Owl Moon (Book)

Yolen, J. (1987). Owl moon. New York, NY: Philomel Books. ISBN: 0-399-21457-7

Interest Level: Ages 2 to 6
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Caldecott Winner; Father and Daughter; Owls; Forests; Nature Walks; Winter; 

Plot: A girl and her father go walking in the woods late one night in search of owls.  They walk far from the noises of where they leave to the quiet of the woods.  The little girl is careful not to make any noise which might scare the owls away.  As they walk through the woods, the girl's father makes owl noises in order to call the owls to them.  The little girl understands that sometimes they answer and sometimes they can't be found.  In the end, they manage to find one who lands on a branch nearby.

Personal Thoughts: A sweet story of about a girl's first special outing with her father.  The girl describes the sounds and sights around her as they walk from their house to the woods.  The illustrations depict a snow covered forest brightly lit by a full moon.  The girl explains that "you don't need words" when you go owling, just hope.  She is careful to stay quiet, not ask questions, and listens carefully for owl sounds.  The text in this book makes me want to talk softly.  A good book about fathers and daughters, about the forest animals, and about what hope is. 

Awards/Recognition:
Caldecott Winner (1988)
Florida State Reading Award Nominee (1990)
ALA Notable Children's Books (1988)

Author's Website: Jane Yolen's Website