The Owl Who Asks Why

by Michelle Garcia Andersen, Ayesha Rubio (Illustrator)

Overview

Little Owl and Little Wolf have so many questions for their parents. “Why can’t we move our eyes?” “When will I no longer be a pup?” But owls don’t ask “Why?” They ask “Whooo?” And wolves don’t ask “When?” They ask “Hoooow?” Mom and Dad say it’s silly to even consider asking those sorts of questions.

Feeling teased and misunderstood, Little Owl and Little Wolf decide to run away from home for good. After straying too far from the path, the pair discovers that they’re lost in the forest and begin to wonder if they’ve made the right decision by leaving the pack. Little Owl and Little Wolf realize that the only way to make it back to their families is to not be afraid to ask the right questions, their own way.

This heartwarming tale of friendship from author Michelle Garcia Andersen and artist Ayesha Rubio will remind young readers that by staying true to yourself and embracing what makes you unique, good things come to you.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781645671534
Publisher:	Page Street Publishing
Publication date:	02/02/2021
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.50(w) x 10.80(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Michelle Garcia Andersen wrote this story after being inspired by the owls that live in the trees alongside her writing studio. She is delighted to be writing picture books for children; it has been a lifelong dream of hers. When she’s not reading and writing, she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, walking her dogs, gardening and anything else that gets her outdoors. Michelle and her husband have three teenage kids and live in a home full of laughter.

Ayesha L. Rubio was born in Madrid, Spain, one cold evening in February. Years later, she studied Fine Arts in Spain and England and began to work as an illustrator, collaborating with national and international publishers. At present, she has three books of her own, translated into various languages. Lately, she has made some incursions in the animation world.

Editorial Reviews

"An amusing lesson in the importance of asking the right questions." —Kirkus Reviews

"The ultimate message—that there's value in both the familiarity of home and the adventure of being true to your heart—will reassure and empower little ones." —Booklist

From the Publisher

2020-11-18
Ridiculed by their peers, a young owl and a young wolf run away.

When Little Owl asks her mother, “WHY don’t all animals stay awake at night,” Mama Owl tells her, “Owls don’t ask WHY….Owls ask WHO.” Little Owl persistently asks, “WHY” until the other owls laugh at her. Meanwhile, Little Wolf asks his father, “WHEN will I be able to explore on my own,” and Papa Wolf cautions him, “Wolves don’t ask WHEN….Wolves ask HOW.” Undeterred, Little Wolf keeps asking, “WHEN” until he’s mocked by the other wolves. Convinced no one understands them, Little Owl and Little Wolf flee together, seeking freedom to ask whatever they want. All night long, Little Owl leads the way with Little Wolf following until they realize they’re lost and ready to go home. If only they had “asked the same questions as everyone else,” Little Wolf says ruefully. Now the only way they will get home is by asking more questions. Repetitive use of who, what, why, when, where, and how, printed in bold capital letters, reinforces the interrogatory theme. With their simple shapes and expressive faces, Little Owl and Little Wolf stand out against the moonlit woodland backgrounds on their dramatic home-away-home adventure. It unfolds in small cameos as well as single- and double-page spreads, with close-up, aerial, and wide-angle views adding varied perspectives.

An amusing lesson in the importance of asking the right questions. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews