Hootin Goes Outside!

Bandana Acres #4

by Kathy J. Perry

"How long will you be gone?" The barn owlets are hungry! Their mom, Hootin, must find a way to get more food. Can she trust her bandana buddies to take care of her babies during the storm?Similar to Winnie-the-Pooh, it's a fun book for emerging readers transitioning from picture to chapter books. 

50 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2018

About the author

Planting seeds for tomorrow's leaders, I hope my books will inspire kids and young adults to be confident and of excellent character.

Award-winning author:
Nibbler & Captain Make Peace - Bronze Award for children's fiction in 2019 with The Wishing Shelf. (From the Bandana Acres series)

Emeline -A Journey - Finalist Award in the young adult category from both The Wishing Shelf (2020) AND Book Excellence Awards, 2021.

Author & Speaker of stories for children and teens with compelling plots and memorable characters.

Emeline-A Journey, a young adult historical adventure and companion journal - My Journey (guided journal). Published 2nd edition, illustrated 8/1/23 under the title A Journey.

My Bandana Acres Journal (guided journal for ages 8-12).

Released the sequel to Emeline's story: Finding Strength: During the Panic of 1893. (2024)

Released new 5- book early reader chapter book series: Oakwoods, April, 2025.

Member of ALLI (Alliance of Independent Authors). and The History Quill

Reviews

[Mary Hake]

This suspenseful barnyard story will hold children’s interest as they wonder if the baby owls’ dad will return. The book is written from the mother owl’s point of view, but if you don’t read the back cover, you don’t know that Hootin is the mom right away. The text doesn’t make it clear in the first chapter. The language of the tale would be challenging for young readers to read on their own. I would suggest second or third graders could probably read it alone, but it would make a great read-together in school or home, where the situations and decisions in the story can be discussed, or read aloud to children. The book portrays how friends can help each other, modeling positive behavior. If readers have read the preceding books, they will recognize some other characters and know why some animals wear colorful bandanas. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Renee Knoblauch]

I adore children’s books. I love the illustrations and the stories in them. Even though my kids are teens they love looking at them with books always being such a huge part of their daily life. I have some favorites and this series is on the top of my list. This is a keeper for grandchildren. This book has all the elements I love in children's books. The content and characters in the story are amazing. I love the character traits, friendships, and life lessons taught.

There are five books in the Bandana Acres series. Each one is based on an animal and teaches a lesson. The animals are friends and help one another. In the front of the book is a map of the places of the animals in the series and the main locations in the book.

At the end of the book, it concludes with “What if questions”? This gets you thinking of the character dilemma in the story. This is a wonderful opportunity to have meaningful conversations with your child.

The illustrations are adorable and captivating as you are following along in the story. Kids will love exploring the pictures throughout the book

This sweet story is intended for ages five through eight, the books are short chapter books. I think some older kids would love this story. The book is labeled as a beginning reader but I think kids who are more confident in reading will do better with reading this story. There is a glossary at the back of the book. I love the variety of vocabulary, the words are more colorful and a good way to enhance your kid's vocabulary. There are words like morsel, vulnerable, bough, and rivulet are just a few.

Bandana Acres Hootin Goes Outsideby Kathy J. Perry shines and is a heartfelt story. Hootin is worried about her husband as he hasn’t been home in a few days. They share the task of collecting food for their two owlets. The babies are getting hungry and Hootin doesn’t have a choice but to venture out in search of food. When she comes back the owlets have been exploring their wings in the barn. She is afraid that a preditor will find them. Her friends Ollie and Feebs step up to help her. Hootin meets a new friend and sees the value of friendship and trusting them. Helping each other is a valuable lesson to learn. I highly recommend this sweet story.

