What worked:
Outcast stories create immediate sympathy, and in this case,
it’s due to Feba’s fur color. The other cubs don’t like her, and many of the
adult wolves believe tales that white fur means bad luck. The pack makes
immediate plans to kill Feba, so she flees on her own. She doesn’t have a
destination in mind and hopes to find a new pack to join. Being set adrift and
alone will have young readers empathizing with Feba’s predicament and hoping
she can find a friendly ally. Causing readers to become emotionally connected
to the characters makes the story more engaging and entertaining.
The story teaches young readers valuable life lessons. Feba
is a loyal friend who doesn’t acknowledge illogical customs, so she does the right
thing. Usha believes leopards should live solitary lives, free of attachments
to others. That’s the way it’s always been. Feba doesn’t accept this premise and
refuses to abandon her new friend. Feba unites different species of animals through
kindness, acceptance, and bravery. How else do you explain a wolf and leopard
becoming friends, and baboons, alligators, and vultures helping them along the
way? Batu is described as a bumbling wildcat, but this character adds a little
humor to the story. The only word he says is “batu”, so readers will have fun trying
to interpret what he’s trying to say.
What didn’t work as well:
After the opening pages, all of the illustrations are in black and
white, but that’s not an issue. The transition between settings is unclear, as
the story shifts from Feba back to the wolf pack, and then to the antagonist, a
sheep called Umanga. Some graphic novels differentiate transitions using
labeled chapters, text boxes, or colors. It takes a moment or two to realize
the settings in this book have changed. Also, my third-grader agrees that the
print is pretty small.
The final verdict:
Amazon indicates this book is for ages 9 and older, but that might
be due to some violence. There’s nothing inappropriate or overly concerning, so
younger readers can enjoy this animal adventure, too. I recommend you check out
this book for yourself!
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