Night Owl Night

June 24, 2019
This photographic survey updated from 2001 uses simple captions (“Doing long-division math in Jordan”) and images from a variety of sources to celebrate some ways that schools globally ignite children’s curiosity and connect them to dedicated teachers, new friends, and a wider world. Whether studying “motors and electricity” (Ghana) or on a field trip to a local potter (Thailand), whether children get to school by camel (Mongolia) or boat (Myanmar), “going to school is a big step toward growing up and learning to be responsible,” write Ajmera and Ivanko (To Be a Kid) in the afterword. The image quality is uneven, but in the best photographs—best friend pairs in India and Kyrgyzstan, a Cote d’Ivoire child who flashes a beaming smile—children regard the camera with delight and pride. Ages 4–8.

June 19, 2023
Sova’s Mama, a bird scientist, studies migrating saw-whet owls, and Sova pleads to accompany her on October nights. “Soon, my great horned owl. Soon,” Mama promises. Digital art by Lechuga makes Sova’s enthusiasm clear; the narrating child is dressed in an owl costume. At last, Mama says yes. Equipped with headlamps, they check a mist net for owls, but see none. “To be a scientist, you must learn to wait,” Mama repeats, setting Sova—and readers—up for a slow reward. The two, both portrayed with brown skin, check again and again, at last spotting an owl, and Edwards Richmond describes them examining the small creature, detailing its height and weight, and establishing its age before they band it and send it on its way. An exciting, documentary-style account that portrays a researcher as both parent and professional, this is a fine experiential telling. Back matter concludes. Ages 4–8.

Starred review from June 1, 2023
Come along on this 21st-century version of Jane Yolen and John Schoenherr's Owl Moon (1987). Every October, Mama, an ornithologist, ventures out at night to band migrating saw-whet owls captured in mist nets. Each October, young Sova asks to accompany Mama, wailing, pleading, and hooting like an owl. Every time, Mama uses the name of an owl species as an endearment: "Not yet, Sova, my little screech owl." Mama is consistently patient, reminding her, and readers, "Sometimes a scientist must wait." Finally, Mama allows Sova to come along. This charming introduction to a scientist's work is child-centered, focused on Sova's eager anticipation, difficulty staying awake on the long-awaited night, and engagement with the owls' world. In Lechuga's textured illustrations, the light from the pairs' headlamps pops beautifully against the darkness of the night. The youngster's fascination with owls is demonstrated early through an owl drawing, a stuffed owl toy, and an owl costume. All the tools and equipment used in the capture and banding are shown in the artwork and explained in the text. The final spread, as Sova gradually follows and imagines becoming an owl, is particularly effective. The narrative concludes with short descriptions of the owls mentioned, including QR codes to listen to their calls as well as an author's note about data collection. Mama and Sova are brown-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Child-friendly, gently informative, and wonder-full. (further reading, websites) (Informational picture book. 4-8)

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