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Hoot Owl: Master of Disguise    by Sean Taylor & Jean Jullien Amazon.com order for
Hoot Owl
by Sean Taylor
Order:  USA  Can
Candlewick, 2015 (2015)
Hardcover, e-Book
* *   Reviewed by Bob Walch

This is one of those situations where the illustrations are much, much better than the story itself. Jean Jullien's cute little owl, presented in colors that attract the eye, will definitely pull a child into this book.

The narrative, on the other hand, is intended to be humorous. Older children will probably get it and realize that the little owl isn't the meat loving carnivore that owls actually are. The hungry little owl's attempts to trick a bunny, lamb, and pigeon into providing the main course for his dinner all go amiss. When the owl finally captures a pizza, it is a funny moment for sure, but that might not offset a toddler's feelings about the near-escapes earlier in the story.

To be safe, this is a picture book you'll want to use with an older child, say four and up. If you go younger, watch your child to see how he/she reacts to seeing the bunny and his friends placed in jeopardy. Since they all escape the hungry owl, there's nothing really nightmare provoking but if you are going to err here, err on the side of being too protective of your little one.

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