The Littlest Owl

I was introduced to this book by my 3 year old nephew when he asked me to help him with his "homework". Since he is one of the smallest kids in his preschool class and very sensitive about his size, his teacher assigned him some positive books to bring home and read with his family. Not only was the Littlest Owl one of these books, it was the one he was hoping to read with me (since I love owls). I liked the artwork and simple positive mental attitude (PMA) conveyed by owlet Four, that I ended up buying a copy of this book for myself and to share with my nephews when they come over. The story is simple: the fourth owlet is smaller than the rest, but he does not allow his size or comments on his size from his brothers and sisters bother him. Like many other PMA stories, Four does not turn his size into an advantage. Instead he manages to survive a dangerous situation (a wind storm) by sheer strength of will. He never shows fear, he never gives up. If you enjoyed the Littlest Owl, I've also enjoyed reading Owl Babies to both my nephews. In fact, my older nephew likes making connections between the two books by giving the Littlest Owl owlets the same names used in Owl Babies. His teacher also had him read The Littlest Dinosaur, which again is a story about somebody small who shows no fear and never gives up. Borrowing from my favorite Yoda quote: "Do or Do Not, There Is No Try".

I recently purchased this book for my 2-year old (owl-loving) son and though it initially appeared to mature for him (real paper pages, longer than board books, and a real story to follow), it has turned out to be a wonderful book. It's the story of 4 owls siblings, one of whom is much smaller that the other 3. Though he is developmentally behind his siblings, owl #4 is spunky and unphased by havingto try so hard to do what they do so easily. It's a sweet story with lovely illustrations. I recommend this book to any parent, but especially to any with a child that loves birds (as mine does).

I love this story! As the youngest of 2 siblings who are about 10 years my elders, I could relate when thinking back to my childhood. This is a great book for any child who has siblings, but especially for the youngest child, who might struggle to do the things older siblings can do. It also has warm, cozy, beautiful illustrations that move along with the child-centered story. There is a scene of great suspense in which The Littlest Owl must overcome apprehensions and fears. One of my favorite children's books.