The illustrators
Jack London’s White Fang is the story of a canine and his journey from the wild to domesticity.
But it is so much more.
White Fang has many themes, but to me the value of this story for children is in the understanding of how mistreatment can affect not only animals, but also human beings!
White Fang endures a tough puppyhood and young life. Then Weedon Scott steps into the book, and in a glorious reversal of events, teaches how kindness, patience and establishing trust can heal.
Featured here are four illustrated versions that I think do a great job in supporting the text for young readers, as well as a wonderful paperback version and the original illustrations for your perusal!
Personal note: I did try to read the unabridged version to my 6-year-old – definitely too young – we only made it halfway before I took over and read it to myself. I think I will try reading it with him again when he is 9- but every child is different! The pace of the novel is gripping and quick-paced and was not the issue; it was the content which was just a bit too intense and occurred often enough, to make skipping over sections tedious.
James (Jim) Madsen
You may recognize this illustrator of the Nevermoor series!
Full color spreads, full page and spot illustration throughout! This is the version I (halfway) read to my 6-year old son. Usborne Illustrated Classics are designed for the young reader, and Utah-based illustrator, James Madsen’s artwork is brightly hued and delicate. I’d say there is an illustration on every other turn of the page more or less. I love it!
Usborne Illustrated Originals, this version first published in 2015
Where to Buy:
Helen Ward
I’ve encountered UK artist Helen Ward’s illustrations in two other classics (The Wind in the Willows and Just So Stories) and they are not just beautiful, they are also elegantly sensitive, gracefully omitting or camouflaging some of the harsher imagery of the text.
Her version has somewhat fewer illustrations than the Usborne version, but with 20 full color plates, it still works for readers who prefer more illustration coverage than less.
Templar Classics, 2004. Different versions have different covers – see slides and above picture for other cover.
Where to Buy:
USED ∞ White Fang Illustrated by Helen Ward from Abebooks
Click here to see her version of Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories
Ed Young
Ed Young grew up in Shanghai, China, and you can see how he brings a bit of his Eastern heritage into his artwork. You may recognize (now) New York state based Ed Young’s illustrations from The Emperor and the Kite by Jane Yolen or even more so by Lon Po Po (A Red-Riding Hood Story from China). He is a remarkable artist, creating imagery that has the appearance of being mid-action.
In my opinion, the imagery is geared more for the older reader than the younger, with the more violent scenes being illustrated just as they are in the book. I’ve put examples in my slideshow. However, the total of 11 full-color plates are also soft and dream-like, perhaps creating a reminder that it is just a story, from far away and long ago.
This version first published in 2000 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers; this cover art on 2015 version.
Where to Buy:
Lydia Dabcovich
I LOVE this one! In fact, this is the one I will add to my home library…FOR ME!
Lydia Dabcovich was born in Bulgaria in 1935. When she was a child her family moved to Israel to escape the Jewish persecution sweeping the continent at that time. She was raised in Israel and France and served in the Israeli Army in the 1950’s.
She later moved to Boston and studied at the school of the Museum of Fine Arts and went on to become a children’s book illustrator. She has illustrated several picture books, but I believe White Fang is the only classic she illustrated.
This version is cloth-bound with an embossing on the front cover. The woodcut images are so special, and so well done and I love the two-color print that matches the overall look of the book. There is one two-color spread (shown here), and several full page illustrations, and many black and white spot illustrations.
Originally published by the MacMillan Company, the special contents of this edition copyright 1973 by The Cardavon Press, Inc. Avon Connecticut
Where to Buy:
USED ∞ White Fang Illustrated by Lydia Dabcovich from Abebooks
Annabel Large
English illustrator Annabel Large’s illustrations are detailed and poignant. Although only featured as headings to each part (there are five parts), and although only black and white, they possess enormous character and set the tone for the story to come.
I adore this line of paperback editions from Puffin Classics and think they are soooo cute!!!
Also do note!
Special Introduction by Richard Adams (Watership Down).
In the back of the book are special sections that explore the characters, theme, historical context and information about Jack London.
It’s just a wonderful little book!
Penguin RandomHouse, Puffin Classics 2016
Where to Buy:
Original Illustrator
Charles Livingston Bull
Original!
