The Christmas Owl
Written by Angela Muse
Illustrated by Helen M. Wu
This short thirty- two page book perfectly illustrates the reason for the season! The story presents an owl protagonist who has fallen out of its nest and is now unable to fly. This poor creature hops from place to place seeking refuge from the cold and snow. He meets four animals on his journey, a rabbit, a bat, a mouse and a duck. Each of them is reluctant to share its shelter and questions the owl as to what food will he eat. But the owl does not mean to intrude and makes due with whatever that animal has readily available in their shelter. The next morning the owl departs without notice. On Christmas Eve, he is able to fly again and soars to his nest. However, the first thing he does is fly back to each of his benefactors and drop a gift with a thank you note to each of the Good Samaritans!
This story is written in rhyme which is very well written and in smoothly flowing verse. Accompanying the text are gorgeous illustrations done in soft, warm colors which project the warm and cozy feeling of the plot. The faces of the animals appear almost human; personification plays a large role in the story line. For example, the bat is an avid reader of books; the mouse has a very cozy house complete with rugs, furniture and a warm, glowing lantern. Even very young children will understand the message of kindness and the gratification that comes from helping someone in need. The owl’s generosity and extension of friendship and thanks sets up a powerful model lesson for children and adults to follow.
I highly recommend this book for children aged three to adults and as an excellent addition to a home library, classroom reading shelf, or the public library. The author and illustrator have done a wonderful job of merging images and story line. This book is sure to become a favorite Christmas story to be reread every year. Personally, I can’t wait to read this one to my grandchildren!
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About the Book
Title: The Christmas Owl
Author: Angela Muse
Illustrator: Helen H. Wu
Publication Date: November, 2013
Publisher: Independent – 4eyesbooks
Number of pages: 36
Recommended age: 3+
Summary
A Barred owl becomes injured and must ask others for help. He promises to give back to those who have a generous heart and he is true to his word. Also check out Lil Glimmer, The Nutt Family: An Acorny Adventure, The Pig Princess, The Bee Bully, Eager Eaglets: Birds of Play, Cactus Charlie, Suzy Snowflake and Monsters Have Mommies by this author.
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** You can download a copy of “The Christmas Owl” for only 99 cents from NOW through to November 14, 2013 on Amazon!! **
Amazon (Print) | Amazon (99 cent Kindle Book)
About the Author: Angela Muse
I was born in California to a military family. This meant that I was the “new kid” in school every couple of years. It was hard always trying to make new friends, but I discovered I had a knack for writing. I began writing poetry in high school and really enjoyed expressing myself by using pen and paper. After becoming a Mom in 2003, I continued my storytelling to my own children. In 2009 I wrote and published my first children’s book aimed at toddlers. In 2012 I am set to release several more children’s books. Check out what I’m working on by visiting my children’s book blog.
Writing is such a wonderful creative process and I look forward to sharing more of my stories with lots of new little readers!
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* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *
Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)
Contest runs: November 12 to December 11, 11:59 pm, 2013
Open: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Angela Muse and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
5 responses to “A FRIEND IN NEED”
Catherine Johnson
November 13th, 2013 at 15:01
Sounds adorable!
LovableLobo
November 13th, 2013 at 16:57
Nice review! I can appreciate any creature that shows gratitude. Such a cute animal tale!
bamauthor
November 13th, 2013 at 17:58
Another bonus is that the illustrations are just as valuable as the message.
Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews
November 14th, 2013 at 18:22
Great review Barbara – it is a very sweet book and the illustrations are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
bamauthor
November 14th, 2013 at 20:17
Really enjoyed reading and reviewing it!