ALA Booklist (Tue Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 1997)

George, who has shown her affinity for wolves in her two Julie books as well as in her autobiography, now introduces younger children to the species. In a series of double-page spreads, George describes a year in the life of three wolf pups, following their development through the seasons. Each section of text begins with an observation of nature in the lower 48 states, such as, When you see the dandelions turning silver, look to the north. Wolf pups are being born, then tells what's happening among the little pups and their pack. Each spread includes a large painting of the wolves and a smaller one related to the opening sentences, such as a picture of dandelions going to seed. The delicately textured acrylic paintings offer lively yet loving views of the wolves, perfectly complementing George's appealing text. A fine addition to science collections. (Reviewed April 15, 1997)

Horn Book (Tue Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 1997)

From birth to ten-and-a-half months old, the development of three wolf pups is detailed. Boulder, Scree, and Talus grow from tiny, blind, deaf pups to adult members of their pack 'ready to help . . . raise their new brothers and sisters.' Expressive acrylic illustrations depict the wolves and the changing seasons of the alpine tundra. Although fictional, the text contains a great deal of information about these animals.

Kirkus Reviews

A charming but sentimental book about the first months in the lives of wolf pups, from birth to young adult. George (There's an Owl in the Shower, 1995, etc.) notes in the introduction that in the ``nursing, tumbling, fighting, and growing children of the wild I see all children.'' The pups- -Boulder, Scree, and Talus—play, chase, fight, challenge each other, develop specialties, learn to howl, hunt, and even care for an injured beta wolf. Talus, the smallest pup, rated the bottom of the pack, gains status because of his superior ability to sniff out game. Finally, the three of them wait for the next litter to be born. Children will enjoy the brief text and softly colored drawings of the pups, their parents, and baby-sitter. Washburn, in her first book, has created sweet tableaux of wolves in the wild: purple and lilac landscapes and fluffy, smiling wolves. (Picture book. 5-9)"

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

This year-long chronicle follows three wolf pups born in Alaska's alpine tundra; PW praised both the storytelling and the realistic illustrations, calling the book """"a sure bet for animal lovers."""" Ages 5-9. (Oct.)