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Whoo-Ku Haiku: A Great Horned Owl Story
Stunning illustrations and gorgeous haikus lead young readers through the dramatic life cycle of one of America's most beloved wild animals.
Pip. Pip. Pip. Poking
A hole. Cracking. Cracking. Out
Pecks the white owlet.
Watch as a pair of great horned owlets peep and squeak in their feathered nest. Mama and Papa hunt for food and fend off predators while the chicks grow strong enough to hop and flap between the branches of their tree, then leap and fly away, ready to explore the wild world around them.
In this thrilling nonfiction picture book, a combination of haiku and dazzling illustration shows readers the fierce majesty of one of North America's most ubiquitous wild animals.
Pip. Pip. Pip. Poking
A hole. Cracking. Cracking. Out
Pecks the white owlet.
Watch as a pair of great horned owlets peep and squeak in their feathered nest. Mama and Papa hunt for food and fend off predators while the chicks grow strong enough to hop and flap between the branches of their tree, then leap and fly away, ready to explore the wild world around them.
In this thrilling nonfiction picture book, a combination of haiku and dazzling illustration shows readers the fierce majesty of one of North America's most ubiquitous wild animals.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 3, 2020
About the author
Maria Gianferrari
19 books86 followersBird nerd; nature and animal lover; writer of fiction and nonfiction picture books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 5, 2020
I love birds, and have a special affinity for owls, so of course I had to read this book. It's a nonfiction story for children about a pair of great horned owls nesting and raising a brood. All of the writing is in the 5-7-5 haiku form, which makes it easy to read and beautiful as well. The watercolor illustrations are gorgeous, and they nicely complement the softness of the verses. I especially liked the illustration of the mother owl rescuing her fledgling from the red fox.
At the end of the book there is a page of fascinating facts about great horned owls. Did you know that if we humans had eyes like great horned owls, our eyes would be the size of grapefruits?
At the end of the book there is a page of fascinating facts about great horned owls. Did you know that if we humans had eyes like great horned owls, our eyes would be the size of grapefruits?
April 19, 2020
This picture book follows a family of owls as they make their nest, lay eggs, and raise their family. The text is all done in haiku, which is an interesting choice. The illustrations are lovely, done in detailed watercolours.
There are a couple of pages at the back of the book that offer all sorts of facts about these interesting birds. I'd definitely recommend this one to budding ornithologists, or to anyone who enjoys non-fiction picture books about animals.
Quotable moment:
There are a couple of pages at the back of the book that offer all sorts of facts about these interesting birds. I'd definitely recommend this one to budding ornithologists, or to anyone who enjoys non-fiction picture books about animals.
Quotable moment:
July 5, 2021
I don't know why this didn't work better for me. I expected to love it. But, the text adidn't quite resonate with me the way I'd hoped. Others might feel more engaged. Some of the haiku worked better for a read aloud. For example, I think this just sounds a bit confusing:
"Mama calls here mate / Papa delivers a snake / Belly full, she preens"
Yet I found other nuggets lovely and so evocative
"Mama lays an egg / In the starlight it glistens / A moon of its own."
I'll give this four stars because it's a nice concept and the back matter is quite good, including more facts about great horned owls, and Books, Websites and Videos for further exploration.
Sensitive readers should note there is peril, both when an egg falls out of the nest and a raccoon finds dinner and also when a fox almost catches a fledgling.
"Mama calls here mate / Papa delivers a snake / Belly full, she preens"
Yet I found other nuggets lovely and so evocative
"Mama lays an egg / In the starlight it glistens / A moon of its own."
I'll give this four stars because it's a nice concept and the back matter is quite good, including more facts about great horned owls, and Books, Websites and Videos for further exploration.
Sensitive readers should note there is peril, both when an egg falls out of the nest and a raccoon finds dinner and also when a fox almost catches a fledgling.
