How To Read "Owl Babies"
Reading books to young children is always rewarding, and finding an interactive book with a great plot line that they love is the icing on the cake. Owl Babies by Martin Waddell, is one of my favorite interactive storytime books. It is not your typical interactive book as it does not have prompts to poke the page or clap your hands, but instead has a wonderful repeating phrase that every mother with young children knows: “I want my Mommy!”.
This book is full of beautiful pictures and tells the story of three owlets, Sarah, Percy, and Bill, who wake up to find their mother is gone. The three owlets discuss where their mother might be, or why she is not home; however, Bill, the littlest of the owlets always replies “I want my Mommy!” no matter what his siblings are discussing about their mother’s unexpected absence. This refrain is easy to help kids catch on to by simply saying, “and Bill said?” then using your most whiny, overly distraught and drawn-out voice, say with them: “I want my Mommy!”
This book could take place over 5 minutes or several hours as the plot moves quickly and realistically focuses on the three distraught owlets as they wait and worry. Kids of all ages love repeating Bill’s refrain “I want my Mommy!” as the story continues. I love Owl Babies for kids of all ages and hope that it will become one of your kid's favorite go-to books.
- Leah Reinsager, Children's Library Associate, Pratt Library