Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: Nature, Family, Patience

Grade Level: K-2

Curricular Connections: Science (Owl Habitat, Moon Phases), Language Arts (Figurative Language)

A girl and her father bundle up on a winter night in hopes of seeing an owl. This is her first time to go owling, but she has been told what to do and knows she has to be very quiet. As they walk through snow "whiter than the milk in her cereal bowl", in the shadows of the bright moon they are watched by a fox, racoon, fieldmouse and a deer. Her father gives the owl call again, and this time there is an answer. Finally, the owl lands in a nearby tree as Dad turns the flashlight on the bird, and the bird with open wings looks at the girl and her father before it flies off. The girl walks home just as quietly as she came in awe of her magnificent adventure.

Classroom Suggestions:

1. Students could research the different types of owls and try to determine what type of owl was in the story. The teacher could then set up mini lessons or classroom stations for students to learn more information about the owl such as its anatomy, habitiat, how and when it hunts, what it eats, etc. When learning what they eat, teachers could also help students examine owl pellets to learn more information.

2. Teachers can use this book in a unit with figurative language. They could identify types of figurative language within the story, and then practice writing 4 line poems attempting to use their own figurative language.