Owl Babies

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Martin Waddell

Waddell, an Irish author, has written more than a hundred books for children of all ages. He uses a pen name, Catherine Sefton, for titles meant for older children.  Waddell has been awarded the Smarties Prize twice, the Kurt Maschler Award, and, in 2004, the Hans Christian Andersen Award for his contribution to children's literature.

Waddell's passion for writing relatable children's books is clear when he says, "Because emotion is a child's driving force, each of my picture books is about a very big emotion - like loneliness, fear of the dark, or compassion - in a very small person."

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World Relevance

Preschoolers experience fear over many things; a few of the more common fears for this stage of development include:

• fear of separation
• fear of baths
• fear of loud noises
• fear of change
• fear of the dark

I suspect many preschoolers are also experiencing a generalized fear of death or loss during the pandemic -- and most likely unable to articulate this fear!

Reading books in which the characters struggle with  fear similar to what a preschooler experiences begins to normalize the fear. And, the good books, help young children see that fear can be overcome.

"Once there were three baby owls:
Sarah and Percy and Bill.
They lived in a hole
in the trunk of a tree
with their Owl Mother.
The hole had twigs and
leaves and owl feathers in it.
It was their house.

One night they woke up and
their Owl Mother was GONE.
"Where's Mommy? asked Sarah.
"Oh my goodness!" said Percy.
"I want my mommy!" said Bill"

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Patrick Benson

Benson studied art in Florence. earned a graphic design degree at St. Martin's School of Art and has illustrated 37 children's books since 1982. He won the Mother Goose Award for the most promising newcomer in children’s book illustration for Mayne's The Book of Hob Stories.

The UK's Guardian gave high praise for Benson's illustrations in Owl Babies:

• "Touchingly beautiful ... Drawn with exquisite delicacy ... The perfect picture book."

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Synopsis

Owl Babies' story is quite simple: three owlets try to stay calm when they realize their mother has gone out into the night.  But the owlets -- Sarah, Percy and Bill -- are a hoot! One is thoughtful and rational, one is dramatic, and one simply wants his Mommy! 

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Learning Connections

• 5 Risky Activities that Help Children Overcome Fears, Run Wild My Child
  
• How to Help Children Manage Fears, Child Mind Institute
  
• Just in Time Parenting Newsletters
  
• 25 Owl Crafts for Kids, Arty Crafty Kids

Ages: 3 - 7 years old, Picture book, 32 pages. A sweet story reminding  little ones that Mommy always comes back.

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