Owl Babies Book Review: A Bedtime Story for Separation Worries
Three owl babies wake to find their mother gone and wait for her to return. Martin Waddell's gentle classic: story, illustrations and help with separation worries.
The first morning at daycare, the first night with grandparents: every small child knows the panic of "where is Mummy?" This book sits right inside that feeling, and then makes it better.
In this Owl Babies book review we look at the story, Patrick Benson's pictures, how it helps children with separation worries, and why it makes a good birthday gift.
The short answer Owl Babies is a picture book written by Martin Waddell and illustrated by Patrick Benson. Three owl siblings, Sarah, Percy and Bill, wake one night to find their mother gone from the nest. They comfort each other until she comes back, reassuring them she will always return. It is a gentle bedtime story about love, family and coping with separation.
ISBN: 9780744531671
Owl Babies book review: what the story is about
Three owl babies, Sarah, Percy and Bill, wake up one night and their mother is not in the nest.
They are scared and unsure. They comfort each other with a line they keep repeating: "I want my mummy!"
They wait, sharing their fears, until their mother finally flies back and reassures them that she will always be there.
I want my mummy!
Why children and parents love it
The story is relatable and the pictures expressive. Any child who has felt scared or separated from a loved one understands the owl babies at once, which makes it a comforting read.
Its themes of family, love and the bond between parent and child are universal. The lyrical text encourages empathy and helps children talk about their feelings.
The illustrations
Patrick Benson's pictures are soft, detailed and full of emotion, matching the gentle tone of the story.
Each owl sibling has an expressive face. The moonlit forest and the cosy nest feel warm and safe, and his use of light and shadow sets the night-time mood.
Who is Owl Babies for?
It is a picture book for children of all ages. The large format and pictures suit storytime and bedtime reading.
The sturdy pages and durable binding stand up to being read again and again by small hands.
Owl Babies book for kids with separation worries
- Empathy and emotional intelligence: children relate to the owls' feelings.
- Coping skills: the book encourages children to express their feelings and seek comfort from loved ones when they feel unsure.
- Reassurance: the loving bond between the owls and their mother shows children they are not alone and their feelings are valid.
- Language: rich vocabulary and storytelling build early literacy.
Daycare tip Read Owl Babies the week before a new school or daycare starts. On the first morning, remind your child: "Mummy always comes back, just like the owl mummy."
About the author and illustrator
Martin Waddell is a renowned children's author known for sensitive, heartfelt storytelling. Patrick Benson is an award-winning illustrator known for his expressive characters and artwork.
Similar books in this category
- "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn
- "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch
- "Guess How Much I Love You" by Sam McBratney
Gift it right: Owl Babies as a birthday gift
For a little one starting school or daycare, Owl Babies is one of the most thoughtful books as birthday gifts for kids. Add an animal name label inside the cover so it does not get lost in the class library, and a name sticker on the wrapping.
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Frequently asked questions
Who wrote Owl Babies?
Martin Waddell wrote it, and Patrick Benson illustrated it.
What are the names of the Owl Babies?
Sarah, Percy and Bill.
Is Owl Babies a good book for kids who miss their parents?
Yes. It reassures children that their feelings are valid and that a parent who goes away comes back.
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