Order the book! Amazon Barnes & Noble Bookshop
Just One Owl
Just One Owl is about a lonely owl looking everywhere for a friend. But when an unlikely prospect shares his tree, Owl discovers his perfect companion isn’t another owl, it’s a bat!
Usually, I don’t collaborate with illustrators. I send my text in a word document, the editor shares it with the illustrator, and then the illustrator does her thing.
This book was different. I was staying at my friend Janie Bynum’s house, and we were talking books, as usual. I shared this story with her because I thought it would highlight her talent for illustrating sweet, loveable critters. She helped me with the text, we sent it to our agents, and voila! Our book was born!
This is the first early reader I’ve ever written. With simple text that is leveled by educational experts, kindergarteners and 1st graders can read this story on their own. Includes phonics features. Decodable words and sight works are listed in the book.
“Bynum’s expressive cartoon art pairs well with the text and layout, resulting in a tale that works equally well as a bedtime or naptime read-aloud. In fact, pre-readers will point to pages and recite the text as if reading it. Simple and engaging.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The repetitive nature of the book makes it perfect for emerging readers, and the theme of friendship will also be enjoyed by this group. Colorful illustrations with a watercolor feel will grab the attention of readers without being overwhelming. . . .A sweet story about friendship that young animal lovers will enjoy reading.” —School Library Journal
“The spare text and repeated sentences in this charming I Like to Read series entry are designed to instill confidence in emerging readers. Phonics features in the book are noted along with a list of sight words and homophones. Bynum’s digital watercolor illustrations capture cute, cozy scenes of animals nestled close together. All in all, a heartwarming early reader.” —Booklist
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection