What do you think?
Rate this book
To See an Owl
An endearing story about a girl’s efforts to spot an owl from the Caldecott Medal winning creator of Wolf in the Snow. This gorgeous picture book that encourages patience and perseverance will resonate with readers of all ages who have longed to see one of these elusive creatures in the natural world.
When will I find you?
Where could you be?
What will it take?
To see an owl.
Silent and wide-eyed, owls are hidden creatures of the night. Janie has always dreamed of finding one. She searches everywhere for signs of an owl – on the open prairie for short-eared owls, on the beach for snowy owls, and for great horned owls in the woods near her home. But months go by, and she sees no owls. She wonders, what will it take to see an owl?
Her teacher, Mr. Koji, a fellow bird-lover, shares that he, too, waited a long time to see an owl. He assures her, “If you are very quiet and very patient, and if you look very close, you might just find them.”
When the snow begins to fall, Janie and her mother head into the woods again, and as she looks carefully, hidden high up in the trees, what she sees is pure magic.
From Matthew Cordell, the creator of Wolf in the Snow that was awarded the Caldecott Medal, comes this beautiful story about quiet perseverance that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the anticipation of discovering a rare treasure in the wild.
When will I find you?
Where could you be?
What will it take?
To see an owl.
Silent and wide-eyed, owls are hidden creatures of the night. Janie has always dreamed of finding one. She searches everywhere for signs of an owl – on the open prairie for short-eared owls, on the beach for snowy owls, and for great horned owls in the woods near her home. But months go by, and she sees no owls. She wonders, what will it take to see an owl?
Her teacher, Mr. Koji, a fellow bird-lover, shares that he, too, waited a long time to see an owl. He assures her, “If you are very quiet and very patient, and if you look very close, you might just find them.”
When the snow begins to fall, Janie and her mother head into the woods again, and as she looks carefully, hidden high up in the trees, what she sees is pure magic.
From Matthew Cordell, the creator of Wolf in the Snow that was awarded the Caldecott Medal, comes this beautiful story about quiet perseverance that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the anticipation of discovering a rare treasure in the wild.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published January 7, 2025
5 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Cordell
65 books170 followersMatthew Cordell is the acclaimed author and illustrator of the 2018 Caldecott winner Wolf in the Snow. He is also the author and illustrator of Trouble Gum and the illustrator of If the S in Moose Comes Loose, Toot Toot Zoom!, Mighty Casey, Righty and Lefty, and Toby and the Snowflakes, which was written by his wife. Matthew lives in the suburbs of Chicago with his wife, writer Julie Halpern, and their daughter, Romy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
January 10, 2025
I cried. What a story! What illustrations!
Janie loves owls. She eats, sleeps, breathes owls and so longs to see them in the wild. She and her mom go birding often and in many varied weather conditions and regions but alas, no owls.
Janie draws detailed maps and pictures of owls--she is quite the dedicated young lady.
I literally laughed out loud at this line:
This is fantastic read for birders of all ages but superficially readers aged 5-10 would probably get the most enjoyment from Cordell's book. I hope this book inspires some future young birders!
Janie loves owls. She eats, sleeps, breathes owls and so longs to see them in the wild. She and her mom go birding often and in many varied weather conditions and regions but alas, no owls.
Janie draws detailed maps and pictures of owls--she is quite the dedicated young lady.
I literally laughed out loud at this line:
Me and Mama look together. Go birding together. But Mama doesn't look for birds the way I do. I am serious.
This is fantastic read for birders of all ages but superficially readers aged 5-10 would probably get the most enjoyment from Cordell's book. I hope this book inspires some future young birders!
April 26, 2025
Read for my toddler's bedtime. This story followed a little girl who loved owls. She draws pages upon pages of owls. She thought of owls and dreamed of owls. Her teacher, Mr. Koji also loved owls. He has pictures, drawings, and maps of his sightings. This little girl is a birder too. She went on adventures with her mom to look for owls. It's not easy to find owls because they are animals of the night. She took careful notes of what her teacher taught and of her own exploration. She went on walks with her mom at night with a flashlight. She went to many locations. Eventually she made the sighting but it was through hard work, determination, and perseverance. She's a good role model for all kids. An excellent book for kids!
Thank you Random House Kids for the opportunity to read and review!
