Synopses & Reviews
Little Yak lives up high in the mountains and he's about to see snow for the very first time.and#160; He can't wait-but then Little Yak notices that all his friends are busy preparing for winter in their own, special way.and#160; Pika is gathering grass to feed him through the cold months, Blue Thrush plans to fly south, and Brown Bear has stored up fat for a long winter's nap.and#160; But what about yaks-especially little yaks?
This delightful picture book, with its satisfying, snuggly ending, is the perfect winter read.
and#160;
Review
and#8220;Baby Owl's plan to read a story to his toy, Owly (not the delightful comic-book character, but adorable just the same), turns viral. Tiny Chick promises to sit quietly if he can listen also. But here come his brothers and sisters, followed by his cousins, all jumping on poor Baby Owl's lap, pushing and shoving and all but pulverizing him. He protests and demands quiet, but when even more chicks join in, all his good intentions are brought crashing down by the frightening over-exuberance of his audience, and he calls for help. Dad comes to the rescue, and along with the chicks' mom, he brings order to the chaos so Baby Owl can read the story without further ado. Allen's latest adventure starring the endearing Baby Owl displays a nice mix of charm and mayhem, but that moment when Owl disappears in the crowd of crazed chicks is downright terrifying. So what will young readers find here? Is it a lesson in the joys of reading or a warning about mob rule, at least as it pertains to demented chicks, or perhaps a homily about trusting wise and loving parents? It's all there, and Allen's sharp, bright digital cartoons make it all work. Even the endpapers are filled with those goofy little chicks, not appearing the least bit threatening. A sweet, cozy ending suggests a perfect bedtime story. Fun and reassuring.and#8221; --Kirkus Reviewsand#160;and#8220;In this sequel to Allen's I'm Not Ready! (2011), Baby Owl is ready to read a story to his stuffed animal, Owly.and#160;. . .and#160;Warm-bright, soft digital illustrations provide a cozy background, while goofy little chicks and a worrisome owl fill each spread. A cozy, reassuring ending hints at a perfect bedtime read for children. Readers will understand Baby Owl's toughest obstacle when it comes to reading aloud in a story circle and giggle at the rowdiness the chicks cause. This sweet, quick read is great for story time and best paired with Allen's I'm Not Sleepy! and I'm Not Cute!and#8221; and#8212;School Library Journal
Review
"The hero of Allen's
Baby Owl books has insisted on various occasions that he's not cute, not scared, and not sleepy. His new avian protagonist, Little Puffin, is no less outspoken, especially when he has three small gulls mimicking his every move. Throwing his weight around doesn't help (and#8220;The Gull chicks weren't at all scared. They seemed to be having a great timeand#8221;), and neither does running away (and#8220;Small Gull, Tiny Gull and Baby Gull kept up with him easily. And what's more, they copied the way he ran. How annoying!and#8221;)... Allen's story is full of punchy dialogue and humorous details; children should get a particular kick out of Baby Gull, who can't quite keep up... Allen's expressive digital illustrations, which render the birds as balls of fluff with eyes that either gleam (the gulls) or glower (the puffin), only add to the fun." --
Publishers Weeklyand#160;
Synopsis
WHOOO's afraid of the dark? Not Baby Owl! He's taking a moonlight stroll through the woods, and for some reason he can't figure out, every animal he sees tells him not to be scared. Can Baby Owl convince them that owls are meant to be out at night? And that it's really OWLY, his stuffed toy, who's frightenedand#8212;not him? Kids will love this adorable, reassuring follow-up to the bestselling I'm Not Cute! and I'm Not Ready!
Synopsis
The time comes for every baby bird to fly from its nestand#8230;but Baby Owl's not ready.It's the first day of preschool, and Mama's in a hurry: "Please, Baby Owl, we have to go!" But Baby Owl will do almost ANYTHING to stay at home--even put his toys away!and#160; Can Mama convince Baby Owl that school will be fun?
Jonathan Allen has created a comforting and cozy story, filled with his characteristic wit, appealing art, and delightful surprises.and#160;
Synopsis
Adorable, irresistible Baby Owl (I'm Not Sleepy!) is back! This time, he has a beloved book in hand and he's eager to begin. But then along comes Tiny Chick, who begs Baby Owl to read to him. Before you can say and#8220;once upon a time,and#8221; they're joined by a crowd: Tiny Chick's brothers and sisters and cousins and friends all want a story, too. Soon Baby Owl is smothered by lots of fluffy chicks. How can he EVER read? Fantastic fun with a favorite character.and#160;
Synopsis
Morning has come--and that means bedtime for a very tired Baby Owl. But he keeps insisting: I'M NOT SLEEPY! So what if he gives a great big stretch? He's only preparing his wings for when he can fly. A huge yawn? That just means he's bored, because--after all--owls need LOTS of excitement. This charming tale of a cranky little owl determined to stay awake will be a sure-fire hit with kids and#8230; and their parents too!
Synopsis
and#8220;Don't copy me!and#8221; It's a refrain that's well-known to children, parents, and caregivers. Now it's Little Puffin's turn to say the words as three cheeky gull chicks follow him around, imitating his every word and step. And the more the puffin protests, the more the gulls enjoy their silly game. Can Little Puffin find a way to turn his frustration into a clever plan? With his usual wit and flair, author and artist Jonathan Allen turns a simple concept into a wildly entertaining tale.and#160;
Synopsis
Baby Owl is backandmdash;bringing holiday joy to children! On Christmas Eve, Baby Hare spots Owl, dressed in his furry red cap and strolling though the snow with his sled.
andquot;Santa! Itand#39;s you!andquot; he squeals in delight.
andldquo;Iandrsquo;m not Santa!andrdquo; Baby Owl insists. But Baby Hare doesnand#39;t believe him. What will Little Owl do?
This funny, heartwarming tale has just the right touch of Christmas magic.
Synopsis
andldquo;Donand#39;t copy me!andrdquo; Children, parents, and caregivers know this refrain very well. Now itand#39;s Little Puffinand#39;s turn to say the words as three cheeky gull chicks follow him around, imitating his every word and step. The more Puffin protests, the more the gulls enjoy their game. Can he turn his frustration into a clever plan?
About the Author
Jonathan Allen has created many wonderful picture books for children, including
The Little Rabbit Who Likes to Say Moo,
When the Snow Comes, and a number of stories starring Baby Owl. He lives happily in a quiet village in Cambridgeshire, England, with his wife, children, a dog, a cat, two guinea pigs, several guitars, and three computers.