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Kavik the Wolf Dog
An extraordinary journey of instinct and survival from the author of Gentle Ben
When Andy Evans stumbles upon the snow-covered wreckage of a small plane, he's shocked to find a survivor. Should he put the gravely injured dog out of his misery? The look in the animal's eyes says he's not ready to die. It turns out that Kavik's a champion sled dog, and soon he makes a full recovery. When his rightful owner finds out Kavik is alive, he wants the dog back. But Kavik has other ideas.
Swiftly paced from the first page . . . dramatic and absorbing. The Horn Book"
When Andy Evans stumbles upon the snow-covered wreckage of a small plane, he's shocked to find a survivor. Should he put the gravely injured dog out of his misery? The look in the animal's eyes says he's not ready to die. It turns out that Kavik's a champion sled dog, and soon he makes a full recovery. When his rightful owner finds out Kavik is alive, he wants the dog back. But Kavik has other ideas.
Swiftly paced from the first page . . . dramatic and absorbing. The Horn Book"
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1968
About the author
Walt Morey
58 books44 followersWalt Morey was an award-winning author of numerous works of children's fiction set in the U.S. Pacific Northwestand Alaska, the places where Morey lived for all of his life. His book Gentle Ben was the basis for the 1967 movie Gentle Giant and the 1967-1969 television show Gentle Ben.
He wrote a total of 17 published books, most of which involve as a central plot element the relationship between man and animals. Many of his works involve survival stories, or people going into the wild to "discover" themselves; redemption through nature is a common theme of Morey's works.
He wrote a total of 17 published books, most of which involve as a central plot element the relationship between man and animals. Many of his works involve survival stories, or people going into the wild to "discover" themselves; redemption through nature is a common theme of Morey's works.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
July 5, 2020
This book is reminiscent of Lassie Come-Home and the wolf dog books of Joseph E Chipperfield or Thomas C Hinkle. Also a little of White Fang, but with less of the human adventuring in Alaska. Kavik, whose name means wolverine, is reared by a hard-bitten sled dog musher to be a lead dog for the team and win races. Kavik is never treated with affection. When he is bought by a wealthy businessman who just wants a part-wolf dog to show off, he is flown south. But the light plane crashes during a storm and Kavik can't escape the iron cage in which he was travelling. After some time he is found by a young trapper and starts a whole new life, this time one with gentle care. But his owner still wants him.
I like all the sub-themes. While we don't meet girls, we see a strong woman in the boy's mother and another in a fisherman's wife. We get to understand something of their lives on the brink of society. Another way to represent women is shown in a female wolf and we see how Kavik can learn from her and benefit and commit to a female. We also get to learn about other animals in the woods, and the physical landscape of the mountains and glaciers, and we learn about the salmon fishing industry.
This would be a good book to give any young naturalist or dog lover, girl or boy.
This is an unbiased review.
I like all the sub-themes. While we don't meet girls, we see a strong woman in the boy's mother and another in a fisherman's wife. We get to understand something of their lives on the brink of society. Another way to represent women is shown in a female wolf and we see how Kavik can learn from her and benefit and commit to a female. We also get to learn about other animals in the woods, and the physical landscape of the mountains and glaciers, and we learn about the salmon fishing industry.
This would be a good book to give any young naturalist or dog lover, girl or boy.
This is an unbiased review.
February 24, 2014
I read this when I was like... 10. And I was super into horse and wolf books, so I definitely loved it. I recently recommended it to a friend for her daughter (she wanted something NOT about boys and crushes).
March 10, 2021
Walt Morey was my great grandfather, my parents gave me the middle name Morey in his honor. He died when I was young, so I remember very little of him. My father remembers him sitting at his desk with a typewriter poking away at the keys. I am embarrassed to admit that I had not read his books until now. With all this time at home (thanks, COVID), I decided it is time I finally kick my butt into gear and read them. What a thrill Kavik the Wolf Dog was! This is an action-packed adventure. I actually preferred this book to the more famous Gentle Ben. Though, I can understand why Gentle Ben got more recognition. A bear is more exotic of a companion, and Kavik the Wolf Dog is mostly written from the dog's point of view which would have been harder to adapt to a TV series. Any lover of dogs or adventure would like this quick read.
