1. Hawk, the banty hen, hatched out the eggs of the ruffed grouse. Discuss how Hawk's love for her adopted chicks was similar to Paulsen's love for his dogs.

2. Paulsen indicates that he had lived most of life in the woods but that he knew nothing until it was almost too late. Identify and discuss the events that led to his "awakening."

3. At the end of the Iditarod, Paulsen seemed reluctant to cross the finish line. In fact he thought about turning around and going back out on the trail.

Why?

4. To whom is the book Woodsong dedicated? What is its significance?

5. What are some of the lessons of survival and of the woods that Paulsen learned from both the wild and the domestic animals?

6. Many of the animal characters in Paulsen's book seem to have distinct personalities. Discuss the "personalities" of Storm, Columbia, Cookie...