Module 3: Owl Moon

a.       The Owl Moon starts with lovely illustrations of a natural setting covered in snow. A young girl and her father prepare to go owling, a pastime that her family shared. She remained very quiet while walking through the woods, hoping to hear an owl hoot. After several attempts to draw an owl out, her father did not get a response. The young girl was prepared for this through the tales of her brothers. She was fearless and silent, determined to maintain the silence of the night. Finally they both whistled, they heard a response. They tracked an owl down until they finally found it. They were able to watch the owl for what seemed like a short but long time all at once. They happily went home, thinking of the experience they just had.

b.      Yolen, J., (1987). Owl moon. New York: Philomel Books.

c.       I appreciate the illustrations because they helped to convey the experience of owling. Having very little outdoors/camping experience, I feel that this story and its illustrations really helped to envision this hobby or tradition. I liked that the character was portrayed as a capable and independent child who did not whine or complain about the experience. Her maturity is evident when she is not disappointed that they may go home without seeing an owl. Her determination to follow all of the rules of owling on her first night is sweet. I was able to focus on the night that unfolding, trying to find an owl. Fortunately, she was able to see her owl and enjoy that special moment with her father.  The author ended on a pleasant note that left me feeling satisfied with its unique tale.

d.      Vandergrift, K. E. (1987). Owl moon (Book Review). School Library Journal, 34(4), 78.

e.       

f.       This book would be a useful addition to a hobbies section. As a librarian, I would compare this book about owling with another hobby so that students could analyze the dedication required to sustain a hobby.