It could be used to spark discussions regarding families. When Billy and Bruce acquire two pet owls to add to their menagerie, humourous antics ensue. Set in Saskatoon during the 1930s, this is a funny book about life on the prairies during the depression. This title is suggested as one of many possible resources in the Health Education Curriculum s sample unit on decision making, which deals with choosing pets. Following an introduction in which Mowat describes his early experiences with animals at his Saskatoon home, the author narrates a segment of Owls in the Family .
Watercolour illustrations accompany the retelling.
Mowat includes family photographs to show how his pets and the riverbank in Saskatoon formed an integral part of his story. Leon gets a new watch and is so excited that he cannot stop talking about it. His friends do not share his enthusiasm, especially when his talking turns to bragging and he seems more interested in his watch than in doing things with them. He thinks they are just jealous. They, in turn, are annoyed with him and leave him out.