Thank you Random House Kids for the opportunity to read and review!
September 21, 2025
I remember the first time I heard an owl after becoming a birder. The world changes when you become a birder—your ears pull you into a parallel universe, where you stop everything you were doing before and simply listen and watch. For a birder, there is nothing to do other than live in that moment of sharing space with an avian. It is incredibly meditative.
For me, that moment came in the Bay Area, slipping into a rental car before dawn to face a hectic West Coast commute. Out of the quiet night came a loud, haunting hoot. I wondered why it woke no one else. But it was just me and the owl—and it was pure magic.
To See an Owl was such a delight to read because it brought me back to that first experience. Best of all, it’s a book I can share with my daughter now, until the day she’s old enough to stay up late and hear an owl with me.
For me, that moment came in the Bay Area, slipping into a rental car before dawn to face a hectic West Coast commute. Out of the quiet night came a loud, haunting hoot. I wondered why it woke no one else. But it was just me and the owl—and it was pure magic.
To See an Owl was such a delight to read because it brought me back to that first experience. Best of all, it’s a book I can share with my daughter now, until the day she’s old enough to stay up late and hear an owl with me.
February 1, 2025
Full disclosure: I adore Matthew Cordell’s art and stories.
Cordell’s trademark ink and watercolor artwork is brilliant, employing fine details that contribute to this story’s tone of quiet patience and wonder. A child is an avid birder and her sole desire is to see an owl. Her teacher is also a birder, instilling details about how to approach this field scientifically and igniting her passion. Filled with great details about owls, Cordell emphasizes that nature doesn’t perform for people. Instead, it rewards those who are persistent and respectful with magical moments.
A valuable experience for children about nature and a subtle story about the positive nature of resiliency and the scientific method. Janie, the main character, has a great relationship with her mom who joins her on these birding adventures even if it’s not “her thing,” which imparts a lovely message about sharing time with family.
Highly recommended.
Cordell’s trademark ink and watercolor artwork is brilliant, employing fine details that contribute to this story’s tone of quiet patience and wonder. A child is an avid birder and her sole desire is to see an owl. Her teacher is also a birder, instilling details about how to approach this field scientifically and igniting her passion. Filled with great details about owls, Cordell emphasizes that nature doesn’t perform for people. Instead, it rewards those who are persistent and respectful with magical moments.
A valuable experience for children about nature and a subtle story about the positive nature of resiliency and the scientific method. Janie, the main character, has a great relationship with her mom who joins her on these birding adventures even if it’s not “her thing,” which imparts a lovely message about sharing time with family.
Highly recommended.
March 27, 2025
Beautiful drawings illustrate a young girl’s long, patient quest to see an owl. I’m always excited just to hear an owl!
January 20, 2025
A beautiful story about having a love for nature. You can tell this was a labor of love for Cordell. A wonderful book to show kids the magic of animals and the natural world.
January 20, 2025
Another incredible book by Matthew Cordell. I think I can officially say he is my favorite children's author and illustrator. I have followed his journey as a birder on IG, and it was wonderful to see his passion and enthusiasm for nature and birds flow through the pages of this book.
His illustrations, as always, are magic.
His illustrations, as always, are magic.
February 7, 2025
Just a slice of life of a girl who really, really loves Owls. She goes birding with her mom. And diligently searches for her favorite animal.
February 21, 2025
Picked this up on a whim at our library - blew me away as well as my homeschool kids! We’ve read it two days in a row now 🦉
October 27, 2025
Currently on a Cordell kick - and I think this is a fun story about a young girl and her one true obsession - seeing an owl in the wild. I like how the story goes into her research and dedication.
January 18, 2025
Totally biased review since I love Matt and owls, but I would love this book even if I wasn't primed to do so! Beautifully illustrated and written ❤️🦉
Read
January 27, 2025This one really touched me. I don't know what it is exactly but I got chills at one point and teared up a little. Love.
February 3, 2025
This was a really really good book.📕
February 3, 2025
This really relates to me!! Love this book❤️❤️❤️!!!
September 24, 2025
Beautiful relationship between text and illustrations. Quietly profound.
December 31, 2024
Magic!!
June 6, 2025
Wonderfully illustrated. Sweetly persuasive on the value of persistence, of taking the time, training the eye, doing the work, and then . . . fully appreciating the discovery.