April 7, 2023
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
January 13, 2021
Telling this story in haikus is a unique spin to a narrative nonfiction title - especially for children. That alone makes it stand out for me. The last page has tons of great-horned owl facts which allows children to dive deeper into the story. The text is set apart and easy to find, although some background knowledge of what haikus are and why sentences may appear weird might be necessary before reading.
April 23, 2024
Each haiku offering is one "chapter" in the life of a great horned owl pair/family, each syllable as luminous as is the cover moon that silhouette's this tender and tenacious family. From flap jacket images throughout each turn, the evocation of nature's brilliance and subtlety and power are evident.
In this case her word choices and phrasing echo the murmurations of owl feathers, unique in then bird world for being able to move across the skies silently. Things that might generate negative reactions (a snake or skunk dinner) are instead as natural and necessary as starlight and food chains. The direct and un-tempered events that comprise the few months of the life of a GREAT HORNED OWL egg/chick/hatchling/fledgling are both heart-wrenching and heart-swelling. Scenes throughout reveal the ways in which Nature's predators and prey interact from beginning (making use of an abandoned squirrel nest) to end (leaving home to survive on their own). Those ages and stages offer opportunities to share glowing light, intense drama, reassuring resolves, and invitations to examine our apparently "dull" surroundings as we discover magnificent reality. Each word choice and syllable is an equally impressive blend of simple onamotopoetia with evocative figurative phrases:
"In the rain they wait
Beneath umbrella wings
Safe and warm and snug."
* * *
"Slipping to the ground
Keeping, flapping, fluttering
Nest far, far away."
As is characteristic of Gianferrari's nonfiction picture books, back matter allows readers (and their families) to learn even more in concise and accessible text about the li vis of GREAT HORNED OWLS as depicted in this account. Poet/author Gianferrari is widely-acclaimed for depth and sensitivity of the research behind her interpretations of the magically mysterious lives of creatures that surround us.
In the spirit of poetic brevity, simplicity, and celebration, I leave you with this beauty and encourage you to info and share poetry every day this month. Then continue on with that daily pursuit all year long.
In this case her word choices and phrasing echo the murmurations of owl feathers, unique in then bird world for being able to move across the skies silently. Things that might generate negative reactions (a snake or skunk dinner) are instead as natural and necessary as starlight and food chains. The direct and un-tempered events that comprise the few months of the life of a GREAT HORNED OWL egg/chick/hatchling/fledgling are both heart-wrenching and heart-swelling. Scenes throughout reveal the ways in which Nature's predators and prey interact from beginning (making use of an abandoned squirrel nest) to end (leaving home to survive on their own). Those ages and stages offer opportunities to share glowing light, intense drama, reassuring resolves, and invitations to examine our apparently "dull" surroundings as we discover magnificent reality. Each word choice and syllable is an equally impressive blend of simple onamotopoetia with evocative figurative phrases:
"In the rain they wait
Beneath umbrella wings
Safe and warm and snug."
* * *
"Slipping to the ground
Keeping, flapping, fluttering
Nest far, far away."
As is characteristic of Gianferrari's nonfiction picture books, back matter allows readers (and their families) to learn even more in concise and accessible text about the li vis of GREAT HORNED OWLS as depicted in this account. Poet/author Gianferrari is widely-acclaimed for depth and sensitivity of the research behind her interpretations of the magically mysterious lives of creatures that surround us.
In the spirit of poetic brevity, simplicity, and celebration, I leave you with this beauty and encourage you to info and share poetry every day this month. Then continue on with that daily pursuit all year long.
May 28, 2024
Author Maria Gianferrari chronicles the life of a family of great horned owls using haiku poetry in this lovely work of picture book natural history, her text accompanied by the ink and watercolor illustrations of Jonathan Voss. The simple but evocative text describes how Mama and Papa owl make a nest, how Mama Owl lays her eggs and both parents protect them as best they can, and how they raise their beautiful, curious little owlets, once they hatch. An afterword gives more information and the owls, and includes a list of further resources...
