Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

Owl moon takes place on a snowy winter night, and recants a child’s first trip “Owling” with Pa. After they drudge through the snow and into the woods Pa begins to call out to the Great Horned Owl. After a few calls an owl called out to them and they were able to see it up close. The child is able to share this special experience with the father and has their hope fulfilled in seeing the owl. The whole time I was reading this book I wondered whether the child was a boy or a girl. I think it’s better to write a book without saying though because it lends for the book to be related to by everyone. I remember when I was young and I went fishing with my dad for the first time and this book reminds me of that.  Owl Moon is a great story about the simple things that bond us as family. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the simplicity of this book, as a mother and a future teacher I can see its many uses. I could use this to read to my daughter at bedtime because it's written so wonderfully that you can't help but think of your own memories. In the classroom, it could be used when talking about nocturnal animals. Students could also write the story from the owls’ perspective, saying something like: I was so lonely that night and heard a friend call out, but when I went to find my friend. I was surprised by a great light and It scared me at first because I thought it was the sun, but I was not ready for bed.... Students could integrate characteristics of nocturnal animals with a fictional story from the owls’ point of view, this way you could pull language arts, reading, and science standards for one activity. However you choose to use this book, whether it be for teaching or personal use, you are sure to fall in love with the story and it’s beautiful illustrations.  Reference: Yolen, J. (1987). Owl moon. New York: Philomel Books.