September 13, 2025
It's about time I give a round of applause to a picture book that flies in the face of categorization. There's no doubt it is informative, and it is as uplifting as a whoosh of bird flight. TO SEE AN OWL is written and illustrated by award-winning creator Matthew Cordell. That cover alone suggests the ironic parallels within this story, the push and pull of an avid and curious admirer of owls (she's the one on the right) and an elusive, evasive great horned owl. Their eyes tell the story, in a sense, suggesting that the expertise of each (the sought and the seeker) rely on careful and intentional observation in their pursuit of what they most want.
This lovely offering of facts about owls couches the scientific information within the story of a girl with a lifelong dream. It's clear that her mother is in large part responsible for this girl's obsession since infancy, through shared books and encouragement of her interest and art. It's no wonder that even when less-than-enthused, her mother tirelessly trudges along on many sojourns to spot an owl. I've mentioned Jane Yolen's powerful OWL MOON in prior posts about books featuring this not-rare obsession, as in this post. Many of those who attempt to produce owl-pursuit picture books share a visual aesthetic with OWL MOON, and that's to be expected. After all, owls are sought in the the dark, in wooded areas, and more than occasionally in snow-covered times. That's when the ringing WHOOO resonates most clearly, floating above a moon-luminous, blue-lit snowy field or path. The art is often watery-washed and magical in tone, simply because such an eventual meeting is, indeed, quite magical and unforgettable.
Cordell's style and technique emphasizes line art, as the cover reveals. Color serves the story but often leans toward the subdued natural tones seen here. That technique underscores the storytelling in this restrained but heartfelt account of a devoted and determined young girl whose teacher turns out to also be a birder. One who affirms that spotting an owl is magical.
That connection is a bond that increases the girl's knowledge, skills, and intentionality in her pursuits. When the time comes to share her report, she has not yet seen an owl, despite her increased expertise. But her field map and accurate recordings of other sightings leads to a comment from her teacher that sparks hope. And the ultimate moment of meeting (really? that's a spoiler? No, it had to happen.) is powerful and direct, uplifting and gratifying, but not in the usual 'dreamy" way.
This is what I loved most about this book.This realistic, earnest character who recognizes magic without special effects. I continue to refer to "the girl", even though she is central to the story. The first person narration allows readers to find themselves seeing what she sees, feeling what she feels, dreaming along with her of a lifelong goal. One that doesn't win a prize or prove a point, but allows her to satisfy her dream. From the pre-title page art and text to the final page turn, the subtle art, the warmth of adult support and faith, the drive to learn and discover combine to produce a fully satisfying conclusion.
This lovely offering of facts about owls couches the scientific information within the story of a girl with a lifelong dream. It's clear that her mother is in large part responsible for this girl's obsession since infancy, through shared books and encouragement of her interest and art. It's no wonder that even when less-than-enthused, her mother tirelessly trudges along on many sojourns to spot an owl. I've mentioned Jane Yolen's powerful OWL MOON in prior posts about books featuring this not-rare obsession, as in this post. Many of those who attempt to produce owl-pursuit picture books share a visual aesthetic with OWL MOON, and that's to be expected. After all, owls are sought in the the dark, in wooded areas, and more than occasionally in snow-covered times. That's when the ringing WHOOO resonates most clearly, floating above a moon-luminous, blue-lit snowy field or path. The art is often watery-washed and magical in tone, simply because such an eventual meeting is, indeed, quite magical and unforgettable.
Cordell's style and technique emphasizes line art, as the cover reveals. Color serves the story but often leans toward the subdued natural tones seen here. That technique underscores the storytelling in this restrained but heartfelt account of a devoted and determined young girl whose teacher turns out to also be a birder. One who affirms that spotting an owl is magical.
That connection is a bond that increases the girl's knowledge, skills, and intentionality in her pursuits. When the time comes to share her report, she has not yet seen an owl, despite her increased expertise. But her field map and accurate recordings of other sightings leads to a comment from her teacher that sparks hope. And the ultimate moment of meeting (really? that's a spoiler? No, it had to happen.) is powerful and direct, uplifting and gratifying, but not in the usual 'dreamy" way.
