So short and small, a downy, white ball.

The Littlest Owl

Written by Caroline Pitcher

Illustrated by Tina Macnaughton

Scholastic Inc., 2008

24 pages

Fiction

          I chose this book because it reminded me of a book that I love by Martin Waddell, Owl Babies. In this book Four is the last to be born, the shortest and the smallest. He is last to get food and still has not learned to fly. His brothers are constantly reminding him that he is so short, so small, just a little white ball. Four remains resilient telling his brothers that he will fly and practicing night and day. When a storm hits the willow tree, and the owls have to flee, will Four finally get his wish? You will have to read this book to see. 

          Macnaughton uses paint for her illustrations, possibly an acrylic. The warm colors and position of the illustrations paint a picture of Four’s feelings throughout the book. Whether that be left out, happy or sad. The illustrations cover two whole pages.

The Littlest Owl would be a great book for character education for elementary school children. This book teaches resilience, determination, the importance of believing in yourself, and that every child grows at different rates, lessons that are valuable for all children. You could also use this book in Science to discuss the habitat of owls and how storms affect animals. Art and Language Arts could be incorporated by having the students draw and write about a time when they have felt left out like Four and what they did to overcome that feeling.This book did not receive any awards.