Owls
1 Paperback/1 CD (see all formats)

"Mysterious music and mournful hooting introduce this overview of the 140 varieties of the night-prowling raptors we know simply as owls. Moving from the general (owl characteristics and categories) to the specific (a pair of barn owls courting, mating, and rearing a clutch of eggs), this overview is also stuffed with intriguing facts. Who knew that owls have one ear higher than the other on their heads so that they can hear both up and down? Veteran narrator Guidall reads at a measured pace that gives young readers plenty of time to explore the detailed illustrations, and though it is challenging to know how to integrate the information contained in captions, headings, and labels, he sets up a recognizably supportive pattern by reading the main text first, followed by the illustrative materials from the top of the page downward. The audio format also enriches the print text by supplying pronunciations for some daunting vocabulary as well as by including actual recordings of various owl sounds. A potpourri of facts, called “Hoot! Hoot! Hoot!,” concludes this pleasantly informative package."

"Gibbons's nonfiction picture books are brought to life complete with sound effects in these charming readalongs. Each book focuses on one animal, with detailed descriptions of habitats, food, and life cycles along with definitions and occasional pronunciations of terms associated with the animals. Along with this abundance of information, there are colorful illustrations to accompany the text. Employing a different narrator for each title adds variety. During Polar Bears, for example, narrator Dion Graham leaves time for the listener to look at a map. The narrators also read all the captions for the pictures, which can become tedious on some pages, but the occasional background music adds to the atmosphere. These will be a welcome addition to any library collection."

"Author Gibbons is a master of relating interesting and detailed information about the animal world in both words and illustrations. Each of her books is about a specific creature--this one features owls. Listeners will move back and forth from the auditory input to the visual and then back again. Repeated listens will be needed to absorb all the information, partially because there's so much detail but also because Guidall's tempo, despite his clear enunciation, is speedy (perhaps a bit too fast for the intended listeners). Listeners will come away with knowledge about various owl species and their unique eyesight, the incubation and life of an owlet, the current dangers to owls, and owl communication."