This is what I loved most about this book.This realistic, earnest character who recognizes magic without special effects. I continue to refer to "the girl", even though she is central to the story. The first person narration allows readers to find themselves seeing what she sees, feeling what she feels, dreaming along with her of a lifelong goal. One that doesn't win a prize or prove a point, but allows her to satisfy her dream. From the pre-title page art and text to the final page turn, the subtle art, the warmth of adult support and faith, the drive to learn and discover combine to produce a fully satisfying conclusion.
February 24, 2025
This picture book [4.5 for me!] is simply stunning. My students know that I've long been a fan of Matthew Cordell's work, and Wolf in the Snow is one of my very favorite Caldecott winners. Reminiscent of Jane Yolen's Owl Moon, this one follows the efforts of a young girl, Janie, who is obsessed with owls. Inspired by her teacher, Mr. Koji, who is a birder and shares tidbits about owls with his students, Janie starts keeping an owl journal as well as drawing pictures of owls. Accompanied by her mother, she walks in the woods in search of an owl, even making a class presentation on the species. Afterward, Mr. Koji points to a section of the map she's drawn as a place he spotted owls. Even though her mother isn't keen about venturing outdoors in the cold on what is likely to be a fruitless errand, they walk to that area, and yes, the distinctive sounds of two great horned owls tell Janie that they're nearby. The last four double-page spreads are sheer perfection, the first showing Janie on the left-hand page as she trudges through the snow while on the right-hand page, the owls are shown from the back, dominating the page, and positioned almost as though they are looking at her. The next double-page spread consists of the front version of the owls, perched on a branch that spreads from the right-hand page, across the gutter and onto the left-hand page. The soft green needles of a fir tree, the browns of the tree and the owls, and the softly falling snow make it easy to understand why owls are so hard to spot and so magnificent. The final double-page spread consists solely of a close-up of Janie's face and shoulders as she's completely awestruck at these dark emperors, as Poet Joyce Sidman would say, and creatures that seem to represent magic. Janie's persistence has finally paid off in a moment that she'll never forget. Cordell has deftly woven interesting owl facts within the narrative, and his illustrations, created with pen-and-ink and watercolor, are splendid, revelatory, and respectful. What an experience it is to see an owl! Readers will want to remove the book jacket to reveal the different images on the book cover itself.
April 5, 2025
I prefaced my read aloud to my 1st graders with the note that this author is a friend of mine. (I actually do consider authors I have met to be friends. I root for them. Share their books that are a piece of their hearts and become a piece of mine, as well.) My first graders are busy. I don't often read longer books to them. I choose mostly humor that is a quicker connection for them. I had to share this book, though, and they seemed an audience to test it on. We did a picture walk with one class. I read little of the text, but they told me the story through the pictures. The knocked it out of the park! The second class I read every word and did not linger much on the pictures. Two of those students asked to look through it after we did our lesson. (Again! Kudos to Cordell!) Finally I did what I did when I read it the first time with the third class. I told them I love watching for birds, but had not ever seen an owl outside. I know they are there, but they are hard to find. The students were smitten by the drawings done by the main character. They said she had "sick skills". (I am certain Matthew Cordell will love that!) Well, 3 read aloud times with different styles and all of the students loved this book! Don't miss this one!
This book is slow moving. You have to be slow moving to find birds in the wild. I am certain this book will be a hit. I also need to share it with my art teachers in both my schools. It is a treasure!
This book is slow moving. You have to be slow moving to find birds in the wild. I am certain this book will be a hit. I also need to share it with my art teachers in both my schools. It is a treasure!
January 17, 2025
Birder Cordell shares his passion with this activity - and it shows on each page. There is so much jam-packed in this story...
Janie is on the hunt to see an owl in the wild. Her teacher Mr. Koji talks with his students about his hobby of birding and how to go about spotting them; this inspires Janie even more. Janie and her mother bundle up on the cold winter day, taking her journal and binoculars with her as they go to the open prairies, the beach and harbor, and the cemetery in her hunt. Time goes by and, when she least expects it, she is rewarded by seeing not one, but two owls!
Caldecott winning illustrator Cordell pays such attention to detail that the reader will begin to believe they are also on this quest to see an owl. His attention to detail is spot on - the journal entries look like they might have been drawn by kids. My only quibble is the children have an almost cartoonish appearance to them with their extra wide open eyes, while the owls are very life-like. Also, it appears that she is only going outside in daylight looking for owls, when her teacher expresses that owls are "creatures of the night".
