Runton, Andy. Owly (Vol 2): Just a Little Blue. Marietta, GA : Top Shelf, 2005.
Plot: Owly, and his new friend Wormy, enjoy the luxury of their garden. As they enjoy the growth and harvest of the apple trees, a peculiar bird snubs their feeder. Eager to make amends, the two friends go to buy more birdseed. At the garden store, they find an advertisement displaying the strange birds. Apparently, the birds, known as bluebirds, have lost much of their habitat. To help the birds, Owly and Wormy sacrifice their wagon to build a birdhouse. Yet, Owly's predatory appearance keeps the birds from using the house. While it seems the work was for nothing, a recent storm may change the opinions of the bluebird pair.
Genre: Graphic Novel, Animals
Reading Level: Ages 9-12, but the lack of text may appeal to younger audiences while the graphics may easily appeal to older readers.
Similar Titles: Circle of Friends, Owly & Wormy: Friends All Aflutter
Personal Thoughts: As I mentioned once, writing a book with minimal text is a challenge that, when accomplished well, can appeal to multiple generations. Also, the simplicity of the character design allows the author to focus on the expressions of the drawings to convey the story, which manages to reveals a comprehensible textless plot. In addition, the story offers an important, but subtle, environmental message regarding local wildlife. Usually, any attempt to introduce concepts such as habitat loss and environmental responsibility becomes preachy. Yet, the novel introduces it simply without undermining the message. An impressive feat, indeed.
Side Note: Do you like how the one plushie with a bit of blue is reading Owly (Vol 2): Just a Little Blue? Let me think I'm clever.
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