Title: Night Owl
Author: Toni Yuly
Illustrator: Toni Yuly
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year: 2015
Word Count: 140
Story Element PACING Toni Yuly does a great job of pacing this sweet little story for the youngest listeners. With pictures and sparse text, Night Owl is a perfect bedtime story.
She begins by telling the reader that Night Owl likes to stay up late. Now, I know a lot of toddlers and preschoolers and all of them like to think they are night owls too. They have an immediate connection to the main character. So they are happy to join in Night Owl’s nighttime adventure.
Good-bye sun.
Hello moon.
Then the problem is introduced. Night Owl looks around and finds that he is alone.
Where is Mommy Owl?
Through a series of noises, Night Owl listens for his mommy.
He hears a woodpecker tapping, a train whistling, a cricket chirping, and a toad croaking.
Tap, tap, tap. Tooooot Toooooot. Chirp Chirp. Croak Croak.
When the sky starts making noise and Night Owl starts going home, the suspense builds. Will Night Owl find his mommy? Will he get home before the storm hits?
Pitter Patter. Whooosh. Rumble Rumble Rumble. BOOM!
Night Owl is home. He tells himself that he is brave. He closes his eyes and listens. Then he hears a familiar sound.
Hoot.
It’s Mommy Owl.
Even the bravest preschooler will agree… That’s
the nicest sound of all
Night Owl closes his eyes and goes to sleep under Mommy Owl’s wing.
Paced so perfectly and quietly, your toddler is now ready for sleep.
(Hopefully)
<script type=”text/javascript” src=”http://www.simply-linked.com/listwidget.aspx?l=7DFB934F-8A67-40CC-AE83-CB42C43999BB” ></script>
Juliana Lee 
cute book. It brings back memories of being lost in a store and having to find mom. Different details, same concept.
LikeLike
Wow! Scary! But you know there are several universal themes that never go out of style.
LikeLike
Yes, Juliana, the pacing was so effective here! Great example. Thanks for sharing this book.
LikeLike
Thank you. I do love a sweet quiet book.
LikeLike
Sounds like a really cute book. It shows that few words work in picture books – if they are just the right words.
LikeLike
Yes, Janet. And if you think 140 words is great, just wait until you see my next post. Spoiler Alert: only 36 words total in the same 3 repeated phrases! It will be awesome!
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing a wonderful example of pacing. It seems to have great word play as well with the onomatopoeia.
LikeLike
Yes, it does. So basically it’s just a great book! 🙂
LikeLike
Sounds lovely, and I like how you thought about from the target audience’s reactions too.
LikeLike
Thank you. I do think that’s an important point. When we chose books to buy or borrow we always look for ones for specific readers. I think we need to remember that when writing as well.
LikeLike
Thanks for showing a great example of pacing. I like the way you layout your comments and book text.
LikeLike
Thank you. Must admit though, I just learned that this week … through this group. Always learning!
LikeLike