Perfect for a unit on owls, winter, birding, study of science, and patience. Pair this with Jane Yolen's Owl Moon, the 1988 Caldecott Award winner by John Schoenherr (Philomel, c1987).
Recommended for grades PreS-grade 3.
Janie is on the hunt to see an owl in the wild. Her teacher Mr. Koji talks with his students about his hobby of birding and how to go about spotting them; this inspires Janie even more. Janie and her mother bundle up on the cold winter day, taking her journal and binoculars with her as they go to the open prairies, the beach and harbor, and the cemetery in her hunt. Time goes by and, when she least expects it, she is rewarded by seeing not one, but two owls!
Caldecott winning illustrator Cordell pays such attention to detail that the reader will begin to believe they are also on this quest to see an owl. His attention to detail is spot on - the journal entries look like they might have been drawn by kids. My only quibble is the children have an almost cartoonish appearance to them with their extra wide open eyes, while the owls are very life-like. Also, it appears that she is only going outside in daylight looking for owls, when her teacher expresses that owls are "creatures of the night".
Perfect for a unit on owls, winter, birding, study of science, and patience. Pair this with Jane Yolen's Owl Moon, the 1988 Caldecott Award winner by John Schoenherr (Philomel, c1987).
Recommended for grades PreS-grade 3.
February 21, 2025
Janie, a black-haired girl with white skin and large eyes that appear wide as an owl’s, is a birder. She’s especially interested in owls. Her teacher, Mr. Koji, encourages her and her mom accompanies her on walks in all weather. But so far, she has not seen an owl. Janie continues learning about owls, drawing them and making maps of her woodland searches. Finally, she spies a pair of great horned owls and it is “Magic.”
Matthew Cordell’s signature pen, ink and watercolor artwork is a beautiful vehicle for appreciating the joy of birding, as his love of natural scenes and animals is clear. He also has rendered the classroom scenes warmly, as Janie and her classmates learn about birding with their teacher. While Janie is portrayed with almost cartoonishly large eyes, the owls, when she finally sees them, are gorgeously realistic, with their feathers and form detailed with Cordell’s pen and ink. Several pages feature animals camouflaged in the forest background and kids will enjoy finding them. The joy and commitment Janie displays is an inspiring example of determination to do what adults don’t always have the patience for. I loved that her teacher, himself a birder, brought his passion to the classroom and mentored a student. For budding naturalists, this book can spur a love of finding this quiet pastime.
Matthew Cordell’s signature pen, ink and watercolor artwork is a beautiful vehicle for appreciating the joy of birding, as his love of natural scenes and animals is clear. He also has rendered the classroom scenes warmly, as Janie and her classmates learn about birding with their teacher. While Janie is portrayed with almost cartoonishly large eyes, the owls, when she finally sees them, are gorgeously realistic, with their feathers and form detailed with Cordell’s pen and ink. Several pages feature animals camouflaged in the forest background and kids will enjoy finding them. The joy and commitment Janie displays is an inspiring example of determination to do what adults don’t always have the patience for. I loved that her teacher, himself a birder, brought his passion to the classroom and mentored a student. For budding naturalists, this book can spur a love of finding this quiet pastime.
December 8, 2025
As an amateur birder with a special place in my heart for owls, I found To See an Owl to be a quiet, beautiful ode to wonder, patience, and the magic of unexpected encounters. Matthew Cordell captures something deeply familiar to bird lovers—the mix of yearning and awe that comes with searching for an elusive species, especially one as captivating as an owl.
My own experiences have often mirrored Janie’s. I’ve seen a múcaro in Puerto Rico, a burrowing owl outside a Walmart in Florida, and watched in awe as a barred owl flew overhead at Felts Audubon Preserve. But like Janie, I’ve also gone searching and come up empty, reminded that nature doesn’t always offer its treasures on demand. This story taps into that universal truth while encouraging readers to keep looking, to stay curious, and to appreciate the journey as much as the moment of discovery.
Cordell’s illustrations are soft yet evocative, perfectly matched to the story’s tone. His portrayal of perseverance, paired with a respectful nod to educators like Mr. Koji who nurture wonder in young learners, makes this not just a celebration of owls but a celebration of those who teach us how to see. A lovely, meditative picture book for readers of all ages.
