Review: Loved it!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 15, 2014
Paul is one of the smallest types of owls, the Elf Owl. He is just old enough to make his first solo flight. When he does, he is mocked by Gary, a Spotted Owl. He tries to deal with the situation by avoiding the bully, but finds that solution doesn’t work. Paul remembers what his grandfather told him“Even if you are a small owl, you are still an OWL,and you can do anything you want”This saying helps him stay courageous and do things that are hard, even helping others who are in a tight spot.I thought this was a lovely book that was quite suitable for the younger child to have the book read to him or her. As the child grows older, s/he will enjoy reading the book on his/her own.Paul the Owl also a great book to help parents and teachers explain to children of all ages not to listen to the mean things that bullies say to them. It can help them to have confidence in themselves that they can do anything if they put their minds to it, regardless of what others tell them. In fact, as in Paul’s case, sometimes it is better to be small than big.I liked Paul’s response to Gary’s plea for help even though Gary had been bullying him. He didn’t let the fact that Gary had been bullying affect his response at all. Instead, he saw there was a need and he responded with kindness and generosity and pitched in to help. I think this says volumes more than what we often tell our children and will help the bully to see what the right behaviour is.There is a picture on almost every other page taking up about a half page, with lots of text on the remaining page and a half. Generally this format would indicate that the book is for a child who is already reading independently. This story and its theme however, is suitable for children beginning age 3 if the book is read to them. The pictures are nicely done in lots of browns and blues since they are night pictures of owls. The pictures are clear and easy to see.I loved this book and gave it 5 stars out of 5. I would recommend Paul the Owl to anyone with children.Thank you to the author who provided a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogspot.com/2014/07/book-review-and-giveaway-paul-owl-by.html