OLWEN FINDS HER WINGS

The titular owl—youngest in her family—is disappointed when she cannot copy the behaviors of a hare, a bear, or a squirrel.

“Deep in a frosty forest, a family of owls lived happily in their treetop home.” The text on the recto of a perfectly composed, full-bleed, double-page spread goes on to say that Olwen herself is not happy; she is bored. The owlet sits at the verso’s forefront, her fluffy little body perched on the branch of a fir tree. Snow floats down over diffused light, and Olwen’s siblings can be seen on branches farther away. Despite the detailed realism of the owl, there is no denying that she has a bored demeanor. The art continues to perfectly complement the text as it spins a sweet, well-paced tale that will resonate with young readers. Not only can they appreciate Olwen’s feelings, they will enjoy predicting what will happen when Olwen tries to perform un-owllike feats. The detailed, just slightly anthropomorphic illustrations of animals are delightful, all set against the background of an enchanting wintertime forest. Despite Olwen’s diminutive size, the larger animals are benign and even encouraging. The art does a masterful job of playing up size contrasts. Gentle humor abounds in the text as well, including the incorrect but appropriate names Olwen gives to the three animals she encounters. The ending is both predictable and satisfying.