My own experiences have often mirrored Janie’s. I’ve seen a múcaro in Puerto Rico, a burrowing owl outside a Walmart in Florida, and watched in awe as a barred owl flew overhead at Felts Audubon Preserve. But like Janie, I’ve also gone searching and come up empty, reminded that nature doesn’t always offer its treasures on demand. This story taps into that universal truth while encouraging readers to keep looking, to stay curious, and to appreciate the journey as much as the moment of discovery.
Cordell’s illustrations are soft yet evocative, perfectly matched to the story’s tone. His portrayal of perseverance, paired with a respectful nod to educators like Mr. Koji who nurture wonder in young learners, makes this not just a celebration of owls but a celebration of those who teach us how to see. A lovely, meditative picture book for readers of all ages.
February 18, 2025
First- Cordell's very fine line drawings and very specific detailed illustrations are on point. These are some of his best illustrations, in my opinion.
Second- As a beginning birder, I totally get Janie's range of questions and uncertainties about what it takes to see an owl. There are so many factors to birding that I can say it's overwhelming for a beginner and I wonder if I'm ever going to get the right visual clues and sounds down, coupled with the migration patterns and geographic challenges.
However, persistence pays off (for seeing an owl, seeing any bird, or even putting in what it requires for anything worth doing well) and Janie finally sees an owl. It was no overnight trick; it took study, patience, conversation, drawings and questions, and finding resources.
Cordell's art coupled with the reality of spending copious amounts of time and efforts to reach a seemingly simple goal combine for a real punch of a book here. Birders are going to love it, sure; but it's really for anyone who sees a goal and wants a bit of inspiration for the time and aspiration (and patience!) it takes to get there.
Second- As a beginning birder, I totally get Janie's range of questions and uncertainties about what it takes to see an owl. There are so many factors to birding that I can say it's overwhelming for a beginner and I wonder if I'm ever going to get the right visual clues and sounds down, coupled with the migration patterns and geographic challenges.
However, persistence pays off (for seeing an owl, seeing any bird, or even putting in what it requires for anything worth doing well) and Janie finally sees an owl. It was no overnight trick; it took study, patience, conversation, drawings and questions, and finding resources.
Cordell's art coupled with the reality of spending copious amounts of time and efforts to reach a seemingly simple goal combine for a real punch of a book here. Birders are going to love it, sure; but it's really for anyone who sees a goal and wants a bit of inspiration for the time and aspiration (and patience!) it takes to get there.
March 28, 2025
The quest begins even before the title page. The main character, Janie, and her mother look for owls. Janie is a serious birder acutely interested in owls, which are hard to see. She draws owls, she maps her area and thinks about where owls might be. She and her mother go out at night and look for owls. She learns everything she can about owls and keeps a journal. Fortunately, her teacher Mr. Koji is also a birder whose favorite bird is the owl. He, too, has mapped his area. He shows his map to Janie and makes suggestions about where she might see one. The quest continues and the suspense builds. Will Janie see her owl? If so, will she feel like Mr. Koji predicts she will? Drawings show Janie and her mother in the snow, Janie and her classmates working together with Mr. Koji, Janie's journal pages and drawings. This book will teach kids about owls, about the traits needed to become a successful birder, and about the feelings of it all. This book would pair well with Jane Yolen's classic, OWL MOON.
January 21, 2025
A young girl passionate about owls seeks to find one in the wild. But despite her best efforts and everything she's learned about them, she just hasn't had any luck locating one. To her benefit, her teacher also happens to be birder, and with his guidance, it just might be possible to achieve her goal. Not only does this book highlight the power of persistence in following a dream but it also shows the beauty to be found in nature. Using his easily recognizable pen-and-ink with watercolor illustrations, Cordell takes readers on a journey of ups and downs as the girl gathers information and bonds with her teacher on the way to achieving her dream. Anyone who has ever desired something with all their hearts will be able to relate to the main character as she keeps trying despite numerous failures. The mother's patience in helping her daughter pursue her goal even when she doesn't want to is admirable as well. A great book to share that will undoubtedly encourage young readers/listeners to share their own dreams and help parents or teachers to guide children in pursuing their own dreams. Highly recommended.