My favorite quotes:
My favorite quotes:
April 19, 2024
Kavik is the lead dog of a sled team under a cruel master. After being sold, the plane carrying him to his new home crashes and he’s rescued by a young boy, who shows him love for the first time. When his unwanted new master reclaims him, Kavik sets out to return to the boy.
This book is very reminiscent of Jack London’s works. Like White Fang, it features a tough, aloof wolf-dog whose cold heart thaws when he finally experiences human kindness. The scene in which Kavik fights a wolf is extremely similar to Buck’s fight with Spitz from The Call of the Wild, even using some identical phrasing. This is not as well written as Jack London’s books – the narrative is quite bland and Kavik’s character development is simply stated rather than shown in any meaningful way. However, it’s not a bad read if you’re a dog/wolf fan.
This book is very reminiscent of Jack London’s works. Like White Fang, it features a tough, aloof wolf-dog whose cold heart thaws when he finally experiences human kindness. The scene in which Kavik fights a wolf is extremely similar to Buck’s fight with Spitz from The Call of the Wild, even using some identical phrasing. This is not as well written as Jack London’s books – the narrative is quite bland and Kavik’s character development is simply stated rather than shown in any meaningful way. However, it’s not a bad read if you’re a dog/wolf fan.
January 31, 2018
What a sweet book. I am a sucker for animal books and this one didn't disappoint. It is a quick read. Well worth an afternoon or two of yours.
March 29, 2019
Fun and enjoyable. Mostly easy to understand. I recommend it to kids and adults. Great family book.😉
February 3, 2020
Çocuklarıma gönül rahatlığıyla okuyabileceğim bir eser. Çok güzel. Biraz beyaz diş tadında.
February 28, 2014
4.5 stars, and a favorite since I first read it in the sixth grade.
Not at all PC, but don't shy away from this book because of that.
This is basically a variation of Lassie Come-Home, only set in Alaska, and is I think a stronger story. I've only read Lassie once, and Kavik a number of times; both books are from the dog's POV. Is this story stronger because Kavik deals with the wilderness in his travels, whereas Lassie encounters more problems dealing with human civilization? In both, humans learn life-lessons from the dog's travails and grow as a character. With Kavik, the human finds personal courage again; with Lassie, the human gets a much-needed job. IMO, that makes an improved change.
I have no answers, except I'm sure I will reread Kavik, whereas with Lassie I'll probably just re-watch the movie starring Roddy McDowell.
(Apparently Kavik was made into a movie, which I've never seen.)
Not at all PC, but don't shy away from this book because of that.
This is basically a variation of Lassie Come-Home, only set in Alaska, and is I think a stronger story. I've only read Lassie once, and Kavik a number of times; both books are from the dog's POV. Is this story stronger because Kavik deals with the wilderness in his travels, whereas Lassie encounters more problems dealing with human civilization? In both, humans learn life-lessons from the dog's travails and grow as a character. With Kavik, the human finds personal courage again; with Lassie, the human gets a much-needed job. IMO, that makes an improved change.
I have no answers, except I'm sure I will reread Kavik, whereas with Lassie I'll probably just re-watch the movie starring Roddy McDowell.
(Apparently Kavik was made into a movie, which I've never seen.)
October 26, 2008
I love this book, to say the least. I know it by heart.
This man, Charlie One-Eye, raises sled dogs, and one year he has a litter of wolf-dog puppies to raise. He chooses the biggest and strongest out of them, which he then calls Kavik, which means wolverine, and tells him he has to be mean like the wolverine, not like the wolf. So he raises him, and then when he's ready he joins the Itcherrod and wins with Kavik running lead. A man sees him, and wants to buy him. So the next day, he goes and buys him. Charlie One-Eye reists at first, but then gives in to the large sum of money the man offers. Kavik is sent to a plane, piloted by Smilie, or something of that sort. C: Smilie crashes, and Kavik survives the crash. But when Andy finds him... on the brink of death, and Andy wanting to put the dog/wolf out of it's misery.. what will happen to Kavik?
