The Wolf Twins by Ewa Jozefkowicz
Book recommendations are always welcome from authors. Ewa Jozefkowicz has chosen several titles that feature twins as characters which is inspired by her own set of twins.
Double trouble – Top children’s stories featuring twins
Twins have always held a unique and intriguing place in children’s books as they bring with them a sense of duality, mystery, and endless storytelling possibilities. They’re ultimately a reminder of the eternal bond that exists between two individuals who share the same genetic makeup yet often embark on vastly different journeys.
Whether they’re identical twins whose physical similarities confound those around them or fraternal twins whose differences are as stark as night and day, their relationships can add real colour to many stories.
As a mum of twins, I’m particularly drawn to books that feature them and I wanted to share with you some of my favourites.
Double Act by Jacqueline Wilson: One of my favourite stories of all time. This features Ruby and Garnet, identical twins who may share a physical resemblance but have distinct personalities. Ruby is outgoing and loves acting, while Garnet is introverted and loves books. The story explores their complex bond as they navigate family challenges, including their dad’s new girlfriend.
Lottie and Lisa by Erich Kastner: This story famously inspired the film, ‘The Parent Trap’. It features Lottie and Lisa, who were separated as infants due to their parents’ divorce. However, fate brings them together once again at a summer camp, and they hatch a daring plan to exchange identities. Their goal is to each reunite with the parent they thought they had lost forever. It all works to begin with… and then things begin to go terribly wrong.
Jungledrop by Abi Elphinstone: Eleven-year-old twins, Fox and Fibber, have been locked in a lifelong rivalry. Their family’s vast fortune and the affection of their parents hang in the balance, with only one of them set to inherit it all. A high-stakes race ensues to save the fading Petty-Squabble legacy. However, their world takes an unexpected turn when they are spirited away to Jungledrop, a mystical Unmapped Kingdom responsible for shaping our world’s weather patterns.
The Twins at St. Clare’s series by Enid Blyton: This classic series follows the adventures of Pat and Isabel O’Sullivan, identical twins who attend St. Clare’s boarding school. The books are filled with schoolgirl pranks as the twins and their friends navigate the ups and downs of school life.
The Templeton Twins have an idea by Ellis Weiner: In this brilliant story we meet twelve-year-old twins John and Abigail Templeton whose father, the eccentric Professor Elton Templeton of Elysian University, is known for his wild inventions. However, life takes an unexpected twist when the mischievous ex-student, Dean D Dean, and his twin brother, Dan D Dean, abduct John and Abigail, along with their comically absurd dog, Cassie.
Writing The Wolf Twins
The idea for The Wolf Twins arose from a visit to Białowieża Forest, one of the last and largest remaining parts of the immense primeval forest that once stretched across Europe. While there, my friend and I stayed in a small settlement nestled in the heart of nature, and while I imagined how stunning it would be to live there, she said that she could think of nothing worse. Our discussion got me thinking about the very different reactions that my own twins would likely have to a place like that, and so I started writing The Wolf Twins, and Lucy and Alpha were born.
The heroines of my story used to be the Wonder Twins, two hearts beating as one. But when their Mum’s new job rewilding wolves means they have to move to the forest, that changes. Lucy loves being close to nature, but Alpha wants to follow her dream of basketball glory. They’ve become like distant universes, drifting further apart.
Then a new wolf cub arrives at the centre. Lucy names him Claw and they form a special bond. But Alpha thinks he should roam free, and she plots to release him. When news of Claw’s disappearance breaks, the future of the rewilding centre is at stake.
The Wolf Twins is now in bookshops. You can find out more about Ewa’s writing on her website.
Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Federation.
