Review by Booklist Review
A stealthy predator, downy companion, or astute mascot? Owls, Pringle contends, are as multifaceted as they are abundant. Through a series of photographic watercolors and pithy paragraphs, Pringle and Henderson illuminate the history of the owl, its many forms, and its varied habitats from church steeples to the frozen tundra. The text helpfully breaks down a discussion of species into a handful of fun facts (you won't find a screech owl screeching) and popular favorites (Harry Potter's Hedwig is a snowy owl, of course!). Physiological details about skeletal structure and digestion are paired with precise illustrations of bones, owl pellets, and telling cutaway views. Side-by-side sketches of the owl with other birds, such as the pigeon and robin, underscore informative tidbits about the owl's wide-ranging binocular vision, its flexible talons, and its 14-boned neck. Complete with a glossary of terms, index, and suggested-reading list, this book true to its swooping subject matter is swift, exacting, and sure to hook any reader.--Shemroske, Briana Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this information-rich addition to the Strange and Wonderful series, Pringle highlights several owl species in a variety of habitats. Working in muted watercolor and pencil, Henderson shows owls flying, hunting for food (several rodents meet their demises within), and perching near their nests, while additional images focus on features of their anatomy. The pages are fairly dense with text, but divided into accessible blocks, allowing Pringle to explore everything from the lore surrounding owls (from Mayan beliefs to Harry Potter) to the ins and outs of their anatomy, their predatory habits, and the threats they face. Ages 7-9. Illustrator's agent: Mary Ann Asciutto, Asciutto Art Representatives. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-6-Pringle and Henderson successfully pair up again for the newest installment in this series. Employing a conversational tone, the author thoroughly covers the basics of these nocturnal birds, shedding light on habitat, life cycle, and biology. A large variety of owls are expertly compared to one another, as well as to other birds and even humans. The book includes aspects often missed in similar titles, such as the shape of the feet, the placement of the eyes, and the number of vertebrae; all are explained and made exciting. Hunting habits are also described and clearly depicted; the illustrations often show unlucky mice and fish caught in an owl's talons or mouths, but the images, though realistic, are never graphic. Information about the variations in owl pellets and how to sterilize them will inspire students to look for ways to get some hands-on experience for themselves. Back matter will lead young researchers to learn more, and the glossary is especially informative. VERDICT A great purchase for report writers, budding ornithologists, and generally curious readers.-Jennifer Wolf, Beaverton City Library, OR © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
