Reviews

Owly, Vol. 3: Flying Lessons by Andy Runton

alikelystory's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional lighthearted medium-paced

3.75

Graphic novel for younger readers. 

rmgebhardt's review against another edition

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4.0

Another volume in the Owly series, another dose of cuteness overload. This series is obviously targeted at children, but there's something there that is also appealing to anyone of any age. The hope, compassion, and optimism that oozes off of every page is the perfect counterpoint to the drudgery of most adult everyday lives. For me, Owly is a pick-me-up of the best kind, and I can't help but feel better about myself, the day, and our world after some time together with Owly and his friends.

pickekat's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was really charming. It would be really good for early readers, because it only has a few words.

sandraagee's review against another edition

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4.0

I love Owly quite a bit. It's kind of adorable, and I love interpreting the symbols and imagining how the conversations between Owly and his friends would go if they were transcribed in English.

mrsbond's review against another edition

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3.0

A cute owl and his little worm friend come upon a flying squirrel in the forest. After some research they decide to befriend him. The new friend learns to trust, and teaches Owly how to fly. Black and white illustrations are clear and expressive.

reasie's review against another edition

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4.0

aaaaawwww

I picked this up because I was in a great deal of pain and needed cheering. It worked. So adorbs. Though I feel I have to mention that the “no words” idea isn’t quite followed, as the story would make no sense without reading the brief sentences Owly reads in books.

Owly is a perfectly round owl who cannot fly (his wings are tiny). His best friend is an adorable little worm, whom, given the lack of words again, I have to assume is named Wormy.

In this unbearably adorable comic, Owly encounters a flying squirrel, only to find that flying squirrels are afraid of owls, their chief predator. On his own, Wormy is able to befriend Squirly. While Owly tries to win over Squirly, Wormy is hurt because Owly is unable to fly to rescue him/her/it from a tree. Wormy bravely tried to climb down the tree, but ended up falling. SO SAD.

Adorable flash-back to Owly’s utter failure at flying school when even rounder and cuter. Owly is determined to learn to fly so his friend will not be endangered again!

Seeing how Owly cares for injured Wormy, Squirly decides to brave friendship with top-level predators and teaches Owly how to fly like a flying squirrel. Happy ending all around!

No, I don’t think this entry should be hidden for spoilers because this is not the sort of story you ever doubt the ending of. It’s just cute. 100% uncut, street-illegal grade cute.

plaidbrarian's review against another edition

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3.0

Like the finest Russian novels of the 19th century, Owly Vol. 3: Flying Lessons explores themes of human struggle and... well, no, not really. It's a little kids' comic about a little owl who wants to make friends, a flying squirrel terrified that the owl wants to eat him, and the near fatal injury of their mutual worm friend that ultimately brings them together. Everything's really cute, and all the characters speak in pictograms. Little kids will love it, but adults' tolerance may vary; some will dig it, others will be sent into an official Sunny Von Bulow diabetic coma from the sweetness of it all. So, you know, you've been warned.

nerdybookworm23's review

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hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bookworm_baggins's review

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4.0

Read aloud as we work our way through the updated versions of these books. As cute as they are, I continue to miss the wordless editions, though the color graphics have me buying the ones with words anyhow, just trying to read them more free form.

plexbrarian's review

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4.0

Told through adorable illustrations and symbols (and *almost* no words), Owly and its worm friend attempt to identify and befriend a very nervous flying squirrel. Very sweet, innocent, and expressive.