Born in Belfast, Martin Waddell is widely regarded as one
of the greatest living children’s writers, and has over 220
published titles to his name. In 2024 he became the recipient of
the An Post Irish Book Awards’ Bob Hughes Lifetime Achievement
Award for his contributions to children's literature. He is perhaps
best known for Owl Babies, illustrated by Patrick Benson and Farmer
Duck, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury; as well as the 1989 Kurt
Maschler Award-winning The Park in the Dark and the Little Bear
series, both illustrated by Barbara Firth. In 2004, Martin received
the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for his lasting contribution to
children’s literature, the highest career recognition available to
a writer or illustrator of children’s books.
Illustrator Patrick Benson has won many awards for his work,
including the Mother Goose Award, the Christopher Medal and the
Kurt Maschler Award. His picture book Owl Babies is a modern
classic and has sold over two million copies worldwide. His other
work includes artwork for The MinPins by Roald Dahl, The Little
Boat by Kathy Henderson, The Sea-Thing Child by Russell Hoban and
Soon by Timothy Knapman. He lives in Scotland.
Touchingly beautiful ... Drawn with exquisite delicacy ... The
perfect picture book.
*The Guardian*
Stories about home-alone baby animals don’t come more appealing
than this.
*Daily Mail*
A perfect bedtime story.
*The Irish Times*
Waddell’s stories treat the fears of the very small with wit and
sensitivity … Benson’s pictures are outstanding.
*The Independent on Sunday*
Clever paper engineering. I love the way the baby owls’ eyes move
and the impressive pop up owl and her three flapping youngsters.
Celebrating 21 years of this well-loved tale, this is a charming
book for the very young
*Newbury News Weekly*
This beautiful board book edition is perfect for little hands.
*Julia Eccleshare, LoveReading*
“This sweet tale is great for introducing the concept of emotions
and feelings.”
*The Sun*
The story has repetition and humour dotted throughout, great for
early language development. The illustrations are beautiful and
will capture young readers’ attention.
*Books That Help*
this gorgeous book may well be the catalyst for some conversations
your family will remember always.
*The i Paper, The best bedtime books of all time*
PreS-- This simple story pales in comparison to the exceptionally well-crafted illustrations. Rendered in black ink and watercolor with an abundance of crosshatching used to show background, shadow, texture, and depth, each stunning woodcutlike panorama fills a double-page spread. Benson has chosen shades of turquoise, pale yellow, and light green for the large-type text in order to avoid detracting from the blue-and-green dominated paintings. Realistic as they appear, the three, fluffy, white baby owls and their mother are infused with distinct personalities. The owlets awaken one night to find their mother gone. Sarah, the largest, reasons that she is out hunting for food. Mid-sized Percy tends to agree, while tiny Bill will only repeat, ``I want my mommy!'' Mom, just out for a night flight, does return, of course, and her fledglings are delighted to see her. The repetition just doesn't work. The plot is too meager, the text too unexciting. Hutchins's Good Night Owl (Macmillan, 1991), Thaler's Owly (HarperCollins, 1982), and Yolen's Owl Moon (Philomel, 1987) are all better stories for preschoolers. Simple, well-written books about mother love and reassurance for this age group are abundant. --Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Touchingly beautiful ... Drawn with exquisite delicacy ... The
perfect picture book. * The Guardian *
Stories about home-alone baby animals don't come more appealing
than this. * Daily Mail *
A perfect bedtime story. * The Irish Times *
Waddell's stories treat the fears of the very small with wit and
sensitivity ... Benson's pictures are outstanding. * The
Independent on Sunday *
Clever paper engineering. I love the way the baby owls' eyes move
and the impressive pop up owl and her three flapping youngsters.
Celebrating 21 years of this well-loved tale, this is a charming
book for the very young -- Caroline Franklin * Newbury News Weekly
*
This beautiful board book edition is perfect for little hands. *
Julia Eccleshare, LoveReading *
"This sweet tale is great for introducing the concept of emotions
and feelings." * The Sun *
The story has repetition and humour dotted throughout, great for
early language development. The illustrations are beautiful and
will capture young readers' attention. * Books That Help *
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