John Schoenherr (1935–2010)

A young girl and her father set out for the woods one snowy night, in this lovely, contemplative picture-book, the Caldecott Medal winner for 1988. Aware that she must be very quiet, the girl narrator struggles to keep up with her father, and - when they enter the darkness of the woods themselves - to be brave. Both are necessary, she informs the reader, when one is going owling, something she has been waiting a very long time to be allowed to do. Finally, in a moonlit clearing, with snow show more whiter than milk, the pair see what they have come for - a Great Horned Owl. After a moment (or one hundred) of magical connection, the owl flies on, and the tired pair head home...

Owl Moon is yet another of those classic picture-books that have long been "on my radar," but that I'd somehow never read, so I'm glad it was chosen as one of our "Winter Themed" selections, over in the Picture-Book Club to which I belong. I loved so many things about the book, from Jane Yolen's simple but evocative text, to John Schoenherr's beautiful watercolor artwork. The idea that sometimes the best and most magical experiences in life require effort and discipline, is worked seamlessly into the story, as is the notion that long awaited "treats" are especially delightful. The enchantment of the winter landscape is perfectly captured by both word and image here, and I particularly appreciated the fact that, even before they have seen the owl, the girl and her father are not alone, as a variety of woodland creatures observe their journey. The two-page spread in which the owl is depicted is simply breathtaking, allowing the reader to feel, with the two in the story, that sense of joyous culmination.

All in all, a delightful winter picture-book, one I highly recommend to all young nature and owl lovers, and to anyone who loves the cold enchantment of this season! show less

Owl Moon offers a reading experience that reflects the quiet story it’s telling and makes you want to read it aloud in a hushed voice. Yolen’s descriptions are tactile and atmospheric, and coupled with Schoenherr’s illustrations both show and tell you what the characters are seeing and feeling. I love that the story doesn’t have capture or conquest as a goal, but instead observation and appreciation of a fleeting experience with the natural world. C clearly feels the anticipation of show more the story and eagerly waits to come face to face with an owl. show less

I had mixed feelings about this book after reading it. I enjoyed the book mainly because of the detailed illustrations. The illustrator really told the story with pictures that perfectly matched the author's text. For example, for the line: “Our feet crunched over the crisp snow and little gray footprints followed us,” the illustration shows the child and her father leaving footprints in the snow as they walk through the forest. Even if a child cannot read this story, he or she could show more still follow what is happening simply by looking at the illustrations. The one reason I was not so fond of the book was that it was supposed to be told in the point of view of the young child who is going owling with her father. However, I did not feel as though the text matched how a young child would talk. I felt as if the voice of the child was very monotone for a majority of the story, and fell flat of how I would want the child to talk about her great owling experience. The big idea that I saw presented in this story was the relationships between people: father and child; owls and owl seekers. Experiences shared between people are important and children of young ages will enjoy this book. show less

Owl Moon is a story in which a little boy and his father go “owling” one winter night. I enjoyed this book for three reasons. The first thing I noticed and really liked was Yolen’s ability to use imagery to create a setting. Even on the first page of the book Yolen writes “There was no wind. / The trees stood still /as giant statues. / And the moon was so bright / the sky seemed to shine.” The author’s words paint just as much of a picture in the reader’s head then the big show more beautiful illustrations do. Secondly, I really enjoyed the free verse writing style and the way Yolen chose to break up certain words by line to put emphasis on certain words. For example, she writes “we watched the line / of pine trees / black and pointy / against the sky.” Her style of writing helps compliment the aspect of being able to easily create a setting and help the audience picture the scene in their heads. Finally, I enjoyed that I could relate to the boy even though I had never been owling because the writing was so well done, it felt like I was in the story. Phrases like “I could feel the cold, / as if someone’s icy hand / was palm-down on my back” as well as the buildup; walking in the cold, standing in the cold, and calling without any calls back, we can understand the boy’s excitement when he finally gets to the see the owl. I really enjoyed this book! show less