Description
Martin Waddell wanted OWL BABIES to capture the "strong emotion of 'I want my mommy!' " that is so familiar to children. Martin Waddell is the author of more than one hundred books for young readers.Patrick Benson enlarged his technique of cross-hatching for the illustrations of OWL BABIES so that it would have "a more graphic image — rather like a woodcut." Patrick Benson is also the illustrator of THE LITTLE BOAT by Kathy Henderson and LET THE LYNX COME IN by Jonathan London. From AudioFile Lorelei King starts with an upbeat tone to portray three fluffy, enthusiastic baby owls who live in a cozy nest. Accompanying music complements the bubbly, energetic spirit of the opening. Then the owl babies wake to find their mother missing. King manages to give each baby an individual voice as they try to comfort each other but finally begin screeching with fear. The soundscape of soft owl hoots and quiet night noises contrasts with their crescendo. Just in time for the panicky owl babes and for young listeners who need relief, mother owl arrives, swooping in as King's comforting narration makes much of the happy reunion. There's also a quieter rendition, with a bell tone signaling page-turns, for beginning readers who need a bit of support. S.W. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine
Features & Highlights
- A gentle tale of three baby owls reassures every child that Mommy will always come home.
- "The baby owls came out of their house,and they sat on the tree and waited.A big branch for Sarah, a small branch for Percy,and an old piece of ivy for Bill."When three baby owls awake one night to find their mother gone, they can't help but wonder where she is. Stunning illustrations from unique and striking perspectives capture the owls as they worry about their mother: What is she doing? When will she be back? What scary things move all around them? Not surprisingly, a joyous flapping and dancing and bouncing greets her return, lending a celebratory tone to the ending of this comforting tale. Never has the plight of young ones who miss their mother been so simply told or so beautifully rendered.Candlewick Storybook Animation packages include:* A full-color hardcover picture book* A dual-disk DVD/CD with full animated story and two audio read-alongversions of the text — one with page-turn prompts* A full-color poster, plus a sheet of reusable stickers!With bonus author interview