This man, Charlie One-Eye, raises sled dogs, and one year he has a litter of wolf-dog puppies to raise. He chooses the biggest and strongest out of them, which he then calls Kavik, which means wolverine, and tells him he has to be mean like the wolverine, not like the wolf. So he raises him, and then when he's ready he joins the Itcherrod and wins with Kavik running lead. A man sees him, and wants to buy him. So the next day, he goes and buys him. Charlie One-Eye reists at first, but then gives in to the large sum of money the man offers. Kavik is sent to a plane, piloted by Smilie, or something of that sort. C: Smilie crashes, and Kavik survives the crash. But when Andy finds him... on the brink of death, and Andy wanting to put the dog/wolf out of it's misery.. what will happen to Kavik?
September 12, 2016
I chose this book because I had read other books from this author and I loved then so I continued reading the books he has written. I made the right choice because it was awesome when Kavik fought the other Wolf to win over the love of another female wolf. I still am asking myself why and how Kavik didn't die because he was very weak and was scared of everything after the plane crash. My second favorite part of the book was when he returned to the boy that saved his life. The book is kind of like Balto or Call of the Wild by Jack London. If I could rewrite the book I would have more characters like a best friend for Andy the boy who saved the dog, maybe even give Andy some siblings that helped with the dog or somebody but I totally would add more characters. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a little bit of friendship but mostly action and survival in the outdoors.
October 16, 2017
The illustrations by Parnall are serviceable, but not the kind of work for which I seek him out.
I don't normally read animal adventure stories, have never even read Jim Kjelgaard (though I did love and reread The Incredible Journey). But I did decide to read this, and enjoyed it enough to consider reading Gentle Ben, at least. The only trouble is, I have no idea how true to animal nature all this is. It surely *seems* to be based on good science, but I dunno.
I don't normally read animal adventure stories, have never even read Jim Kjelgaard (though I did love and reread The Incredible Journey). But I did decide to read this, and enjoyed it enough to consider reading Gentle Ben, at least. The only trouble is, I have no idea how true to animal nature all this is. It surely *seems* to be based on good science, but I dunno.
January 1, 2016
I had forgotten how much I liked this book.
Yes yes, this is another wolf, boy and his dog, story.
I guess I just liked the whole journey aspect. I sort of wish there was more to Kavik's previous life as a sled dog though. Also, how did Kavik know how to survive in the wild, other than the magical "he's part wolf, that's why" explanation we get for his exceptional behavior all the time? There were other slight distracting plot holes like this, but the story was still good.
I liked the little moral they worked in at the end about getting courage and working hard towards something. A nice short adventure read.
Yes yes, this is another wolf, boy and his dog, story.
I guess I just liked the whole journey aspect. I sort of wish there was more to Kavik's previous life as a sled dog though. Also, how did Kavik know how to survive in the wild, other than the magical "he's part wolf, that's why" explanation we get for his exceptional behavior all the time? There were other slight distracting plot holes like this, but the story was still good.
I liked the little moral they worked in at the end about getting courage and working hard towards something. A nice short adventure read.
July 19, 2022
I read this aloud to one of my nieces about ten years ago. She loved it, so of course, I did, too. (Her very favorite book at the time was "Good Dog" by Avi.)
My 8 yr old nephew treasures this book. He's read the Harry Potter series a couple of times, but he reads this one when he feels sad because it makes him feel good. Interesting.
My 8 yr old nephew treasures this book. He's read the Harry Potter series a couple of times, but he reads this one when he feels sad because it makes him feel good. Interesting.
February 5, 2016
I read this book once when I was 10, and then did a book report on it every year until I graduated high school and even did a paper on it in college. Reading it again 25 years later, I'm even more impressed with myself... it's great for just okay in your 30's.
March 2, 2016
its so good i recomend it to anyone who likes animals
January 3, 2019
Read together as a family. Loved it!
October 26, 2020
This was one of the books that I had and read as a child since I was into wolves so anything that had a wolf or wolfish dog on the cover while reminding me of Julie of the Wolves was an instant attraction. As a result this is how I came to read about Kavik.
