Following Dreams: TO SEE AN OWL

The picture books i feature here are among those I consider the best of the best. THere's no denying that my choices are highly subjective, despite reflecting years of objective comparison among other offerings for readers. A big factor in my subjective choices is subject matter, whether fiction or nonfiction, informational or inspiring. Or any combination of the above. As regular readers here might have noted, and I openly admit, books about birds get a head start on my heart. Though I seek to feature books with wide appeal, in recent weeks I wrote about THE CRANE AND THE KEEPER (HERE), and THE BLUE JAYS THAT GREW A FOREST (HERE). Both are nonfiction with accounts that intrigue and entertain. 

RANDOM HOUSE STUDIO, 2023

It's about time I give a round of applause to a picture book that flies in the face of categorization. There's no doubt it is informative, and it is as uplifting as a whoosh of bird flight. TO SEE AN OWL is written and illustrated by award-winning creator Matthew Cordell. That cover alone suggests the ironic parallels within this story, the push and pull of an avid and curious admirer of owls (she's the one on the right) and an elusive, evasive great horned owl. Their eyes tell the story, in a sense, suggesting that the expertise of each (the sought and the seeker) rely on careful and intentional observation in their pursuit of what they most want.

This lovely offering of facts about owls couches the scientific information within the story of a girl with a lifelong dream. It's clear that her mother is in large part responsible for this girl's obsession since infancy, through shared books and encouragement of her interest and art. It's no wonder that even when less-than-enthused, her mother  tirelessly trudges along on many  sojourns to spot an owl. I've mentioned Jane Yolen's powerful OWL MOON in prior posts about books featuring this not-rare obsession, as in this post. Many of those who attempt to produce owl-pursuit picture books share a visual aesthetic with OWL MOON, and that's to be expected. After all, owls are sought in the the dark, in wooded areas, and more than occasionally in snow-covered times. That's when the ringing WHOOO resonates most clearly, floating above a moon-luminous, blue-lit snowy field or path. The art is often watery-washed and magical in tone, simply because such an eventual meeting is, indeed, quite magical and unforgettable.

Cordell's style and technique emphasizes line art, as the cover reveals. Color serves the story but often leans toward the subdued natural tones seen here. That technique underscores the storytelling in this restrained but heartfelt account of a devoted and determined young girl whose teacher turns out to also be a birder. One who affirms that spotting an owl is magical.

That connection is a bond that increases the girl's knowledge, skills, and intentionality in her pursuits. When the time comes to share her report, she has not yet seen an owl, despite her increased expertise. But her field map and accurate recordings of other sightings leads to a comment from her teacher that sparks hope. And the ultimate moment of meeting (really? that's a spoiler? No, it had to happen.) is powerful and direct, uplifting and gratifying, but not in the usual 'dreamy" way.

This is what I loved most about this book.This realistic, earnest character who recognizes magic without special effects. I continue to refer to "the girl", even though she is central to the story. The first person narration allows readers to find themselves seeing what she sees, feeling what she feels, dreaming along with her of a lifelong goal. One that doesn't win a prize or prove a point, but allows her to satisfy her dream. From the pre-title page art and text to the final page turn, the subtle art, the warmth of adult support and faith, the drive to learn and discover combine to produce a fully satisfying conclusion. 

If you read this one and come away without at least an urge to go owl-spotting, leave a comment and explain, please. Perhaps, instead, you followed the dream-pursuit journey to the place in your heart that will take you on an entirely different journey, but with no less dedication to making your dream come true. That's magical. The magic of picture books for any age.

 

NIGHT WALK: A Dream of a Picture Book

CANDLEWICK PRESS, 2024

Unless you are entirely new to the world of picture books, I'd guess that you know of OWL MOON, written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by John Schoennherr (Philomel, 1987). Both author and illustrator represent lifetimes of remarkable successes, and yet their collaboration on OWL MOON feels to me like a capstone accomplishment.

Yolen has published more than four hundred books for children and youth, many award winners among them. Even so, that title conjures instant memories of the utterly realistic yet magical cold weather owl walk of a child and parent. Through a snow-covered woodland, they stroll quietly, gently, seeking a glimpse of a night owl. 

That's a lovely premise, to say the least. The magic comes in the way a seemingly simple, concrete story transcends the intended goal to depict a timeless yet precious moment between the human pair, christened by the eventual presence of the owl in the title. The illustrations captured and expanded the frozen, heartwarming, minimalist story with Caldecott Award-winning images that engage all of our senses. 

That book is touchstone in storytelling, poetry, voice, mood, and figurative language.

I begin with that homage because I rarely compare other books to OWL MOON, and definitely don't rank other work  alongside that original. This  picture book is an exception to my unwritten rule. NIGHT WALK is written and illustrated by Jason Cockcroft. This is not "another Owl Moon", rather it calls that icon to mind in content and quality. In this case, it's Grandpa waking up Sleepyhead to take a night walk in search of Grandma's favorite place. The text is an extended dialogue between Grandpa and child, reading like direct open verse in exchanges alternating plain font and italic. The child has never taken a night walk, has never imagined how such familiar wild territory could look so different in moonlight.

Together they are on a trek to Grandma's favorite place, with the child noticing countless things they knew were beloved by Grandma. Sometimes the child points them out, other times Grandpa does. Each discovery is viewed as a potential "Grandma's favorite place". Their hike involves fox and owl, fish and hedgehog, The illustrations are richly evocative, with shades and depths of blue, always frosted by moonglow. 

Under the stars, too many to count, watching passing whales, both rest on a hillside and whisper that they miss Grandma. In the fading night, Grandpa finally confirms that THIS is Grandma's favorite place-- as a page turn reveals a spectacular morning sunrise reflected in dawn waters. That, my friends, is a spoiler, but one that I won't apologize for revealing. The progression of story allows that penultimate scene to take your breath away, whether you know it is coming or not. I won't reveal the closing text on the final page turn, but you might anticipate it. 

This quietly elegant and yet simply rustic tale is not one that surprises. In fact it will resonate in each reader with your own special memories, personal losses, hallowed spaces. And with the remaining relationships with those who shared memories and love. I hope you'll take time not only to read NIGHT WALK, but to savor its grace and embrace your own memories and emotional treasures. Within the publishing world it is often repeated that "quiet books" are a hard sell. With this as an example, I doubt that.