Oliver the curious owl

K-Gr 2--The owls are happy in their big tree, and the only question they ask is "Who?" When Oliver is born, he asks many other questions: what, where, when, and why. Oliver learns everything he can about his world and wants to explore further, but his owl family discourages him from leaving. Then Oliver meets an insect who has as many questions as he does, and they become fast friends. When Bug falls into the river, Oliver decides to rescue him. The search leads him into the woods where he meets new creatures to question and finds the end of the river, as well as Bug. Multimedia illustrations primarily in shades of teal provide a contrast to the orange and rotund Oliver. Varying perspectives and layouts are used to full effect. Endpapers feature a map and facts about the animals Oliver meets. VERDICT This charming story has a place in most collections.--Ramarie Beaver, formerly at Plano P.L., TX

One little owl dares to fly into the unknown. When most owls are born, they ask only one question for the rest of their lives: "Who?" Not Oliver. When he hatches, he adds "What?" "When?" "Where?" and "Why?" to the mix. Like his family, Oliver lives in a big tree, the only world they've ever known. Yet all too soon he's wondering about what lies beyond. But taking that extra step only happens when his best friend, Bug, falls into the river and is swept away. Comically flying to the rescue (the spherical bird does not look particularly aerodynamic), Oliver meets new animals (some further facts about which appear in the backmatter) and sees new sights. Some of it is good and some of it is bad, but in the end, when he tells his family of his adventures, they're inspired to explore the world for themselves. With skill, the book deftly avoids the pitfall of preachiness, showing and not telling the moral of this tale. The old message exhorting readers to try the new is also nicely tempered by the dreadful rainstorm Oliver and Bug suffer through, showing that not every new experience is purely joyful. Deeply saturated colors, particularly the blues and orange-reds, pulse on the page, giving lift and verve to Oliver's story. Who who who could resist the gentlest tale of adventure? Not you you you. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.