Unfortunately this re-reading of the book now as an adult just reminds me of how much this book just reminds me of other books - most predominantly White Fang and The Incredible Journey. And the sad fact of it is that those books are actually a lot more interesting and more well-written than this poor book so I didn't find myself enjoying it as much as I probably would have if I hadn't enjoyed those other two classics first.
On its own merits, Kavik does cover a whole lifetime within just below two hundred pages. As a result the book is on a constant roll that peaks and dips throughout the telling but unfortunately Walt Morey just gives the story the same monotone throughout the telling scenes of extreme horror are told in the same context as a scene of romance or of a heartbroken reunion. And furthermore even though Kavik is the titular character the book doesn't give him a voice but just narrates mostly his actions so there is no character depth for this wolf-dog.
The book also has a few black-and-white sketch illustrations that are captioned throughout the telling. Fortunately the captions are in italics so they don't interfere with the text but along with an illustration guide at the front it is a bit of an overkill as well since most readers will understand what is being portrayed in the illustration itself.
In the end it does make for a good non-romance read and an animal read for those who are trying to escape the stereotypical crushy reads that are now used for juveniles and young adults. But if you know the reader to be up to the reading level I would strongly suggest the prior suggested books for substituted reads instead.
Unfortunately this re-reading of the book now as an adult just reminds me of how much this book just reminds me of other books - most predominantly White Fang and The Incredible Journey. And the sad fact of it is that those books are actually a lot more interesting and more well-written than this poor book so I didn't find myself enjoying it as much as I probably would have if I hadn't enjoyed those other two classics first.
On its own merits, Kavik does cover a whole lifetime within just below two hundred pages. As a result the book is on a constant roll that peaks and dips throughout the telling but unfortunately Walt Morey just gives the story the same monotone throughout the telling scenes of extreme horror are told in the same context as a scene of romance or of a heartbroken reunion. And furthermore even though Kavik is the titular character the book doesn't give him a voice but just narrates mostly his actions so there is no character depth for this wolf-dog.
The book also has a few black-and-white sketch illustrations that are captioned throughout the telling. Fortunately the captions are in italics so they don't interfere with the text but along with an illustration guide at the front it is a bit of an overkill as well since most readers will understand what is being portrayed in the illustration itself.
In the end it does make for a good non-romance read and an animal read for those who are trying to escape the stereotypical crushy reads that are now used for juveniles and young adults. But if you know the reader to be up to the reading level I would strongly suggest the prior suggested books for substituted reads instead.
June 14, 2021
Set in a fictional fishing village named Copper City in Alaska, a 15-year-old boy named Andy discovers an Alaskan malamute dog in a crashed airplane, hanging on to dear life. The dog’s name was Kavik and was traveling by plane to try and win a sled dog race for his aggressive owner, Mr. Hunter when the plane went down. Andy pulls Kavik out of the plane, nurses him back to health, and befriends him just in time for his owner to appear and want him back. No matter how many times or how far of a distance Kavik is separated from Andy he always makes his way back to him. Kavik’s ownership transfers to many different hands, and he has to go through many trials before reaching Andy for the last time, but for such a loyal pup- it had to have been worth it. The narrative third person point-of-view, fast-paced text, and strong character development make for a truly moving story about a boy and his dog.
AK: Alaskan Malamute, Wolves, Sled Dog, Fishing Town
Activity: Have children try to write a story from the viewpoint of their pet.
AK: Alaskan Malamute, Wolves, Sled Dog, Fishing Town
Activity: Have children try to write a story from the viewpoint of their pet.
October 6, 2018
Because of all the dog stories I have been reading lately. This one came up as a suggestion from Goodbook's as one I might enjoy. So I check it out.
"When Andy Evans stumbles upon the snow-covered wreckage of a small plane, he's shocked to find a survivor. Should he put the gravely injured dog out of his misery? The look in the animal's eyes says he's not ready to die. It turns out that Kavik's a champion sled dog, and soon he makes a full recovery. When his rightful owner finds out Kavik is alive, he wants the dog back. But Kavik has other ideas."
"Swiftly paced from the first page . . . dramatic and absorbing."