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Randi Sampson]

Hootin' Goes Outside is the fourth book in the Bandana Acres series. These books can be read on their own or in any order though, so no worries if your child hasn't read any of the previous books. Chances are, they might just fall in love with this adorable series and want them all though... my daughter certainly has. These books are ideal for the kid who is just starting out reading chapter books--- good for reading on their own or with help from an adult. My daughter is in second grade and a bit more of an advanced reader, but she loves these books anyway--- from an interest standpoint they definitely hit the mark. I definitely wish we had known about them sooner when we looking for easy chapter books that were more appealing to younger kids like herself! The stories are cute for her, but they have great lessons that I like as a parent too--- like this lesson on asking for help. This is certainly a lesson that has come up for my daughter recently, so definitely a good one for kids (and if we're being honest, don't us adults need this reminder sometimes too?). Overall, a really cute chapter book that kids and parents alike can appreciate!

** I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

[Connie Saunders]

There's another adventure waiting for the residents of Bandana Acres, and the Bandana buddies are once again proving how important friends really are. Hootin the Owl has two owlets to take care of and Papa Hoot is nowhere to be seen. He's been gone for days and Hootin is so worried that he's been hurt. How can she hunt for food with two little ones needing care? If she leaves them alone, will they get hurt? That's when Ollie the farm dog and Feebs the cat offer to help, after reminding Hootin that "You're never really alone with your bandana buddies around."

Author Kathy Perry once again shows her ability to both teach and entertain, with this wonderful addition to the Bandana Acres series. Easy-to-read text and fun, colorful illustrations add to its appeal, there's a glossary of words to help children understand the story, and questions that ask the children how they would react in the same situation. Hootin Goes Outside! targets beginner readers but it's perfect for a family to read together. I love this series and I enjoy sharing these books with my seven-year-old granddaughter!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit, but there was no obligation for a favorable review, These are my own thoughts.

[Deana Dick]

This series is a great collection for young children to enjoy. I like how the stories each feature an animal. The author does a good job of describing the animal featured and helps children learn more about them. The illustrations are very eye catching and adds to the ambiance of the story.

This time we meet Hootin who is caring for her little owlets. The little ones begin to screech looking for their Papa. Where is he and why has he not returned with food?Hootin knows she needs to go out and look for food but is worried about leaving the little ones alone.

I like how characters from the series are in each book and feel like I know them. They represent friendship and are always there to help each other out. Hootin learns a great lesson about letting her friends help her. I think some of us are like Hootin. We want to do things on our own, but sometimes we need to let go of pride and allow others to help us out. This is a good book to help children understand about helping others and learning about trust.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own .

[Connie Hill]

Bandana Acres: Hootin Goes Outside is Kathy J. Perry. This is book four in the Bandana Acres series. You don’t have to read them in order. I read this book with my 10 and 8 year old sons. We all have been enjoying this series.

I love that it’s perfect for early readers. My 8 year old isn’t the most huge fan of reading but he loved reading this out loud to us. He said the words were easy to read and he didn’t struggle. I loved that we could have some read aloud time.

The barn animals of Bandana Acres are super adorable. I’ve really enjoyed seeing all of their adventures. In this story Hootin has to leave her baby owlets to get them some food and her Bandana Acres friends help watch the babies. She’s left when Papa owl didn’t return with the food he had set out to get. Hootin is nervous to leave her babies. We see a lesson in letting friends help and not being prideful.

This book is well written and has bright pictures. We’re enjoying this series. My son took this book to school to share with the other third graders.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program. All thoughts are my own.

[Erin]

What a sweet little story! This is part of a series of wonderful little books for your reader. My kids are loving each and everyone of them and can’t wait until we get a new one. They love seeing who the first one is who can grab the book and get it read quickly before someone else grabs it.

This one is about an owl and her little babies. She has to learn to ask for help which we all know can be such a hard thing for us adults. We think we can do it all on our own. It’s also something that kids need to learn as well. Asking for help is always an okay thing to do.

Definitely a cute read and so is the entire series. Each book teaches a lesson in a quaint way that will have you all smiling along.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Jane]

Hootin Goes Outside! is the fourth book in Kathy J. Perry’s Bandana Acres series. The books are all easy to read and are great for advanced first graders or reluctant third graders or those in between. Hootin Goes Outside! focuses on the owl family that lives in the Cooper’s barn. Unknown to the rest of the family, Papa Hoot has been captured leaving Hootin to care for her babies alone. The other animals on the farm all step in to help. Kathy Perry shares stories that encourage helping others.
Each of the books in the series includes things to think about and a glossary making them very useful for use in reading groups or individual reading instruction.
Hootin Goes Outside! would be a great addition to a K-12 Christian school library. I would be appropriate for the leveled readers section. It could also be used in a classroom situation for a reading group.
I received a complimentary copy of Hootin Goes Outside! This is my honest review.

[Janelle]

I really liked Hootin’ Goes Outside, I though it was a great addition to the Bandana Acres series. I loved seeing Hootin’ have the courage to do what she needs to do for her baby owlets, while still making sure that they are safe. I also loved getting to revisit some of the characters in previous books, Ollie and Feebs. My only complaint is that it seemed really short, but then again, I forget that this book is for kids who are learning to read and growing their reading skills. I loved the illustrations, and I love the glossary that’s included in the back to help kids grow their vocabulary. I also love the questions at the end of the book to help kids comprehend and think through what they have just read. As always, this installment was a delight to read and I can’t wait to share these books with my future children someday!

[Carol Keen]

Book 4 stands alone, as will the other books, but they are so much fun as a set! In this story Hootin, a really lovely owl, has to do something brave. Her babies are hungry, there's a raging storm, and she is going to need help. I loved this story! I am really fond of the font color change for when she's thinking to herself. I find the message strong and uplifting and I can't wait for the little ones coming in our family to get to read these stories! The entire series is fantastic, but this owl might be my favorite, at the moment. These books remind of books when I was a child, when they were wholesome and clean and fun.

My copy came from Celebrate Lit, and the author. This review is my own and contains what I think about this book. A positive review is never required.

[Debbie]

Hootin Goes Outside" by Kathy J. Perry is one of six books in the (Bandana Acres) series. I really think toddlers and children just starting to read will enjoy each book in this set. This story is about a mother owl learning to ask for help as she has to hunt for food. Hootin finds a new friend as she searches for a shelter from a storm.
I like the questions at the end of the book as well as the glossary.

I was given a contemporary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Vicky Sluiter]

This has been a great series, and I heartily recommend it for your young reader. Each book teaches about a specific animal in a fun way. It also teaches about friendship and other positive traits we want to instill in our children.

I really like that there’s a glossary so children can learn what new words mean. And the “What If” discussion questions are a great way to get your child to talk about serious things in a comfortable way.

Grab a copy to share with your child!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Ashley Dawn]

These are such cute books to read. I again shared this one with my 6 year old and he was enthralled. I just like the way the author has the animals work through problems that kids deal with.

Super cute and I think good for any kids’ library. I truly think this whole series is good for kids and that it can help younger ones with maybe how to deal with some problems they face.

5/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Elizabeth Brooks]

I love the books by this author. Every book from this collection, my children have enjoyed! This book is a great reminder that we are never alone with good friends! As always I really love the discussion questions at the end of the book, and they are perfect discussion topics for us as a family!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Amy]

Hootin Goes Outside! is the fourth book from Kathy J Perry’s series, Bandana Acres. I thought this was a fun and inspiring tale and will enjoy reading it over and over with my young ones. I love that it teaches the lesson of having courage to do what is right. I loved it.
Hootin Goes Outside! is illustrated by the talented author, as well. The pictures perfectly follow the story. The younger readers will be captivated and be able to hold their attention and continue reading to find out what happens all the way to the end.
Hootin Goes Outside! is getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for young readers who are between the ages of four and nine. I look forward to reading more books like this from Kathy J Perry in the future. It would make a great addition to the local or school library and even in a little ones’ classroom for story time. I look forward to the next book from the Bandana Acres series,
Kit's New Home.
I received a paperback copy of Hootin Goes Outside! from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.