Monday, September 10, 2012

Otter and Owl and the Big Ah-choo! (I Can Read!)

For beginning readers, Crystal Bowman provides a cute, easy-to-read story about friendship in her book Otter and Owl and the Big Ah-choo!

The theme is inspired by Proverbs 17:17, which says, “A friend loves at all times. He is there to help when trouble comes.” NIrV. (This verse is provided before the title page.)

The story opens with Otter visiting his friend Owl, who is sporting a new green cap. The duo play in the meadow, play with trains, and watch cartoons, but each activity ends abruptly when Otter sneezes. Each time, Otter apologizes and speculates that he must somehow be allergic to various play items. However, Owl concludes that Otter must be allergic to him and decides that they can no longer play together. Feeling mighty blue, the two decide to part from each other’s company. Before leaving, as a final token of his friendship, Owl gives Otter his hat because, “It will make you think about me.”

As rain falls from the sky, a dejected-looking Owl returns home and prays for his good friend Otter. Soon after, there’s a knock on the door. It’s Otter with some surprising news about his allergies. Will Otter’s discovery be enough to save their friendship?

Kevin Zimmer illustrates the story. The cartoon-style pictures are bright, whimsical, and very kid-friendly.

What I Like: The Owl and Otter characters are adorable; I think they would visually appeal to most kids. I like how the book maintains a traditional “I Can Read” format with a larger font size, interesting illustrations, and short sentences made with familiar or easy-to-decode words. In keeping with the format, the book itself is smaller in size.

What I Dislike:Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: Ages 4-7
Publisher Info: ZonderKidz, 2008; ISBN:978-0310717058; Paperback, 32 pgs., $3.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $3.49
OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $3.99
OR Buy the Kindle version for $2.99.

Special Info: You can read CCBR reviews of other books by Crystal Bowman. Other books in the Otter and Owl series include Otter and Owl Set Sail, Otter and Owl Say I'm Sorry, and Otter and Owl's Helpful Hike.

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