Little Owl's Egg - Hardcover

PreS-K— Little Owl's mommy has laid an egg. She tells Little Owl they will soon have a baby owl. Unhappy, Little Owl responds adamantly with several "no's." He's the baby owl and his mommy doesn't need a new one. Mommy Owl tells him maybe he is right and the egg isn't a baby owl after all. Maybe the egg is a baby worm, but this doesn't make Little Owl happy. Worms are wiggly. Mommy Owl suggests a chocolate egg. Or maybe a crocodile egg? Little Owl doesn't like any of these suggestions, particularly the baby crocodile with sharp teeth. Little Owl catches on to Mommy Owl's game and he suggests that the egg might be an elephant. A baby elephant and Little Owl could have the best water fights. Or maybe a dragon egg? No, Mommy Owl says, the mess would ruin the nest. Little Owl then thinks that maybe another little owl just like him would be more fun than any of the alternatives. Little Owl also realizes with a new Little Owl in the nest, he'll be a Big Owl. Mommy Owl agrees and says she will always love her Little Owl even when he is a Big Owl. Acrylic paint and color pencil illustrations will catch readers' attention as they observe Little Owl's adorably expressive face. Mommy Owl wheels her egg around in a twig wheelbarrow while Little Owl carries his toy hedgehog with him, to name just a few of the whimsical touches. The story is told primarily by conversation and spare enough to share aloud. VERDICT Gliori has written another charming picture book, illustrated with lovable creatures, that delivers a reassuring message of never-ending parental love. A great choice for most libraries.— Mindy Hiatt, Salt Lake County Library Services