Owl Moon
By: Jane Yolen
Illistrauted by: John Schoenherr
Philomel Books: 1987
ISBN: 0-399-21457-7
I decided to do two Caldecott winning picture books this week to see what qualities these two books share that make a picture book really unique. This picture book, Owl Moon, was a beautiful story about a little girl going out "owling"with her father. The little girl and her father go out in the middle of the night to find an owl. They need to walk quietly to avoid scaring the owl. Will they find one? Find out by reading this breath taking story of Owl Moon.
I would give this book an 8 out of 10. It is a beautiful story that could really attract a kid's attention, but the content and imagery seems to be potentially difficult for a child to understand.For example, the little girl says, " The moon made his face into a silver mask". A statement like this challenges a child's comprehension. The pictures are beautiful and all of them have highlights of deep blue. The picture of the owl is very appealing and I could see this book having a nostalgic feel for parents. You could make this book interactive by taking your child out "owling". You never know what you might find on a beautiful snowy night. There are a lot of words on a page and the story has a melodic feel to it when you read the story out loud. It is written as if you are reading a poem. This book is a classic and is a good read for your child. Find Owl Moon near you!
When I was younger, I love Owl Moon! It has such great pictures.The book can be very interactive in the classroom but, I agree with you about the imagery. It is a little too much for children.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger, I love Owl Moon! It has such great pictures.The book can be very interactive in the classroom but, I agree with you about the imagery. It is a little too much for children.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very sophisticated story. I have used this with older students to work on imagery and sensory details in creative writing. The language is very advanced. It is a great example of how the picture book format can also be used with older readers.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the concept of father & daughter bonding. I think it's very beneficial to exemplify this relationship because many children's book focuses on the mom.
ReplyDeleteIt is funny you mention that. It is all about the father and daughter interaction. When I was reading Yolen's dedication section, it was to her husband and her child. It is funny to see a book have a father figure after reading the article assigned this week!
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