Whoo-Ku Haiku: A Great Horned Owl Story is the ninth picture book I have read from Gianferrari, who has produced some wonderful work in this vein, from Coyote Moon to Hawk Rising . My enjoyment of her other books is, in fact, the reason I tracked this one down, and I am glad that I did. Not only did I find the book quite engaging textually—some haikus worked better than others, but overall I thought the author did a good job capturing her subject while using this poetic form—but I discovered a new-to-me illustrator of great talent. Some of Voss's paintings here were just beautiful, capturing both the softness of the downy owlets and the fierceness of their protective parents. There were moments that reminded me a bit of Owl Babies , which is high praise indeed. Recommended to young owl lovers, and to anyone looking for children's books utilizing the haiku form.
Whoo-Ku Haiku: A Great Horned Owl Story is the ninth picture book I have read from Gianferrari, who has produced some wonderful work in this vein, from Coyote Moon to Hawk Rising . My enjoyment of her other books is, in fact, the reason I tracked this one down, and I am glad that I did. Not only did I find the book quite engaging textually—some haikus worked better than others, but overall I thought the author did a good job capturing her subject while using this poetic form—but I discovered a new-to-me illustrator of great talent. Some of Voss's paintings here were just beautiful, capturing both the softness of the downy owlets and the fierceness of their protective parents. There were moments that reminded me a bit of Owl Babies , which is high praise indeed. Recommended to young owl lovers, and to anyone looking for children's books utilizing the haiku form.
April 14, 2020
The story of a great horned owl family is told in dramatic fashion using only haiku poems in this picture book. A pair of great horned owls find a squirrel’s nest and claim it as their home. The mother bird lays three eggs in the nest, losing one when the crows attack her. Now there are two eggs left to guard and keep warm. Soon two owlets emerge from their eggs, eating the prey that Mama and Papa bring to them. The woods has lots of dangers like hunting hawks and foxes waiting for an owlet to fall. Mama is there to protect them though, until it is time for them to take wing and find a home of their own.
Through her series of haiku poems, Gianferrari creates moments that build on one another into a full story of the first months of egg laying and owlets growing up. Focusing on the strength and power of the most commons owls in North America, along with their exceptional parenting skills, the book also reveals the dangers they face despite their size.
Voss’ illustrations are a gorgeous match to the beauty of the poetry. Illustrated in sepia ink and watercolor, with digital color added, these illustrations captures the various moments with skill and drama. The quiet moments are just as powerful as the action ones, filled with dappled forest light and the incredible creatures.
A marvelous book of nature poetry for children. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
Through her series of haiku poems, Gianferrari creates moments that build on one another into a full story of the first months of egg laying and owlets growing up. Focusing on the strength and power of the most commons owls in North America, along with their exceptional parenting skills, the book also reveals the dangers they face despite their size.
Voss’ illustrations are a gorgeous match to the beauty of the poetry. Illustrated in sepia ink and watercolor, with digital color added, these illustrations captures the various moments with skill and drama. The quiet moments are just as powerful as the action ones, filled with dappled forest light and the incredible creatures.
A marvelous book of nature poetry for children. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
October 13, 2021
Mama and Papa owl take over an abandoned squirrel's nest to create a home for their impending family. When three owl eggs are laid, an amazing race to adulthood begins for the young owlets. The family suffers loss of an egg, attack by predators, and learning how to fly.
This non-fiction picture book offers a wonderful look at owls in their natural habitat for preschool and early elementary readers. The narrative is written in haiku which is perfect for the majestic creatures and drives the action forward at a faster pace than a longer story text would. The sepia ink and watercolor illustrations are stunning with incredible detail, yet the media choice also offers a softer experience for the young reader especially during the more harrowing parts of the story.
There are extras included at the back of the book including a spread by spread more information section that follows the set up of the book and more books, websites, and video links to look at about owls.
This would make a wonderful read aloud in story programs and classrooms learning about owls. The children will find the material fascinating and the format is perfect for shorter reading with a robust discussion about the text.
