Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Owl moon
Illustrator: John Schoenherr
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 8
Penguin, 1987 ISBN: 978-0399214578
It was a snowy, still night and the moon was bright in the sky when a little girl and her father went towards the woods to look for owls. Across the snow they walk, one long shadow followed by a “short and round” one. They are very quiet until they reach the trees and then Pa cups his hands and makes the Great Horned Owl call.
Nothing happens and the two quiet owlers walk on in amongst the trees. Then Pa calls again and this time they hear an answering echo. It is an owl, and as they wait the great bird come towards them until it lands just above their heads.
In this extraordinary title, Jane Yolen captures the magical moment when two people come face to face with a wild creature, a beautiful owl in its natural habitat. She also explores, in simple words packed with imagery, the bond that connects the little girl and her father as they take a special journey under an Owl Moon.
The illustrations in this special book beautifully compliment the text; rich with shadow and moonlight the illustrator shows the characters from many points of view and gives us cameo glimpses of other woodland creatures.
The picture book won the 1988 Caldecott Award