Charles Livingston Bull learned about animals almost literally from the inside out as he began his training as a taxidermist. He studied at Philadelphia Art School and for many years lived directly across from the Bronx Zoo in NY so he could sketch from live animals, very soon becoming one of our foremost animal illustrators. You may recognize the famous Ringling Brothers Circus poster with the pouncing tiger? Here’s your man! He also did many Saturday Evening Post images you may recognize.
His images were in color but it took me forever to find a color copy (at least I hope it’s color) which is on it’s way. I’ll update the pictures once I get them. For now, I’ve provided the link to the paperback version as the hardcover version with color slides is very expensive.
First published in book form in May of 1906, by Macmillan (First serialized in Outing magazine in 1905)
Where to Buy:
USED ∞ White Fang Illustrated by Charles Livingston Bull from Abebooks
Other White Fang Illustrators
Here are others that I didn’t feature above but are still worth mentioning. Several of them have gorgeous cover art! Look for these on Amazon, Etsy, Ebay, Alibris Books, Abebooks, or find them on internet archives or from your local bookstore or library!
Adapted Versions and Graphic Novels
As is usual with books that have endured to become classics, there is something unique in the “soul” of the story; some genius that belongs to that author only. Jack London tells the story from White Fang’s perspective, while never actually needing to make him speak. I am not sure it can ever be emulated.
With that in mind, White Fang is a story with a happy ending, however, the path to that happy ending is not for every young reader or listener due to the harshness of some of the events that occur.
Therefore, I would love to recommend the following beautifully adapted versions:
White Fang - Classic Adventures
This adapted version just came out last year and it is so beautifully, and gently illustrated! I really love this Classic Adventures series. The writing was good but did leave out the part where Wheedon Scott hurts his leg and White Fang runs to fetch help – one of my favorite events! Nonetheless still a remarkable adaptation!
Published August 31, 2021 by Starry Forest Books
Check out the illustrations:
∞ White Fang adapted by Caroline Hickey and illustrated by Liza Tretyakova from Amazon
White Fang - USborne Classics for Young Readers
This adapted version is rated as Reading Level 3 and with its soft watercolor illustrations is perfect for budding readers.
Published in 2010 by Usborne Publishing
CHECK OUT THE ILLUSTRATIONS:
NEW∞ White Fang retold by Sarah Courtauld and illustrated by Alan Marks from Amazon
White Fang -Classic Starts
I have this on order with our local library so will update once it comes in, but the other Classic Starts I’ve peered into look handsome, easy to read and thoughtfully illustrated.
Illustrated by Dan Andreasen
Published in 2006 by Sterling Children’s Books
Check out more detail:
∞ Classic Starts Series White Fang adapted by Kathleen Olmstead from Abebooks
White Fang- Great Illustrated Classics
Illustrated by Ross Vera in black and white full-page illustrations that you find with just about every turn of the page. I really like how so much of the original story is covered. This is the version my 7-year old nephew, Benjamin, read and fell in love with!
Published in 1994 by Baronet Books NY
Check out more detail:
∞ Great Illustrated Classics –White Fang adapted by Malvina G. Vogel from Abebooks
White Fang - Graphic Classics
I think this graphic novel, illustrated by Ben Dunn is a perfect visual retelling of the original.
Published in 2008 by Magic Wagon
Check out more detail:
∞ White Fang Graphic Classics adapted by Joeming W. Dunn from Abebooks
White Fang - Graphic Classics (Volume 15)
If you prefer a different look, this graphic novel illustrated by Penko Gelev, is very handsome and carries a bit more of the heavier aspects of the story in it’s presentation.
Published in 2020 by Sterling’s Childrens Books
Check out more detail:
∞ White Fang Graphic Classics adapted by Tom Ratliff from Abebooks
For the Collector
Easton Press (1973) Illustrated by Lydia Dabcovich
Easton Press published this handsome copy of White Fang illustrated by Lydia Dabcovich which I detailed above. Sorry to be repetitive but I LOVE her illustrations! This leather bound; gilded beauty includes a color portrait of Jack London.
For the Collector
The Stinehour Press (1973) Illustrated by Lydia Dabcovich
Also featuring Lydia Dabcovich’s beautiful illustrations, is this beauty limited edition from The Stinehour Press.