To win back her father's respect, a young girl is about to slaughter a wolf when she recognizes her own feelings in the animal's eyes.

When the young girl first meets the wolf, she imagines bringing his head back as a trophy in order to regain the esteem of her father, who neglects her for the queen and the princes. But in the animal's eyes, she sees friendship, fidelity, purity. And in hers, the wolf in turn sees fear, courage, loneliness, and wounded love. Shaken by this mutual recognition, the girl decides to leave her family and follow her new friend. A powerful picture book about the strength it takes to leave behind all we know in favor of freedom and friendship. The colorful, dreamlike illustrations of Slavic inspiration enhance the spare, moving, almost jewel-like words.