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librarydreams's review
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Normally, I'm a huge fan of the Fan brothers. But this title left me confused and uninspired. It's also oddly tense given the seemingly impoverished mouse's proximity to its natural predator. Still, the illustrations are gorgeous.
earth_and_silver's review
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I was absolutely stunned by the exquisite cross-hatching and atmosphere in the illustration style, and promptly bookmarked more work by the same illustrator.
The writing... was simpler than I expected of one of the Fan brothers, but still endearing? The little sing-song cadence of the phrases put me in mind, a little oddly, of Tolkien's character Tom Bombodil.
The cover seemed spooky for me, especially with basic knowledge of the Owl's typical diet, and I felt an actual sense of relief at being wrong.
The writing... was simpler than I expected of one of the Fan brothers, but still endearing? The little sing-song cadence of the phrases put me in mind, a little oddly, of Tolkien's character Tom Bombodil.
calistareads's review
hopeful
slow-paced
3.0
I found this on the 2023 Mock Caldecott list. The artwork for this is amazing and outstanding. It's so beautiful. It plays with light and shadows and really sets a tone and mood for the story. Honestly, I think this would have been a better Wordless story.
The verse is told in rhyme and there isn't much to it. It feels fairly flat and uninspired, hence the three stars. The artwork is a total five star rating.
I feel like this could have been so much more.
The verse is told in rhyme and there isn't much to it. It feels fairly flat and uninspired, hence the three stars. The artwork is a total five star rating.
I feel like this could have been so much more.
msgabbythelibrarian's review
3.0
I think I like this one for the illustrations more than the text itself. But I use it as a book to talk about nocturnal animals with my storytime kiddos.
Funny thing: kids want bats. And I just don't feel like bats show up in here. Weird
Funny thing: kids want bats. And I just don't feel like bats show up in here. Weird
shighley's review
3.0
This did remind me quite a bit of Fan's Night Garden. While the illustrations are interesting, they become a bit overwhelming.
sharonskinner's review
5.0
I would subtitle this book: How to make a grown woman cry in 174 words. Beautiful words and evocative imagery. A fabulous book about kindness.
katlovestea's review
5.0
The story is adorable, but the art is what really got me!
It is such a beautifully illustrated book!
It is such a beautifully illustrated book!
jonezeemcgee's review
4.0
3.75
I received this from PRH in exchange for an honest review:
While I loved the hatched illustrations throughout the book and the idea behind the story itself, I do wish that this was done in more of a rhythmic writing style. While I think the children will enjoy these beautiful illustrations and the story, I feel that if the story had more of a lyrical flow to the pentameter it would grip children a bit more.
I received this from PRH in exchange for an honest review:
While I loved the hatched illustrations throughout the book and the idea behind the story itself, I do wish that this was done in more of a rhythmic writing style. While I think the children will enjoy these beautiful illustrations and the story, I feel that if the story had more of a lyrical flow to the pentameter it would grip children a bit more.