From Finland via Scotland, a hoot of a bedtime treat.
The titular owl—youngest in her family—is disappointed when she cannot copy the behaviors of a hare, a bear, or a squirrel.
“Deep in a frosty forest, a family of owls lived happily in their treetop home.” The text on the recto of a perfectly composed, full-bleed, double-page spread goes on to say that Olwen herself is not happy; she is bored. The owlet sits at the verso’s forefront, her fluffy little body perched on the branch of a fir tree. Snow floats down over diffused light, and Olwen’s siblings can be seen on branches farther away. Despite the detailed realism of the owl, there is no denying that she has a bored demeanor. The art continues to perfectly complement the text as it spins a sweet, well-paced tale that will resonate with young readers. Not only can they appreciate Olwen’s feelings, they will enjoy predicting what will happen when Olwen tries to perform un-owllike feats. The detailed, just slightly anthropomorphic illustrations of animals are delightful, all set against the background of an enchanting wintertime forest. Despite Olwen’s diminutive size, the larger animals are benign and even encouraging. The art does a masterful job of playing up size contrasts. Gentle humor abounds in the text as well, including the incorrect but appropriate names Olwen gives to the three animals she encounters. The ending is both predictable and satisfying.
From Finland via Scotland, a hoot of a bedtime treat. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Sept. 21, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-78250-712-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Floris
Review Posted Online: July 26, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
A hymn to the intrinsic loveliness of the wild and the possibility of sharing it.
What happens when a robot washes up alone on an island?
“Everything was just right on the island.” Brown beautifully re-creates the first days of Roz, the protagonist of his Wild Robot novels, as she adapts to living in the natural world. A storm-tossed ship, seen in the opening just before the title page, and a packing crate are the only other human-made objects to appear in this close-up look at the robot and her new home. Roz emerges from the crate, and her first thought as she sets off up a grassy hill—”This must be where I belong”—is sweetly glorious, a note of recognition rather than conquest. Roz learns to move, hide, and communicate like the creatures she meets. When she discovers an orphaned egg—and the gosling Brightbill, who eventually hatches—her decision to be his mother seems a natural extension of her adaptation. Once he flies south for the winter, her quiet wait across seasons for his return is a poignant portrayal of separation and change. Brown’s clean, precise lines and deep, light-filled colors offer a sense of what Roz might be seeing, suggesting a place that is alive yet deeply serene and radiant. Though the book stands alone, it adds an immensely appealing dimension to Roz’s world. Round thumbnails offer charming peeks into the island world, depicting Roz’s animal neighbors and Brightbill’s maturation.
A hymn to the intrinsic loveliness of the wild and the possibility of sharing it. (author’s note) (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: June 24, 2025
ISBN: 9780316669467
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: March 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2025
A good choice for offering comfort and support to a budding perfectionist.
Can anyone be perfect?
Beatrice Bottomwell always does everything right. “Most people in town didn’t even know Beatrice’s name. They just called her ‘The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes,’ because for as long as anyone could remember, she never did.” One Thursday though, she almost does something wrong (she drops some eggs while cooking at school but catches them just in time). Straightforward text describes Beatrice’s predicament as, unnerved, she ponders her almost-error and begins to worry. What if she really does do something wrong? Brightly colored watercolors and gentle humor combine to portray Beatrice’s eventful day, her growing fear and her sprightly pet hamster. During a school talent show, Beatrice finally makes a real mistake—in front of everyone. How will she cope? Learning how to relax enough to laugh and simply be herself just might do the trick. While the plot is predictable and the solution to the problem fairly pat, this is a well-intentioned story, full of acceptance and goodwill. It will be especially useful in a therapeutic setting; it may be a real comfort to a child who is afraid of making mistakes, while children dealing with similar issues will also find reassurance here.
A good choice for offering comfort and support to a budding perfectionist. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4022-5544-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: Sept. 13, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2011
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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