Good Night Owl

When a noise ("SQUEEK!") interrupts Owl's bedtime, he gets up to investigate. Well-designed pages and energetic cartoon art in candy colors bring out the story's humor while showing that a mischievous mouse is teasing Owl. Owl's cozy home offers plenty of amusing details to notice. The nocturnal mouse-hunting habits of owls adds another layer of fun to this entertaining bedtime drama.

When a noise ("SQUEEK!") interrupts Owl's bedtime, he gets up to investigate. Was it the door? The wind? "'It's coming from the cupboard,' said Owl. So he went to take a look. He emptied every shelf, but there was no noise to be found." Well-designed pages and energetic cartoon art in candy colors bring out the story's humor while showing readers what the text does not tell: a small, mischievous mouse is teasing Owl. Frustrated Owl systematically goes on to pull up the floorboards, pry off the roof, and tear down the walls until he completely dismantles his house. After each new effort, he climbs back into bed and wishes himself good night -- only to be disturbed again. Owl's cozy home offers plenty of amusing details to notice, including a super-cool album collection (The Clash, The Ramones, Nirvana, The Talking Heads) as well as cameos of characters and items from Pizzoli's previous books (Tricky Vic's Eiffel Tower, rev. 5/15; the gemstone from Templeton Gets His Wish, rev. 5/15). Back in his bed, now completely out under the stars, Owl finally spots the source of that noise -- and so he wishes it a good night, with a smile, as they both snuggle in for sleep. The nocturnal mouse-hunting habits of owls in the natural world adds another layer of fun to this entertaining bedtime drama that works equally well for new readers and for sharing aloud. julie roach