Owls!: Strange and Wonderful

by Laurence Pringle, Meryl Learnihan Henderson (Illustrator)

Overview

This latest installment in the popular Strange and Wonderful series by Laurence Pringle is an easy-to-read and comprehensive introduction to owl species from all over the world. Stuffed with scintillating science facts and large, colored illustrations from Meryl Henderson, this great educational book is sure to resonate with young animal lovers seeking to learn more about these elusive ghost birds.

From the tiny elf owl that weighs less than two ounces to the Eurasian eagle owl that can have a wing span of over five feet, each individual species is described and masterfully pictured in vivid detail through clear, informative text with accompanying artwork. Various facets of the owls' lives are discussed, including their habitats, diet, mating habits, vision, physiology, digestion, and parenting. This miniature encyclopedia, complete with a glossary, index, and further resources, offers a wealth of knowledge to aspiring avian enthusiasts and contains enough factoids to allow even fledgling readers to soar to new heights.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781620916513
Publisher:	Astra Publishing House
Publication date:	03/08/2016
Series:	Strange and Wonderful
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 10.30(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	1000L (what's this?)
Age Range:	7 - 9 Years

About the Author

Laurence Pringle has written more than one hundred books for children and teenagers, many of them award-winning science titles. Internationally, his books have sold more than three million copies. He and his family live in West Nyack, New York. Visit laurencepringle.com.

Meryl Henderson has illustrated a number of children's books and is a regular contributor to Highlights for Children. She lives in Hunter, New York. Visit merylsart.com.

Editorial Reviews

02/22/2016
In this information-rich addition to the Strange and Wonderful series, Pringle highlights several owl species in a variety of habitats. Working in muted watercolor and pencil, Henderson shows owls flying, hunting for food (several rodents meet their demises within), and perching near their nests, while additional images focus on features of their anatomy. The pages are fairly dense with text, but divided into accessible blocks, allowing Pringle to explore everything from the lore surrounding owls (from Mayan beliefs to Harry Potter) to the ins and outs of their anatomy, their predatory habits, and the threats they face. Ages 7–9. Illustrator’s agent: Mary Ann Asciutto, Asciutto Art Representatives. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

"Through a series of photographic watercolors and pithy paragraphs, Pringle and Henderson illumine the history of the owl, its many forms, and its varied habitats... The text helpfully breaks down a discussion of species into a handful of fun facts... Complete with a glossary of terms, index, and suggested-reading list, this book—true to its swooping subject matter—is swift, exacting, and sure to hook any reader." — Booklist

"Pringle and Henderson successfully pair up again for the newest installment in this series.... the author thoroughly covers the basics of these nocturnal birds, shedding light on habitat, life cycle, and biology.... Back matter will lead young researchers to learn more, and the glossary is especially informative. A great purchase for report writers, budding ornithologists, and generally curious readers." — School Library Journal

In this information-rich addition to the Strange and Wonderful series, Pringle highlights several owl species in a variety of habitats. Working in muted watercolor and pencil, Henderson shows owls flying, hunting for food... the pages (are) divided into accessible blocks, allowing Pringle to explore everything from the lore surrounding owls (from Mayan beliefs to Harry Potter) to the ins and outs of their anatomy, their predatory habits, and the threats they face." – Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

02/01/2016
Gr 3–6—Pringle and Henderson successfully pair up again for the newest installment in this series. Employing a conversational tone, the author thoroughly covers the basics of these nocturnal birds, shedding light on habitat, life cycle, and biology. A large variety of owls are expertly compared to one another, as well as to other birds and even humans. The book includes aspects often missed in similar titles, such as the shape of the feet, the placement of the eyes, and the number of vertebrae; all are explained and made exciting. Hunting habits are also described and clearly depicted; the illustrations often show unlucky mice and fish caught in an owl's talons or mouths, but the images, though realistic, are never graphic. Information about the variations in owl pellets and how to sterilize them will inspire students to look for ways to get some hands-on experience for themselves. Back matter will lead young researchers to learn more, and the glossary is especially informative. VERDICT A great purchase for report writers, budding ornithologists, and generally curious readers.—Jennifer Wolf, Beaverton City Library, OR

School Library Journal