Caldecott

"Owl Moon"

Jane Yolen

Illustrated by John Schoenherr 

 

Bibliographical Info: Yolen, J. (1987). Owl Moon. Illus. by John Schoenherr. New York: Philomel Books. Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Response: Overall, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book and that it is one that I could picture reading to my future children all snuggled up on a winter day. The way in which it is written allows the reader to feel as if they are right there experiencing this intimate moment with the girl and her father as they go owling. The ambiance that the pictures in this book creates is just so welcoming as it invites you to leave the real world behind and just partake in this moment that it has to offer. It is so beautifully written and illustrated that the story just comes to life.  My favorite part of the entire book would probably be the ending when the narrator says, "When you go owling you don't need words or warm or anything but hope. That's what Pa say. The kind of hope that flies on silent wings under a shining Owl Moon." It teaches that life is about the little things and the moments you share with the ones you love.

Critique: 

• Setting: A late winter night with the full moon bright above and the white of snow covering the woods all around. A  sense of stillness seems to encompass the whole story.
• Point of View: A young girl who's name is not mentioned tells of her experience going owling with her father.
• Character: The characters revealed are the young girl and her father as they go owling one night. Right away one can sense the love they have for one another as the girl listens to everything her father tells her and the lessons the father is teaching her through this experience.
• Theme:  Love between a father and daughter, Hope, and to appreciate all the moments with loved ones that the world has to offer.
• Style: The story is almost poetic in a way and the author chooses descriptive words that are pleasing to the ears. Every picture and word written go along with making the story so real and believable.

Connections: At first, I never really paid attention to what books got awards. As a child I just remember thinking to myself this one has a funny sticker on it, but now as an adult aware of what these awards mean it gives me an even greater appreciation for literature. I never knew what a Caldecott was, but after reading this book I can definitely see the magic behind a book beautifully written and the pictures that add even more depth to the story it tells.

Discussion Questions:  

1. Why do you think the father asks his daughter to be quiet?
2. Can you remember some times when you had to be quiet? Give some examples.
3. Why do you think the father took his daughter owling?
4. What is the biggest lesson the narrator learns from owling with her father?