To See an Owl

PreS-Gr 2–Janie is on a mission to see an owl. She is constantly on the lookout with her mother by her side, as they walk through cemeteries, on wooden trails, and over sandy beaches, no matter the weather or what time of day or night, much to her mother’s chagrin. Janie, a young girl of color, shares an affinity for birding with her teacher, Mr. Koji. She shows him all of her drawings, and as he looks over her owl maps, he tells her to try walking through the woods again. Janie and her mother go out that night in the snow, and just when hope seems to be lost, there is—Magic. Janie’s wonder comes across easily in the illustrations, which are done in Cordell’s magnificently detailed watercolor and pen-and-ink scenes. The illustrations add to the story, showing Janie’s notes on owls in her journal and her own hand-drawn maps. The text is tender and shows the reverence Janie has for owls and the patience she has; the girl shows no frustration in her journey, but in its place, she is steadfast.