Peer into the nocturnal forests with this high-interest introduction to the pale, broad-winged birds of prey known as barn owls.

Part of the Creatures of the Night series

Illuminating the unique physical features and behaviors of six nocturnal animals, this new series takes a narrative approach toward life-science topics. As we peer into nocturnal forests and skies, from nighttime awakening to sunlight retreat, atmospheric text and images knit together stories of survival, noting the adaptations that enable each creature to carve out its own niche in its particular habitat. A detailed diagram points out such characteristics in-depth, allowing more visual learners to match facts with real images.

Reviews

Readers learn how particular characteristics, such as the barn owls unevenly set ears and the tail of the luna moth, help the creatures thrive in the dark. In some cases, basic data like the animals size is not provided. For example, in Luna Moths the body length is given and not the wingspan. Vivid photographs capitalize on the nighttime environments, often showing the animals set dramatically against dark backgrounds. A useful closing spread presents a full animal view with captions and insets to highlight key body parts. Images do not always directly match the text. The statement older aye-ayes live alone, for example, accompanies a photo of two together with an egg. Appealing to browsers and could fill some subject holes.

Steven Engelfried, School Library Journal , 11/1/2019

Ages 6 – 10

Nonfiction, 24 pages, 2020

ISBN 978-1-64026-117-4