"When Andy Evans stumbles upon the snow-covered wreckage of a small plane, he's shocked to find a survivor. Should he put the gravely injured dog out of his misery? The look in the animal's eyes says he's not ready to die. It turns out that Kavik's a champion sled dog, and soon he makes a full recovery. When his rightful owner finds out Kavik is alive, he wants the dog back. But Kavik has other ideas."
"Swiftly paced from the first page . . . dramatic and absorbing."
September 17, 2019
One of my favourite books of all time about the bond between a boy and a part wolf and part dog which has never been shown any kindness from man, while being flown down to it's new owner the plane crashes and 3 days later the boy comes up on and noticed the dog/wolf still alive takes it back to is place where it makes a full recovery, then the owner is informed and he comes to collect it but he just keeps it in a cage, he run's away and travels over 2 thousand miles, get into a fight with a wolf, meets a mate loses her, get's attacked by a man, but in the end he makes back to the boy and family that he loves.
March 2, 2023
I loved this book so much. I love wolves and sled dogs so this was just a book for me. It reminded me on A wolf called Wander because the story is really similar- it's about a wolf-dog who wins a sled race and is then bought by a man living in a city far away. He survives a plane crash before he is taken to him and rescued by a young boy and his family- they give him back to the man once he recovers but he travels over 2000 miles to get back to them - it's a really interesting and tense book and the illustrations are just gorgeous.
May 5, 2017
For most of the dog's life, Kavik, the malamute,
is faced with events which would have made any other living thing quit.
However,the inherent nature of this wolf dog, is to survive against all odds. It's a story about
a dog and his true owner Andy Evans, a teenage boy. The young man and his loving family, at times have had to fight for ownership rights. Walt Morey captivates the reader.
I could not put the book down!
is faced with events which would have made any other living thing quit.
However,the inherent nature of this wolf dog, is to survive against all odds. It's a story about
a dog and his true owner Andy Evans, a teenage boy. The young man and his loving family, at times have had to fight for ownership rights. Walt Morey captivates the reader.
I could not put the book down!
June 18, 2018
Andy finds a dog that is almost dead lying in the snow by a crashed airplane. The dog's name is Kavik. He takes him home, and he and his family help After a while, Kavik wants to go back to Andy, so he escapes.
He travels over 2,000 miles through dangerous territory, experiencing grief, pain, and hunger until he finally gets back to Andy.
This story is amazing! I love this book!
He travels over 2,000 miles through dangerous territory, experiencing grief, pain, and hunger until he finally gets back to Andy.
This story is amazing! I love this book!
June 16, 2019
As a huge fan of Gentle Ben, which I’ve read dozens of times, I thought it would be interesting to see if Walt Morey’s other books were as good. I was definitely not disappointed. Take White Fang, mix in a healthy dose of Call of the Wild, then throw in the love that only a human and their animal can share, and you get Kavik.
January 8, 2024
I got to chapter 9 and just had to stop. Honestly it's a bit of a rip off of other classics such as Call of the wild and White Fang by Jack London. Those are way better in my opinion. I don't think this book deserves a 4.15 overall rating. It's probably getting the 5 star ratings based on nostalgia of people who read it when they were young versus actually being good.
May 22, 2020
Do you like dogs? Then this is a story about them but the dogs do get bashed up.
read my full review
http://letterstocassiandotherfolks.bl...
read my full review
http://letterstocassiandotherfolks.bl...
January 1, 2021
I read Gentle Ben last year and was waiting for the library to have this one available. It was worth the wait and I finished it in a day. It is about the love of a dog for his human family and the lengths he went through to get back to them. I was in tears by the end.
February 13, 2021
Love this book. Took me a while to read with life's demands . I read it I love it and 2,000 miles of travel for a wolf dog is more than amazing its extraordinary. The Love for a Boy and Family overcame Kavik to the point of no return. Now it will be on my shelf loved.
December 9, 2023
El primer libro que leí, por decisión propia, a los 11 años. Una historia totalmente cautivadora que te permite adentrarte en las costumbres de los polos y sus estilos de vida. Amé al personaje Andy, y su relación con los animales. Muy bonito libro infantil. Y además me adentró en la literatura.
October 9, 2017
This was assigned to my 10 year old to read in school. I read it so that I can be aware of what he is reading. Very good book. I will encourage my other children to read it as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews