Member Reviews

• 
  • Rated 5 stars

  “The cover illustration of a father and child reaching out to each other across an expanse of snow foreshadows the parent/child bonding this book embodies. In this deceptively simple story, the narrator recalls the first time owling with father, trekking through snow-filled moonlit woods seeking a glimpse of the Great Horned Owl. The text is poetic, rich in sensory imagery. Simile, metaphor, and alliteration enrich but never overpower the text. The text merges seamlessly with exquisite watercolor washes full of light and shadow, combining winter’s stark barrenness tempered by muted colors soft as snow. The skillful combination of white space in the text and in the illustrations seems to bathe each page in the luminous glow of a full moon. Because the gender of the child is not mentioned, the story is apt to be enjoyed equally by both boys and girls. The text and illustrations create a tension between the soothing peacefulness of the New England winter landscape and the adventure and excitement of the child’s first experience owling along with building anticipation over the outcome—will they sight the elusive bird? Finally, Pa’s call comes echoing back and an expansive shadow glides overhead. Caught in the beam of Pa’s flashlight, the owl’s piercing yellow eyes rivet both narrator and reader. The book introduces owling, for most readers a new experience, and effectively conveys with quiet wonder and awe the majesty of the Great Horned Owl. The details reveal a keen observation of nature and offer a literary connection to science that may motivate young readers to want to learn more.”

  S K wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )
• 
  • Rated 4 stars

  “genre: chidren's picture book
  
  
  
  The story of a young girl and her father and their walk in the woods to watch owls in the cold of winter.”

  Kara B wrote this review Thursday, October 9 2008. ( reply | permalink )
• 
  • Rated 5 stars

  “The first book I ever had.Awwwww.”

  Connor C wrote this review Tuesday, October 7 2008. ( reply | permalink )
• 
  • Rated 0 stars

  “On a winter's night under a full moon, a father and daughter trek into the woods to see the Great Horned Owl. Written like poetry.”

  Cristina B wrote this review Saturday, July 19 2008. ( reply | permalink )
• 
  • Rated 5 stars

  “The fantastic imagery in this book makes it a great mentor text for teaching writing. It is perfect for making the link between books we read and texts we write. Love it!”

  Sara in Beirut wrote this review Thursday, May 1 2008. ( reply | permalink )
• 
  • Rated 5 stars

  “

  Citation - Yolen, J. (1987). Owl Moon. New York: Philomel.

  Recommended Grade Level - 1st+

  Source - Caldecott Medal Winner.

  Review - From Publisher's Weekly
  "Schoenherr's watercolor washes depict a New England few readers see: the bold stare of a nocturnal owl, a bird's-eye view of a farmhouse. In harmony with the art, the melodious text brings to life an unusual countryside adventure."

  My Thoughts - Owl Moon is one of my all-time favorite children's books. This book has stunning illustrations and a wonderful story. Not only is it an enjoyable story, but it also leads to great discussion as the gender of the child is never known.

  ”

  Katie T wrote this review Saturday, April 12 2008. ( reply | view 2 replies | permalink )
• 
  • Rated 4 stars

  “I didn't like this one at first but it's Connor's all time favorite and he asks me everytime if he can go owling with his dad. Cute.”

  Andrea C wrote this review Wednesday, February 13 2008. ( reply | permalink )
• 
  • Rated 0 stars

  “I love reading this book to my children and to my Children's Year class at the Classical Cottage School. At times when my children get out of bed in the middle of the night, if there is a full moon I will take them to the window and look for a few minutes. It's our version of going "owling". It's not like the walk they take in the book but it's still a lot of fun!”

  Emily S wrote this review Saturday, October 27 2007. ( reply | permalink )
• 
  • Rated 5 stars

  “Such a quiet, beautiful story (and illustrations). A special night between father and child. Precious.”

  writingkate wrote this review Friday, July 13 2007. ( reply | permalink )