I would highly recommend this book for purchase by school and public libraries.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
This non-fiction picture book offers a wonderful look at owls in their natural habitat for preschool and early elementary readers. The narrative is written in haiku which is perfect for the majestic creatures and drives the action forward at a faster pace than a longer story text would. The sepia ink and watercolor illustrations are stunning with incredible detail, yet the media choice also offers a softer experience for the young reader especially during the more harrowing parts of the story.
There are extras included at the back of the book including a spread by spread more information section that follows the set up of the book and more books, websites, and video links to look at about owls.
This would make a wonderful read aloud in story programs and classrooms learning about owls. The children will find the material fascinating and the format is perfect for shorter reading with a robust discussion about the text.
I would highly recommend this book for purchase by school and public libraries.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
March 2, 2020
Haiku is the perfect form to share the tale of young owlets and their growth from eggs in a nest to the day they fly off to make their own homes. The brevity of the lines catches the quick pace of life within the forest. The attack of crows. The "Pip. Pip. Pip. Poking." as eggs crack open. "Beating, leaping, teetering" as the young ones try out their wings. Bit by bit readers can see the perils of life in the forest, the protection of the owl parents, and the freedom of wings.
The sepia and watercolor illustrations capture the dazzle of sunbeams filtering through the leaves and the brilliance of a full moon on the treetops. Images also show closeups of the hatchlings sheltered under the mother's wings and the panicked flight of a fledgling from a hungry fox.
Back matter includes details about the senses, feeding habits, and range of the great horned owl. There are also suggested books, websites, and videos for additional information. Whether is is read due to interest in the owls, or as a mentor text for poetry lessons - this is an excellent book for elementary school classrooms and libraries.
The sepia and watercolor illustrations capture the dazzle of sunbeams filtering through the leaves and the brilliance of a full moon on the treetops. Images also show closeups of the hatchlings sheltered under the mother's wings and the panicked flight of a fledgling from a hungry fox.
Back matter includes details about the senses, feeding habits, and range of the great horned owl. There are also suggested books, websites, and videos for additional information. Whether is is read due to interest in the owls, or as a mentor text for poetry lessons - this is an excellent book for elementary school classrooms and libraries.
June 24, 2020
I LOVE this picture book, Whoo-ku Haiku: A Great Horned Owl Story. This book tells the story of a pair of horned owls who must find a nest and care for their owlets. And I love that the story is told in Haiku form! Maria Gianferrari does an amazing job of telling the story of the owls through the Haiku! And the illustrations by Jonathan Voss are just gorgeous and bring the story to life. This book fits in perfectly with my science curriculum, as well as being a great example of poetry for young readers!!
“Now two owlets rest
Dandelion tufts of down
Mama’s chest is best.”
.
“Moonlit yellow eyes
Owl family huddles-cuddles
In their cozy nest.”
I’m so thankful I was able to read this book to my kiddos at one of our last Google meets before the end of the school year! It will be a treasure to share with my students for years to come!
“Now two owlets rest
Dandelion tufts of down
Mama’s chest is best.”
.
“Moonlit yellow eyes
Owl family huddles-cuddles
In their cozy nest.”
I’m so thankful I was able to read this book to my kiddos at one of our last Google meets before the end of the school year! It will be a treasure to share with my students for years to come!
March 6, 2020
A great narrative nonfiction that uses haiku and luminous illustrations to tell the life cycle of the great horned owl. It follows a pair of owls as they choose a nest and battle crows, hawks, and a fox to raise their two owlets.
It's full of tender, close moments and dangerous, dramatic action that is both endearing and accurately realistic. Although the parents are seen as protectors and hunters (bringing bugs and skunks to the nest), the book primarily focuses on the downy owlets and their development. The gorgeous illustrations (many worth framing), vividly detail the changes in the owls and the forest, throughout the year.
It's a great introduction to haiku, an owl's life cycle, and the forest ecosystem. A wonderful addition to any library and STEM/STEAM curriculum.
