In this middle grade novel, acclaimed author and illustrator Jean Craighead George tells the story of how one unusual spotted owl makes his way into the home--and hearts--of a family of loggers.
It’s people versus owls in this laugh-out-loud story about one family’s love for a special little owl, from bestselling nature writer and Newbery Medal winner Jean Craighead George!
Borden Watson’s father is out of job, and it’s all the spotted owls’ fault. The birds are endangered, which means loggers, like Mr. Watson, are no longer allowed to cut down trees.
It doesn’t make sense to Borden. Why are owls being put first over the citizens
But when Borden finds an owlet in the forest who needs his care, he brings it back home—much to Mr. Watson’s displeasure. Hilarious chaos soon ensues, as the tiny owl makes big changes in this logging family’s home, and makes his way into their hearts.
This heartwarming story is a great way for young readers to learn about important topics, like endangered species, conservation, and environmentalism.
“"An absorbing story that shows both sides."”
"Engaging and informative. A good choice for classes studying owls or endangered species." -- ALA Booklist
-- School Library Journal
"George displays her usual profound knowledge of animal behavior." -- Kirkus Reviews
Jean Craighead George wrote over one hundred books for children and young adults. Her novel Julie of the Wolves won the Newbery Medal in 1973, and she received a 1960 Newbery Honor for My Side of the Mountain. She continued to write acclaimed picture books that celebrate the natural world. Her other books with Wendell Minor include The Wolves Are Back; Luck; Everglades; Arctic Son; Morning, Noon, and Night; and Galapagos George.
Borden's father, Leon, was a logger in the old-growth forests of California. That is, until the spotted-owl lovers interfered. One day, frustrated by his father's unemployment, Borden sets out on a mission of revenge against the spotted owl but returns home with a half-starved owlet instead. The family soon discovers that the owlet, whom Borden names Bardy, loves to take showers and watch late-night TV. Only after the whole family has fallen in love with Bardy do they realize that the conflict between nature and human industry is not so easily resolved. Award-winning nature writer jean Craighead George tells a heartwarming story about a family and their love affair with a special little owl.
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