Reviews
"Baby Owl's plan to read a story to his toy, Owly (not the delightful comic-book character, but adorable just the same), turns viral. Tiny Chick promises to sit quietly if he can listen also. But here come his brothers and sisters, followed by his cousins, all jumping on poor Baby Owl's lap, pushing and shoving and all but pulverizing him. He protests and demands quiet, but when even more chicks join in, all his good intentions are brought crashing down by the frightening over-exuberance of his audience, and he calls for help. Dad comes to the rescue, and along with the chicks' mom, he brings order to the chaos so Baby Owl can read the story without further ado. Allen's latest adventure starring the endearing Baby Owl displays a nice mix of charm and mayhem, but that moment when Owl disappears in the crowd of crazed chicks is downright terrifying. So what will young readers find here? Is it a lesson in the joys of reading or a warning about mob rule, at least as it pertains to demented chicks, or perhaps a homily about trusting wise and loving parents? It's all there, and Allen's sharp, bright digital cartoons make it all work. Even the endpapers are filled with those goofy little chicks, not appearing the least bit threatening. A sweet, cozy ending suggests a perfect bedtime story. Fun and reassuring." -- Kirkus Reviews "In this sequel to Allen's I'm Not Ready! (2011), Baby Owl is ready to read a story to his stuffed animal, Owly. . . . Warm-bright, soft digital illustrations provide a cozy background, while goofy little chicks and a worrisome owl fill each spread. A cozy, reassuring ending hints at a perfect bedtime read for children. Readers will understand Baby Owl's toughest obstacle when it comes to reading aloud in a story circle and giggle at the rowdiness the chicks cause. This sweet, quick read is great for story time and best paired with Allen's I'm Not Sleepy! and I'm Not Cute! " - School Library Journal, "Baby Owl's plan to read a story to his toy, Owly (not the delightful comic-book character, but adorable just the same), turns viral. Tiny Chick promises to sit quietly if he can listen also. But here come his brothers and sisters, followed by his cousins, all jumping on poor Baby Owl's lap, pushing and shoving and all but pulverizing him. He protests and demands quiet, but when even more chicks join in, all his good intentions are brought crashing down by the frightening over-exuberance of his audience, and he calls for help. Dad comes to the rescue, and along with the chicks' mom, he brings order to the chaos so Baby Owl can read the story without further ado. Allen's latest adventure starring the endearing Baby Owl displays a nice mix of charm and mayhem, but that moment when Owl disappears in the crowd of crazed chicks is downright terrifying. So what will young readers find here? Is it a lesson in the joys of reading or a warning about mob rule, at least as it pertains to demented chicks, or perhaps a homily about trusting wise and loving parents? It's all there, and Allen's sharp, bright digital cartoons make it all work. Even the endpapers are filled with those goofy little chicks, not appearing the least bit threatening. A sweet, cozy ending suggests a perfect bedtime story. Fun and reassuring." -- Kirkus Reviews "In this sequel to Allen's I'm Not Ready! (2011), Baby Owl is ready to read a story to his stuffed animal, Owly. . . . Warm-bright, soft digital illustrations provide a cozy background, while goofy little chicks and a worrisome owl fill each spread. A cozy, reassuring ending hints at a perfect bedtime read for children. Readers will understand Baby Owl's toughest obstacle when it comes to reading aloud in a story circle and giggle at the rowdiness the chicks cause. This sweet, quick read is great for story time and best paired with Allen's I'm Not Sleepy! and I'm Not Cute! " -- School Library Journal, "Baby Owl's plan to read a story to his toy, Owly (not the delightful comic-book character, but adorable just the same), turns viral. Tiny Chick promises to sit quietly if he can listen also. But here come his brothers and sisters, followed by his cousins, all jumping on poor Baby Owl's lap, pushing and shoving and all but pulverizing him. He protests and demands quiet, but when even more chicks join in, all his good intentions are brought crashing down by the frightening over-exuberance of his audience, and he calls for help. Dad comes to the rescue, and along with the chicks' mom, he brings order to the chaos so Baby Owl can read the story without further ado. Allen's latest adventure starring the endearing Baby Owl displays a nice mix of charm and mayhem, but that moment when Owl disappears in the crowd of crazed chicks is downright terrifying. So what will young readers find here? Is it a lesson in the joys of reading or a warning about mob rule, at least as it pertains to demented chicks, or perhaps a homily about trusting wise and loving parents? It's all there, and Allen's sharp, bright digital cartoons make it all work. Even the endpapers are filled with those goofy little chicks, not appearing the least bit threatening. A sweet, cozy ending suggests a perfect bedtime story. Fun and reassuring." -- Kirkus Reviews