It's full of tender, close moments and dangerous, dramatic action that is both endearing and accurately realistic. Although the parents are seen as protectors and hunters (bringing bugs and skunks to the nest), the book primarily focuses on the downy owlets and their development. The gorgeous illustrations (many worth framing), vividly detail the changes in the owls and the forest, throughout the year.
It's a great introduction to haiku, an owl's life cycle, and the forest ecosystem. A wonderful addition to any library and STEM/STEAM curriculum.
March 25, 2020
Deep in the darkening shadows of night, a sound echoes from the trees. Along an empty roadway, the heavy flapping of wings stirs the air around bare branches. You hear them more than see these mostly nocturnal predators. It's a gift to observe one in the wild.
Known as mighty hunters, they silently and swiftly strike. Their combined physical characteristics create a deadly force. Whoo-Ku Haiku: A Great Horned Owl Story (G. P. Putnam's Sons, March 3, 2020) written by Maria Gianferrari with illustrations by Jonathan Voss is an informative, captivating exploration of the life cycle of these majestic birds.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
Known as mighty hunters, they silently and swiftly strike. Their combined physical characteristics create a deadly force. Whoo-Ku Haiku: A Great Horned Owl Story (G. P. Putnam's Sons, March 3, 2020) written by Maria Gianferrari with illustrations by Jonathan Voss is an informative, captivating exploration of the life cycle of these majestic birds.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
September 26, 2020
This gorgeously illustrated nonfiction picture book takes readers along a sometimes perilous journey of an owl family raising owlets. The lyrical narrative fiction text contains concrete imagery and takes readers through the nesting cycle of Great Horned Owls--from how and where they choose to nest, how long eggs take to hatch, the varied diet owls eat, as well as predators they face. The back matter is excellent and both gives much more detailed information as well as provides resources for further self study. Another favorite picture book by this author for me.
January 11, 2021
This is such a unique picture book. It's a non-fiction book about great horned owls - but it doesn't entirely feel like an information-heavy read - as it tells a story of a pair of owls in a really engaging way. It's a poetry book that tells the story through haikus - but it's easy to ignore that the prose is being presented in a poetic form. The illustrations are beautiful and the book is interesting. Overall, my six year old really enjoyed this book and learning more about owls. A 2021 Caldecott contender.
August 10, 2019
As a long time owl connoisseur, this book has me whoo-ly impressed! Told entirely in Haiku, this is a story of a Great Horned Owl family, from the finding of a nest to the growth and maturity of two owlets. The illustrations are completely stunning and accurate to the detail-- I would gladly hang any and all of them on my wall, if I could. The essence of the elusive, crepuscular Great Horned Owl is captured beautifully and vividly in this lovely book of poetry.
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March 7, 2020Lovely story about an owl family in the forest, presented in haiku. This is a quick paced and captivating format for younger children to read and enjoy. This would make a good reading assignment to introduce writing a haiku about the book! The artwork is soft ,watercolor glimpses of life in a forest. Beautiful work by a wonderful artist, it illustrates the very fine feather colors, leaves and earth tones of the forest perfectly . I was very pleased with this book. !
March 9, 2020
Narrative nonfiction written in haiku verse that does an outstanding job of providing young readers with an in-the-tree understanding of the Great Horned Owl. Gianferrari includes both fierce and tender moments that will broaden knowledge.
Jonathan Voss's gorgeous illustrations expand the story in both sweet and dramatic scenes with vivid perspectives.
Excellent back matter includes additional information about the species as well as recommended resources.
Jonathan Voss's gorgeous illustrations expand the story in both sweet and dramatic scenes with vivid perspectives.
Excellent back matter includes additional information about the species as well as recommended resources.
June 30, 2020
Haikus are my favorite form of poetry. Probably because it makes the most sense to me. Five syllables, seven syllables, five syllables. It's straight forward!
