Here’s my selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday:
Hoot Owl Master of Disguise
Written by Sean Taylor
Illustrated by Jean Jullien
First U.S. Edition, 2015, Candlewick Press
Text and Illustration copyright 2014
Suitable for: ages 3-7
Theme/Topic: Diligence, Failure, Confidence, Predators
Opening Spread: (Appears before Title page) Watch Out! I am Hoot Owl! I am hungry. And here I come!
Brief Synopsis: (from the jacket flap) Hoot Owl is no ordinary owl. He’s a master of disguise! And he will use his skill at camouflaging himself to trick his unsuspecting prey.
Animals of the night, beware!
But, somehow, Hoot Owl’s prey keeps escaping. Will he ever succeed in catching himself some dinner?
Hilarity, ridiculousness, and costume changes abound in this wildly inventive new title from author Sean Taylor, paired with illustrator Jean Jullien.”
Resources: With Halloween fast approaching, children can dress up to be their own Master of Disguise. If there are any questions about animals being predators, this book could be paired with Carnivores by Aaron Reynolds and Illustrated by Dan Santat (2013). A lesson plan on learning through mistakes. Activity Kit from Candlewick Press.
Why I Like This Book: I found this one via a search of recent owl books. Enzo loved it. An owl, who dresses up to catch his prey? Yes! Hoot Owl is a character — a full blown character. He faces failure, but remains confident. Hoot Owl reminds me of a certain diligent five-year-old who says, “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.” Just like Hoot Owl, some five year olds don’t succeed, but he tries again.
If you are able to find this, I hope you can. Just like a real safari where lions attack zebras aren’t for everyone, some children may not like thinking about Hoot Owl eating a rabbit. This Candlewick book has 48 pages!
For more PPBF books, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog.
What a hoot! Love this book! Enjoyed your interview.
Yes. It is a hoot!
I thought this book was fun, too, Stacy. And I love your idea of pairing it with Carnivores. BTW, What interview is Pat talking about. (I’ve been pretty disconnected lately and I’m sure I’ve missed a lot.)
She may have meant this review. 🙂 I haven’t done any, unless you count Girl Scout presentation last night on quilling lol.
Thank you, Stacy! Once again you’ve provided me with just the right book at the right time. I love having examples of good pb characters to use in my classes and for myself. This sounds like such fun!
This sounds great! Going on my list! Thanks for posting.
Aww, I love the idea of an owl dressing up for the hunt. Our library most likely won’t have it, yet, but I’ll check!
This looks like a cute book. I will have to check it out. Thanks for telling me about it.
This book looks surprising. I certainly wouldn’t have expected any zany twists based on what I THOUGHT I knew about this picture book. Thanks for the review. I look forward to reading it.
Another book to add to my to read list. So many great books coming out. I especially love to read those that use catchy humor. Thanks for the tip.
Wise owl dresses up for dinner and perseveres. Good role model 😉
Cool! I love owls, disguises, hiding and hunting at night… sounds like the perfect book.
So very much fun!!
Love the comments as well. I love owls and think kids will love this book. 🙂
Perfect! I need a new Halloween book:)