Module 3: Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

Citation:
Yolen, J. (1987). Owl Moon. New York, NY: Philomel Books.

Summary:
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, is a story about a father and daughter who go searching for owls late one night. In story which is told from the little girl’s perspective, the young girl has been told by older sibling that he needs to be quiet and patient. As they walk through the snowy forest, the details in the illustrations show beautiful and descriptive scenes. The girl and father wait patiently until they finally see an owl. The girl is very excited and it almost seems as though it is a rite of passage for her. They both head home together.

My Opinion:
This story to me is a charming story because it involves a father and daughter. Most stories I have read don’t involve a father and daughter. The story line is fun and the wording is descriptive and makes you feel as though you are reading something that a friend wrote. The pictures themselves could tell the story without using words. I feel almost an emotional connection to this girl and therefore, I really enjoy this book.

Reviews:

Schoenherr, J. (1987, December 15). [Review of the book Owl Moon by Jane Yolen]. Booklist book review. Retrieved by http://www2.youseemore.com/dimmick/hotpicks.asp?isbn=0399214577&Author=John+Schoenherr&Title=Owl+Moon

Booklist

Ages 2-7. An exquisite mood piece, Owl Moon is a poetic story of a winter-wrapped little girl and her father's owling adventure. The elusive magic and gentle shivery excitement that accompany the twosome are felt by the reader. The late-night walks are steeped in family tradition, no words are exchanged, but the companionship of the elusive quest speaks volumes. ``When you go owling / you don't need words / or warm / or anything but hope. That's what Pa says.'' The integrity of Yolen's pleasure in writing about her subject is evident, and Schoenherr, also an owling enthusiast, captures the stark blue-black majesty of the nighttime forest in his powerful and evocative watercolor illustrations. Excellent for one-on-one or read-aloud groups. PW. Owls Fiction / Fathers and daughters Fiction [CIP] 87-2300 Engberg, G. (1987, November 13). [Review of the book Owl Moon by Jane Yolen]. Publishers Weekly review. Retrieved by http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2548/merge_shared/details/RecordDetails.asp?item_uid=65069277&viewItemIndex=0&navPage=1&FullText=&BipAlertQueryString=&BipAlertDisplayQText A girl and her father go owling on a moonlit winter night near the farm where they live. Bundled tight in wool clothes, they trudge through snow ``whiter than the milk in a cereal bowl''; here and there, hidden in ink-blue shadows, a fox, raccoon, fieldmouse and deer watch them pass. An air of expectancy builds as Pa imitates the Great Horned Owl's call once without answer, then again. From out of the darkness ``an echo/ came threading its way/ through the trees.'' Schoenherr's watercolor washes depict a New England few readers see: the bold stare of a nocturnal owl, a bird's-eye view of a farmhouse. In harmony with the art, the melodious text brings to life an unusual countryside adventure. Ages 2-6. (November) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Uses for the library:
I would use this book to discuss how stories can be told from different points of view. I may have the students rewrite the story from the owl’s point of view or the father’s point of view. I would also introduce other picture books told from different perspectives.