Hoot Owl Master of Disguise
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.