Owl Moon, by Jane Yolen

Yolen, Jane. Owl Moon. New York: Philomel Books, 1987. Print.

Additional Information:

• Awards: Caldecott Medal
• Illustrated by John Schoenherr
• Hardcover, 32 pages

Synopsis: Owl Moon is a short picture book that follows a father and child as they trek into the woods to go owling.  The story is told from the perspective of the child, and she describes her surroundings and the norms of owling to the reader.  It takes place late one winter night after a fresh layer of snow has fallen.  The setting is crisp and still, and there is a full moon lighting the way for the two characters.  The child explains the darkness of the woods and trees, but tells the reader that she cannot be afraid because when she goes owling, she must be brave.  It is apparent that the child has learned how to behave on owling trips from her father and older siblings.  She has waited to go owling for many years and is careful to remain quiet and brave – two qualities that are crucial to finding owls.  Quiet tension builds throughout the story as the two characters wait anxiously for the call of a Great Horned Owl.  Although there is anticipation, both characters remain silent, and the night is still.  Once they arrive at a clearing in the woods, they hear the sound of a Great Horned Owl and see it lift from a branch and fly above them.  At this climactic time, the father and daughter stare at the great animal, but still no words are spoken.  Afterwards, the child tells the reader that it is now acceptable to talk or even laugh out loud, but she is silent during the walk home.  She thinks to herself that words are not needed to go owling, nor warmth, nor anything but hope. 

 Book Notes: Owl Moon is a great read aloud book for any age of children.  It relates to young children who may be learning about owls or wildlife in a primary classroom.  It also demonstrates figurative language, visual imagery, and author’s voice, which are applicable to older elementary children.  Owl Moon is a wonderful mentor text to teach students how to incorporate vivid details in their own writing in order to create a tone in a story.  The illustrations provide lovely visuals of the story that help students imagine the story in their own minds. 

 Critique: Owl Moon presents beautiful illustrations alongside prose filled with vivid imagery.  It is an excellent choice to read aloud to any class of children.  There is multiple uses of figurative language, as well as different literary elements that many picture books lack.  This book allows readers to make inferences, visualize the plot, and relate to the characters.  Yolen effectively captures the hope and awe of a young child which appeals to the child in every reader.  

Classroom Activities: As previously stated, Owl Moon can be used as  a mentor text for elementary students as well as a captivating story for primary students.  One classroom follow-up activity could be students writing their own narratives based on the story.  Below are links to other classroom activities that incorporate Owl Moon.

Lesson Plan Ideas: http://www.cpalms.org/Public/PreviewResource/Preview/47413
Activities: http://www.brighthubeducation.com/lesson-plans-grades-1-2/74107-owl-moon-lesson-plan-and-activities/

Helpful Links:
Craft Ideas: http://joyfullyweary.blogspot.com/2014/01/own-moon-craft.html
Owl Moon Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pryNnhuYJA
Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0dhC7P0Ivc
Author Website: http://janeyolen.com/