Yolen, J. (1987). Owl Moon. New York: Philomel.
Summary
Jane Yolen's Owl Moon, illustrated by Caldecott artist Schoenherr, relates the story of a youngster who finally has the opportunity to go "owling," or walking about the woods at night looking for owls, with her father. While I say "her," I would like to make it clear that one of the interesting things about the book is that the voice and illustration of the child remain somewhat androgynous, enabling readers to project themselves into the small adventure of a child venturing out for the first time on a "grown-up" excursion. The father calls for a great horned owl, and the owl responds and seeks a glimpse of his forest guests.
Impressions
Owl Moon will have a longstanding role in my storytelling times. The illustrations demonstrate an appreciation for the beauty, wildness, and mystery of the natural world. The themes -- growing up, trying to keep up with parents, wonder of childhood -- speak today as well as they did in 1987, the year that the book won the Caldecott. The anticipation, thoughtfulness, and quiet mood of the book resonate with this reader.
Review
Vandergrift, K. (1987). Owl moon [book review]. School Library Journal, 34(4), 78. Retrieved from EBSCOhost
Excerpt: "Owl Moon is as expansive as the broad sweep of the great owl's wings and as close and comforting as a small hand held on a wintry night. . . . This is a loving book that readers, male or female, young or old, will want to make a part of their lives."
Suggestions for Use
Reflecting my own interest in birdwatching, I think that Owl Moon would be an excellent springboard for introducing a unit on urban wildlife for a science class. I know that Plano's third graders do an extensive unit on urban, suburban, and rural settings, and I think that this book would dovetail well into investigating the environment around us with wonder and appreciation for its complexity.
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