Synopsis
Baby Owl is a fierce, fearless, night-prowling predator…
but everyone seems to think he shouldn’t be out late at night.
But it is NOT past his bedtime! And he is absolutely, positively NOT scared!
Luckily, wise Papa understands… and provides a much-needed reassuring hug.
Now available as a board book, this plucky follow-up to “I’m Not Cute!” is a great way to remind young readers that it’s okay to be a little scared of the dark sometimes.
Children's Literature
Certain that no one will bother them, Baby Owl takes his toy Owly for a stroll in the moonlight. He encounters a series of concerned creatures, each warning him not to be afraid, although it is late and dark. To each, Baby Owl indignantly replies, "I'm NOT scared," noting in ever-increasing type that owls are just fine at night in the dark. When Papa turns up, Baby Owl insists that only Owly is scared. But Papa gives both Owly and Baby Owl the loving comfort they need before they are finally tucked into bed. Black felt-pen lines pick up facial features and bits of landscape, but the major impression is made by boldly applied translucent paints in the expected animal colors—brown for bear, gray for badger, tan and white for the owls. The multiple images of Baby Owl on the covers display how emotions like anxiety can be expressed in the simplest of ways. The very young will get the reassuring message even without being able to read the words. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz