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Hoo Hoo Who?

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It's time for Mouse's Surprise Party, but Owl's glasses are broken. It's a good thing you came along! Can you use the clues to help Owl figure out which guest is at the door? Hoo hoo who could it be?

In this catchy and interactive book, children are encouraged to take part in the story and use expressive language to respond to Owl's WHO questions. With engaging opportunities on every page, children will be excited to read this story again and again. Who doesn't love to yell “Surprise!" and sing “Happy Birthday"?

The bold and distinctive illustrations are refreshing for parents, and particularly enthralling for children who will be naturally drawn to the curvy and circular shapes.

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 7, 2019

1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read

About the author

Mary Maier

2 books2 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Stacie.
1,921 reviews122 followers
February 21, 2019
Mary Maier wrote and illustrated this book and collaborated with speech pathologist Lauren Horton. Mary Maier’s child is one of the many children who have a speech or language delay. Her 3-year-old son Max is also on the autistic spectrum. Maier said this about the importance of writing a book for children with language delays:

“Kids with language delays work on WH- questions A LOT. Many children know their colors, shapes, numbers, letters, but not the difference between who, what and where. These questions are the building blocks of conversations and are HUGELY important to language development. I started thinking, why didn’t I know about this? Why doesn’t every parent know about the importance of WH- questions? Why aren’t WH-question books as prevalent as shape and number books? So I started doing some research. I wanted to find something to help with my son’s language development. All I could find were books with the word AUTISM in bold print on the front cover. No parent wants to read their child an AUTISM bedtime story—so I decided to write and illustrate my own WH- series of books for all kids, beginning with WHO. And WHO better to go on this journey with than a speech pathologist? My hope is to spread the word to ALL parents (not just to those whose children have language delays), the importance of WH- questions in language development and that they can be focused on in a fun and natural way—just like all those color books.”

It’s a surprise party for Mouse and all his friends are invited. But Owl’s glasses are broken and he can’t see WHO is at the door. As each guest is described, children will have an opportunity to guess and then shout out the answer. Creative rhyming text and fun exclamations will encourage children to read along and practice the words that may be difficult for them to say.

The illustrations are muted and make reading the book a calming, yet fun activity. The pages are focused more on the large-sized words than the pictures even though the characters are adorable. Kids will love following along and sharing in the excitement of Mouse’s surprise party.

Maier already has plans to write more books focusing on “Where” and “What” through her new publishing company, Building Block Press, which will focus on books for early childhood development and thoughtful design.
Profile Image for Stacy Renee  (LazyDayLit).
2,789 reviews99 followers
April 2, 2019
Many thanks to the publisher for providing us with a free physical copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Owl is hosting Mouse's birthday party, but her glasses are broken and she needs our help to keep track of the other guests. Can you guess hoo hoo who is coming to the party?

This surprise party themed book is perfect for a read-aloud story time with it's easily repeated words and rhyming question prompts.
There are many chances for little listeners to interact and join in on all the repetitive animal sounds and even a chance to sing the birthday song at the end!

My toddler has asked several times to read this and is always ready to shout out which animal has come to the surprise party after Owl has given her clues.

We loved the bright and festive illustrations with all the excess 'confetti' that made it feel like we were really gearing up for a surprise party!

This picture book is tall (9"x12") and has big, bold artwork and text that make it easier to see from a distance, which is why I think this would be perfect for group story time!

This review and others like it can be found on Lazy Day Literature
Profile Image for Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book*.
6,048 reviews218 followers
April 30, 2019
Hoo Hoo Who? by Mary Maier and Lauren Horton. PICTURE BOOK. Building Block Press, 2018. $18. 9781944201142

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K, EL (K-3) –OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The reader arrives at a party, the host of the party, Owl, has broken his glasses. Now as each guest arrives, there are clues, and the reader is asked to identify the animal for Owl. When will the surprise party begin? Very large pages featuring unique illustrations.

I love a book where the narrator talks to the readers not to mention an animal guessing game. I think I would like this book more if the artwork was great –but its just kind of thrown together looking and kind of creepy if I am being really honest.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for K.L. Bernard.
Author 1 book22 followers
February 25, 2019
Owl has broken his glasses and is having trouble seeing between the cracks. He is planning a surprise party for Mouse and guests are beginning to show up. He asks Hoo Hoo Who to a yellow feather and a quack quack. It must be Duck. He recognizes a hiss hiss and a baa baa. It must be Snake and Sheep. Will Owl recognize Mouse when he shows up for his party?

This delightful tale of friendship helps young readers understand who and what. Colorful illustrations are fuzzy and zany to help depict the main characters visual impairment. Easy to read sentence structure along with recognizable objects makes this a fun read for any home or classroom environment. Parents, caregivers and teachers will enjoy sharing and can engage young children in the animal sounds.
Profile Image for Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com.
2,230 reviews93 followers
February 7, 2019
This book is fantastic for many reasons. First, this is a brilliant way to engage children that are struggling with speech and language. It is a creative way for kids to find success in reading. Books are such a dynamic tool to create dialogue and conversation between children and adults. Secondly, it is adorable. It is beautifully illustrated and colorful. Lastly, it is a delightful and darling book that is both educational and fun to read! This book is sure to be a hit at home and in the classroom!
Profile Image for Sheri.
2,578 reviews8 followers
April 5, 2019
Interesting title about an animal surprise party. The owl and his guesses about others coming are fun. And I love stories about characters with glasses. It is also fun for children who have to wear them to find a character in a story who needs them, too.
Profile Image for Natasha.
274 reviews3 followers
May 14, 2019
This has a nice little rhyme and flow! I love the pictures, although at first glance the sheep looks like its smoking a cigarette! (I promise it's not actually smoking!)
Profile Image for Ron Turner.
1,144 reviews16 followers
October 14, 2020
I guess I'm a holdout here but it didn't do anything for me. I wasn't thrilled with the story or the illustrations.
Profile Image for Aeicha .
832 reviews110 followers
February 20, 2019
Hoo Hoo Who is a delight! Smart word usage and fun interactive text will keep little readers absolutely captivated. Bright, whimsical illustrations, with great textures and shapes, bring the story to life in exciting and engaging ways. Sure to be a bedtime hit!
Profile Image for Kailey (Luminous Libro).
3,603 reviews546 followers
February 3, 2019
This picture book is adorable! Owl is throwing a surprise birthday party for his friend, Mouse, but his glasses are broken, and he can’t tell which party guests are arriving. The reader has to help him figure out who has come to the door, by listening and looking for characteristics of each guest.

The illustrations are so cute! I love how the colors are heavily black and white with vibrant accent colors to draw in the readers attention.

Owl is just adorable, and each animal guest that arrives for the party is interesting and sweet.
This would be the perfect book to read aloud with a young child!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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