Owl Sees Owl
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a baby owl who leaves his nest one night and goes exploring. Each page has a poem of just four words that describe the little owl’s adventure—for example: Home/Mama/Brother/Sister. When he comes to a pond, he looks in the water, and owl sees owl. The discovery of his reflection in the water sends owl darting back into the sky and headed for home. As this happens, the text and illustrations on each page reverse order, ending with little owl making it safely back to his nest and his—Sister/Brother/Mama/Home. This quiet story will be a favorite requested over and over by children.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
When reading the story, read it with a soft, slow, nighttime voice. At the pivotal page when owl is startled by his own reflection, begin to read more and more quickly as owl hurries home. Depending on the age of the children, point out to them that the words at the beginning of the story are reversed at the end. Explain the word “reverse” by describing going backwards in a car. Another way to explain “reverse” is to lead the children in “Going on a Bear Hunt” prior to reading the story. The words for going “Going on a Bear Hunt” can be found at: http://www.funnysongsforkids.com/childrens-classics/were-going-on-a-bear-hunt
Poetry is important to share with children. The rhythm, rhyme, and pattern of the words provide a child with the often musical sounds of language. Share with families that this book is an example of a reverse poem. Read the poem to them and demonstrate how the words reverse order after Owl sees Owl. The illustrations in this book extend the story of the little owl venturing out to explore his surroundings. Talk about the importance of visual literacy when sharing a picture book with few words. The text is extended when the time is taken to explore and talk about the pictures with children. Parents may want to act out some of the story. They could “jump, flutter, flap, and fly.” A mirror could serve as the lake.