Owl Babies
What’s inside...
Owl Babies, a picture book by Martin Waddell, tells the story of three baby owls, Sarah, Percy, and Bill, who wake up one night to find that their mother is not in their nest. The owl babies each react differently to her absence, with Sarah trying to stay positive, Percy being concerned, and Bill simply wanting their mother back. Despite their worrying, they huddle together for comfort, repeating their belief that their mother will return. Ultimately, the story concludes with the mother owl coming back to the nest, reassuring the babies with her presence that everything is alright, and demonstrating the unconditional love and bond between parent and child.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-4
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the owl babies felt when their mother was gone?
What do you think helped the owl babies feel better while waiting for their mother?
Why is it important to stay together and support each other like the owl siblings did?
What do you think is the message of the story about family and love?
How would you feel if you were in the same situation as the owl babies?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about separation and reunion, relating it to the owl babies' experiences.
Discuss the importance of family and how staying together and supporting each other can be comforting in challenging times.
Ask your child to share a time when they felt similar to how the owl babies felt, and discuss how they handled the situation.
Highlight the mother's return and discuss how love and care in families can be reassuring.
Use expressive voices for each owl baby when reading, to make the story more engaging and to differentiate the characters' emotions for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family support
Explanation: In 'Owl Babies', the young owl siblings Sarah, Percy, and Bill rely on one another while waiting for their mother’s return. The story showcases their emotional journey and highlights how they find comfort through mutual support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of supporting and comforting family members during times of uncertainty or anxiety, fostering stronger familial bonds and emotional security.
Example Lesson: Dealing with separation anxiety
Explanation: The central theme of 'Owl Babies' revolves around the owlets coping with the temporary absence of their mother. This reflects how children may feel when their parents are not around, addressing a common developmental stage.
Real-World Application: This book can be used by parents and educators to help children understand and articulate their feelings when experiencing separation, encouraging them to express their emotions healthily and reassuring them of their parents' return.
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience
Explanation: As the night progresses, the owl siblings manage to stay calm and hopeful of their mother’s return despite their fears. Their bravery in facing the unknown demonstrates resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain hope and demonstrate bravery even in situations that are initially intimidating, helping them to overcome challenges they face in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, the older siblings often reassure the youngest, Bill, who is the most vocal about missing their mother. This interaction highlights empathy and understanding towards others' feelings.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be considerate and empathetic towards the feelings and fears of others, cultivating a supportive and caring environment.