OSCAR THE OSPREY AND HIS DAUNTING DECISION

In this fourth installment of Polansky’s illustrated children’s series, a bird takes risks to help others and find personal growth.

Oscar is a young osprey with two siblings, Otto and Oprah. One day, thanks to plenty of practice, he’s able to fly higher than ever. With his fear of heights defeated, Oscar can now see and do things he’s never done before. He’s surprised, though, to see the blue skies turn smoky and dark; it turns out to be a forest fire. When he spots a confused herd of bison heading toward dangerous flames, Oscar swoops down and warns them. Later, Oscar tells his brother about the blaze, and Otto, who “loves an audience,” spreads word of his sibling’s heroism throughout the flock. When the osprey Elders convene, the Grand Old Osprey, aka Goo, explains to Oscar that he has the potential to become an Elder himself: “One must first be tested by the natural forces of fire, wind, water, ice, and earth,” Goo says. Since Oscar has already survived encounters with four of these elements in the past, earth represents his remaining challenge. Goo suggests that he think about it and keep their conversation a secret. Oscar next seeks advice from the Wise Old Owl, who tells him to gain knowledge from other animals but that “knowledge alone is not enough; experience is what builds wisdom.” In Polansky’s charming tale, readers will be entertained while learning important values, such as patience. Rosow’s black-and-white pen-and-ink illustrations, depicting such phenomena as flames and geysers, are beautifully textured and likely to pique kids’ curiosity about the natural world. Later, when events don’t turn out as planned, the owl wisely tells Oscar, “As you have compassion for others, you should also have compassion for yourself.” Although the adventure is short, it features other interlinked messages; the final one is “Learn to be grateful for what you have.” A “Gloscary (Oscar’s Glossary)” at the end helps track the many challenging vocabulary words throughout, including apprehension and embellishments.

A smart, lovingly crafted middle-grade adventure that will speak to young readers.