Olive Owlsly & The Moon-Egg Mystery: A bedtime desert tale about wonder, starry skies, and the magic of imagination

by Heather Jablow

One dreamy night in the Anza-Borrego Desert, young owl Olive Owlsly looks up and sees something incredible: the moon isn’t just full—it’s egg-shaped. Could it be hatching? With help from her favorite teacher, Olive learns that curiosity, wonder, and imagination can make even the quietest nights magical. A gentle bedtime story for children ages 4–8 about seeing the world a little differently.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 8, 2025

About the author

Heather Jablow is a writer, brand strategist, and lifelong daydreamer who splits her time between San Diego and Borrego Springs, California, where two very real barn owls keep watch over the night.

Inspired by desert skies, wind-whipped ocotillos, and the teachers who answer curious questions with a warm smile, she created Olive Owlsly to remind readers that imagination is its own kind of wisdom.

When she’s not writing, Heather enjoys hiking in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, looking for scorpions, and helping brands find their voice. She sometimes listens for owl hoots that sound suspiciously like encouragement.

Reviews

[Lena Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute story about a little owl and imagination. Thinking that the moon is a dragon egg and all the things that happen.
So it helps show how wonderful imagination can be.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley provided by Victoria Editing NetGalley Co-op for this copy to share with my little one.

Synopsis: Olive Owlsly is a curious, dreamy little owl with big thoughts and even bigger questions, especially about the night sky.

One windy night in California’s Anza-Borrego Desert, Olive stares up at the glowing sky and wonders if the moon isn’t just full, but egg-shaped, and maybe even ready to hatch.

Armed with her Emergency Adventure Kit (string, goggles, and a single cracker), Olive sets off to learn more. With gentle guidance from her favorite teacher, Ms. Quiverleaf, she discovers that imagination, wonder, and quiet courage can make even the stillest nights feel magical.

Set beneath the stars and desert winds, Olive Owlsly & The Moon-Egg Mystery is a cozy, heartwarming bedtime story. It supports social-emotional learning (SEL) through themes of curiosity, creative thinking, and emotional self-trust.

Publication Day is September 08, 2025

We adored this my daughter loved the dragons and kept pointing out the moon. She’s 2 so this did go over her head a little bit. I did enjoy the illustrations throughout the books. Ended up giving it a 4⭐️

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olive Owlsly & The Moon-Egg Mystery by Heather Jablow is a tender and enchanting bedtime story that invites children to see the world through eyes of wonder. Set under the vast, star-filled skies of the Anza-Borrego Desert, the story beautifully balances imagination and discovery as Olive, a curious young owl, ponders whether the moon might actually be hatching.

Heather Jablow’s writing is poetic and soothing, making it a perfect bedtime read, while the story itself encourages curiosity and creative thinking. The desert setting adds a unique charm a backdrop rarely explored in children’s books giving this tale a distinct and memorable atmosphere. This is a gentle reminder to both children and adults that imagination can transform even the quietest night into something magical.

[Jakki (BizzyBookNook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This whimsical little book was an absolute delight. We adored the illustrations and the stunning desert setting—they added so much warmth and charm to the story. What really stood out to me was how the adult character never tried to correct Olive or stifle her imagination. Instead, her unique perspective was embraced, which I found both refreshing and important. Children should feel free to express themselves and explore the world through their own lens, and this story beautifully reinforces that idea. I wholeheartedly recommend it for young readers of all ages—it’s a gentle reminder that the world is full of magic, if you’re open to believing in it.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olive Owlsy is so curious. With big thoughts and dreams ready for adventure and discovery. She is off to discover if the moon is actually an egg ready to hatch. She discovers the magic of her imagination and bravery.
As a mom I loved this encouraging and adorable story. Simple illustrations hold the beauty and magic of this story. I love that it encourages children to ask questions like "what if" and using their imagination. They also get to learn about those big feelings we all have.
A wonderful story for snuggle time with your little ones. Enjoy the adventure together and see what you discover.

[Emily Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I delightful debut! This reminded me of The Golden Egg Book, which is a classic, but also my favorite kids book ever. I loved the illustration of the imaginary dragon and the idea of an emergency adventure kit. I particularly liked the way the text was divided into it's own area on the page which made it so much easier to read than a lot of kids books that often put the text over the top of a colored background. My son's favorite animal is the owl so I am always on the lookout for an owl-themed book. I received a ARC from the publisher.

[Amanrit Uppal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so heart-warming! When I was a young girl, the house I grew up in was near the railroad tracks. I'd often hear the train whistle during quiet early mornings and let my imagination run wild. This book brought me right back to those moments of childhood wonder. Children may not know everything but what they do notice is the beauty waiting to be observed.

The illustrations in this book were adorable! The colors added a "mystical" vibe to the story, and I loved that!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this magical little gem.

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young owl thinks the full moon over the desert is a giant dragon's egg, and stands guard over the potential hatching – which doesn't happen, the end. There is a sense of this being a fable about the merits of imagination – the owl alone in her fantasy is alone both to enjoy that and the wonders of the night around her – but there's not quite enough here to justify purchase. If you stumble across it and/or can borrow, fine – it's pleasantly done, after all. But the story is too minimal for this to be prioritised.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artwork in this book is only rivaled by the imagination of sweet Olive, who also shows remarkable courage in her adventure. It’s a rather short story, as it’s meant for young children, and I’m hesitant to say too much for fear of spoiling the whole thing. But, I found it an absolute delight to read. As I mentioned, I love the artwork—and if you have children who enjoy fantasy worlds or whimsical stories, this is definitely one to read together.

[Marichus Real · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Olive Owlsly wakes up, she sees the full moon up in the sky.
She uses her imagination to see the moon like an egg shape, a dragon egg that is about to hatch.
This book will help children use their imagination to make anything they want possible in their minds.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. In terms of reading level it was too easy for my 9 year old but she still loved the story. It is a great night time story and she still loves to be read too.

I received this book from ARC for my review. Thanks to them for sharing such a beautifully written and illustrated book!

[Tristann Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is wonderful story that encourages children to use their imaginations. I loved how the teacher listened and shared in the youngster's ideas and fantasy. The illustrations are darling and showcased the story well. Highly recommend sharing this story at bedtime and story hour.

[Sonya Superstar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what you want from a picture book. A simple story that makes sense to all readers with beautiful illustrations and a kind message. Definitely recommend for picture book readers, especially those who love owls and have an adventurous imagination.

[Christine Timmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet book! The illustrations are gorgeous. And my kids are at the age where imagination is EVERYTHING, so this book is just awesome as an example of a beautiful imagining. It’s going into our Goodnight Book rotation

(Thanks goodreads for the giveaway)

[Laurel Zeisler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to encourage children to use their imaginations. It reminded me of something Mr. Rogers would read on his show. And I mean that as a huge compliment. Very sweet and cozy illustrations.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olive Owlsly & The Moon-Egg Mystery (ebook)
by Heather Jablow
a story of imagination and possibly. the positive acceptance of a child's dream and their continued encouragement.

[Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, delightful, and, this desert tale offers wildlife, imagination, mythology, and wisdom. A great short bedtime tale, sure to inspire feats of imagination and dreams of wonder.