This review of Owl Moon, by Jane Yolen, originally appeared in our article Five Family Favorites with Catherine Newman, published on April 8, 2012. I had been waiting to go owling with Pa for a long, long time.” We still quote our favorite all-purpose line about a kind of Zen journey-not-the-destination spirit of acceptance:Īdd this book to your collection: Owl Moonby Jane Yolen If you go owling you have to be quiet, that’s what Pa always says. And the children are always moved by the silent heroism of the child, who must remain calm and still if she wants to see an owl-even though it’s cold and dark in the woods, and a bit creepy. It’s one of Jane Yolen’s serious stories, which means you can read the beautiful, almost poetic text in your regular voice, which I remember finding tremendously relieving when the kids were very young, and so much else was lilting and frantic. That’s it-but John Shoenherr’s wintery, realistic illustrations are so exquisitely moonlit and lovely, and the story is so profoundly quiet and reverent, that a deep feeling of peace has always descended over us each of the million times we’ve read it. And, towards the book’s end, they spot one. A child and his or her father go out at night, in the deep winter woods near their farm, to see if they can spot any owls.

It’s that kind of book: quiet and close, and it feels like what it’s about is you. Interestingly, my daughter has always thought that the little unnamed, bundled-up child in this book was a girl-and my son has always assumed it was a boy. The screener can help you determine if your child is on the path to reading readiness, and provides a free plan for moving forward.Catherine Newman | The Children’s Book Review | JanuOwl Moonīy Jane Yolen Illustrated by John Shoenherr If you take time to teach your child how to use watercolors properly and to clean up afterwards, both of you will be much happier and you will soon create your own art gallery!Įxplore more recommended children's books and at-home reading activities for three-year-olds, or take the Reading BrightStart! Preschool Reading Screener. Use the paintbrush to wet the paint and then gently apply strokes onto the paper.Dip the paintbrush in the water and remove the excess water.Provide a watercolor set, paintbrush, drawing paper and a low small rectangular water container that will not tip over easily.Before you set him loose, it’s important to teach watercolor techniques. Provide your child with a watercolor set and plain white paper (drawing paper works best). Draw with watercolors. Tell your child that the illustrator, John Schoenherr, used watercolors to create the beautiful illustrations in the book.

Owl moon book