Written and Illustrated by Matthew Cordell
“For as long as I can remember, I have thought about owls. I’ve dreamed about owls.”
Janie yearns to find an owl, but as creatures of the night, they have thus far eluded her. “Me and Mama look together. Go birding together. But Mama doesn’t look for birds the way I do. I am serious.”
This delightful book captures the quiet, patience, and awe surrounding owl sightings. It doesn’t happen overnight for Janie. This book is a lesson on persistence and preparation. As Janie’s research extends to the classroom, her teacher and fellow birder encourages her to capture played recordings of owl calls in her sketchbook, alongside pellets, and maps of the places she has already searched. He also gives her a tip on a particular section of pine trees during a fresh snowfall, if she can only convince her mom to set out with her.
I love the endearing mother tromping through the snow and the teacher-student relationship portrayed in this story. This is possibly my favorite book written and illustrated by devoted birder, Matthew Cordell. From the love of one birder to another, thank you!
Reviewed by Kristen Hunt, Librarian, Whittier Elementary School
Review shared in March 2025
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades PreK-3
To See an Owl
Written and Illustrated by Matthew Cordell
Random House Studio
40 pages
Release Date: January 7, 2025
ISBN: 9780593649893
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