March 10, 2025
Picture Book. Janie loves owls--learning about them, drawing them, trying her best to actually see them. But despite dragging her mother on multiple birding expeditions, Janie has yet to see one. When she brings in her birding map for show-and-tell, her teacher tells her the last place he saw a pair of owls. Desperate to follow up on the lead, Janie drags her mom out in a fresh round of snowfall.
This is a simple quiet book. There is not a lot of action, but the illustrations are lovely. Cordell has won the Caldecott before and his pen-and-ink with watercolor illustrations are easy to recognize. I would have loved an author's note or fact about owl page, but this is technically a picture book so those were not included. A beautiful story that both teaches about owls and encourages the reader to take a closer look at the birds around them.
This is a simple quiet book. There is not a lot of action, but the illustrations are lovely. Cordell has won the Caldecott before and his pen-and-ink with watercolor illustrations are easy to recognize. I would have loved an author's note or fact about owl page, but this is technically a picture book so those were not included. A beautiful story that both teaches about owls and encourages the reader to take a closer look at the birds around them.
March 28, 2025
Perfectly stout.
Large round eyes.
Silent, knowing faces.
Birds of the night.
Janie wants to see an owl. She knows it will be a magical experience. This girl does her homework -- making a map of the places she has spotted other birds, studying and sketching the way owls look, learning about owl pellets and owl whitewash (poop).
I have a grand (M) who wants to be an ornithologist. M and J read this book with me over Messenger today and we talked about the owls that I have heard and seen in our part of the world. One of my favorites is the barred owl. They will wake you out of a dead sleep and sound just like a pack of monkeys. The classic Great Horned Owl Hoo-Hoo-Hoo is also a favorite.
Would you like to see an owl? Check out this book for tips and to find out if Janie ever spotted one.🦉
Large round eyes.
Silent, knowing faces.
Birds of the night.
Janie wants to see an owl. She knows it will be a magical experience. This girl does her homework -- making a map of the places she has spotted other birds, studying and sketching the way owls look, learning about owl pellets and owl whitewash (poop).
I have a grand (M) who wants to be an ornithologist. M and J read this book with me over Messenger today and we talked about the owls that I have heard and seen in our part of the world. One of my favorites is the barred owl. They will wake you out of a dead sleep and sound just like a pack of monkeys. The classic Great Horned Owl Hoo-Hoo-Hoo is also a favorite.
Would you like to see an owl? Check out this book for tips and to find out if Janie ever spotted one.🦉
July 18, 2025
Janie loves owls and dreams of being able to see one in the wild. Her teacher this year is a birder and his favorite birds are owls too. She tries to find an owl, learning about whitewash and pellets, listening hard and keeping an eye out. She even heads into the woods at night with her mother, but no owl is found. Months go by and Janie brings in her collection of owl information and shares it with her class. Her teacher is amazed and shows her on a map where he saw a pair of great horned owls. Could this be the clue that Janie needs?
This quiet picture book speaks to the importance of persistence and patience when entering nature. Watching Janie’s knowledge grow organically throughout the book is a treat. Cordell’s signature fine-lined drawings offer a glimpse of nature, Janie’s family and her search for the elusive owl.
Appropriate for ages 4-7.
This quiet picture book speaks to the importance of persistence and patience when entering nature. Watching Janie’s knowledge grow organically throughout the book is a treat. Cordell’s signature fine-lined drawings offer a glimpse of nature, Janie’s family and her search for the elusive owl.
Appropriate for ages 4-7.
March 30, 2025
Can’t believe this wonderful picture book had to be interlibrary loaned to me because my library system does not own a copy. The author Matthew Cordell is the illustrator of To See an Owl, and received the Caldecott Medal for his book Wolf in the Snow. Not only is the book for children but parents and teachers will learn from and appreciate it, as well. Owls are the feature but patience and perseverance are the backstory.
To See an Owl reminded me of the “owl walks” different park rangers/naturalists led when my daughters were young. On most walks we saw an owl, or owls, and on the few we did not, the leaders pointed out other evening creatures or sights to make the walk interesting for all.
To See an Owl reminded me of the “owl walks” different park rangers/naturalists led when my daughters were young. On most walks we saw an owl, or owls, and on the few we did not, the leaders pointed out other evening creatures or sights to make the walk interesting for all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews