One odd old Owl

This book has been as challenging as ever! The children in my year 6 class have thoroughly enjoyed solving the many layers of puzzles in this book. However, unlike the other Paul Adshead books we have used, we are a little frustrated by this one! We have solved all the puzzles in the book except one of the 'four puzzling messages'. We know where it is and how it is drawn - but we can't decode it! Ahhhhh.

The book gets better each time you read it. First time, it's an exciting, particpative, interactive book for kids, with great illustrations. And then you start with the puzzles : they get better each time. You can play with this book for days.

This playful bedtime story is one of those wonderful gems you can read with a group as well as one on one. A sleepy snail calls upon various birds in the "Forest of Nod" to help her wake a disruptive snoring owl. As each new group of birds makes their noisy entrance in "12 days of Christmas" style, a great din begins. Each page is elaboratly illustrated, including colorful feathered friends and a brilliant sunset which deepens with each page. Younger children will enjoy the playful rhymes, while older children love finding the "hidden" birds. A fun twist to use when reading this book to groups: kids can make an appropriate sound with each added bird (humming hummingbirds, quacking ducks). This allows for great, if a bit noisy, interaction!