations to state award lists in over thirty states.

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Animal/adventure story for picture book lovers or young wolf and outdoor enthusiasts.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for the animal lover pre-k to 2nd or 3rd.

[Alida · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUPERB art. Magnificent creatures captured in all their majesty and glory. The expressions in Hanni's face convey so much emotion that you cannot help but be invested in her journey. Beautiful.

[Kaycee Monnens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great illustrations. A lengthier picture book that is great for the animal/outdoors lover in your classroom.

[Gena Lott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story of bravery and finding your voice.
Beautiful art work adds to the story.
A read aloud for both boys and girls from 4 and up.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll add this book to my Will Hobbs collection. This would have been fun to read aloud when the kids were young.

3.4

2024
Would have been better if it had been less anthropomorphic ... which could have been easily done, and the story would still have been good.

[Esodhiambo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Realistic fiction
Coming of age
Help from a bear
Learning through struggles

[Jaguar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about a wolf who is lost and sets out to find her family.

[Jalen Tranbarger]

Hanni, a wolf pup, goes to the families favorite spot, Howling Hill with the family. All of the family members are able to go to the top of the hill and howl. They go rolling down the hill when she finds herself on log floating furiously down a river. She stays on the log all day and night until she hears a loud noise getting closer and closer. She knows she must build up courage and jump into the freezing cold water to make it to shore. When she makes it to shore, she goes into a den, just like the one she was born in. What she finds though is not a wolf, its a bear trying to sleep for hibernation. The bear kindly offers to take her back to Howling Hill because he was familiar with the area and scent. The bear takes her as far as his nearest den, and tells the Hanni to follow her nose, and she will make it. This whole time, Hanni has not been able to howl. She tries her hardest, but can only get out a couple of yips. Finally, she makes it to the top of Howling Hill, and tries to howl. All that comes out are a couple of yips. She tries one more time, and gets out a long, drawn out howl. The family hears the howl and comes running to find Hanni back home.