So the story of a great horned owl family--from finding a nest, to eggs hatching, to predators, to moving on--this book has it all. It's truly a beautifully illustrated non fiction picture book. And due to the haiku, you can't help but feel classy!
So the story of a great horned owl family--from finding a nest, to eggs hatching, to predators, to moving on--this book has it all. It's truly a beautifully illustrated non fiction picture book. And due to the haiku, you can't help but feel classy!
July 6, 2023
I love books told in poetry and am happy to find a new to me one (published in 2020) at my public library. The illustrations by Voss are dark as Owls are awake at night and each animal looks very lifelike in watercolor. I loved the end pages which give more information about owls in short paragraphs.
This is a very interesting story of some Great Horned Owls told in Haiku. I can use this book as part of my poetry unit with Dogku by Clements!
This is a very interesting story of some Great Horned Owls told in Haiku. I can use this book as part of my poetry unit with Dogku by Clements!
March 5, 2020
The love of owls is what drew us to this book. Upon opening it up and starting to read the fascination of 5-7-5 kept our son intrigued. The illustrations done in watercolor are done with such detail absolutely beautiful. This is a book that we will read over and over again. A nice added touch, the author put a facts list all about horned owls at the very back of the book. Absolutely love that!
March 7, 2020
A great story written in haiku about two Great Horned Owls becoming parents. This book provides the opportunity to discuss things that happen in nature and about animals of prey. We absolutely loved the beautiful artwork!! I also liked that it had more informational facts about great horned owls at the end of the book.
May 11, 2020
I'm such a fan of Maria Gianferrari's lyrical animal stories. Like COYOTE MOON, WHOO-KU is a narrative story, taking the reader on a journey from spring nest building to fall, when the young owls leave their nest. In a creative twist, Gianferrari tells the owls' story in a series of haiku, a poetry form easy for young students to learn. Illustrator Johnathan Voss's dreamy watercolors are the perfect accompaniment to this nighttime tale. Back matter includes additional information about great horned owls, plus books and websites for further reading. This is a great read for spring, National Poetry Month, or any time.
May 13, 2020
This gorgeously-illustrated picture book is so much more than just a collection of haikus about owls. It’s also narrative nonfiction, with a tension-filled plot and a satisfying resolution, while also giving readers lots of information about great horned owls and their families, both in the haikus themselves and in the back matter. Great for all nature and poetry-lovers!
June 25, 2020
Maria Gianferrari is a master at narrative nonfiction - (check out her books, COYOTE MOON and HAWK RISING) - and her latest is told entirely in haiku! The poetic text is action-packed and pairs well with Jonathan Voss's beautiful illustrations. And speaking of good pairings, this book would be perfect for those who love watching live birdcams. Highly recommend!
September 30, 2020
"Whoo" knew life was so treacherous for a great horned owl?! Every page had me fearing for their safety! An intense, but beautifully written and illustrated story of an owl family. Great poetry for reading aloud, but also a good source of owl information at the end for those fact-minded nonfiction lovers (aka, my 8 year old)
April 13, 2022
A non-fiction book written in haiku form. This book is about two great horned owls and about how they take care of their eggs. And once the eggs hatch, how they take care of the baby owls. It also shows how they ward off predators. It is nice how there is a section in the back of informative knowledge about the owls.
Great read for elementary readers.
Great read for elementary readers.
April 22, 2020
Readers will journey into spring with a mating pair of Great Horned Owls as they build their nest and raise their owlets. Whoo-Ku Haiku is the perfect pairing of informative, poetic text and detailed, realistic art.
October 23, 2020
The whole book is written in Haiku and explains, in detail, how owls live. The illustrations are vivid and gives more feeling to the words, especially the one with the fox and owl. Whooo Boy. Since owls build nests in January/February, use this for a winter read aloud.
March 25, 2022
A book written in poetry, not verse, but Haiku? Whoo-hu, that's a lot of fun! It is informative, and the watercolor illustrations add a mystical feeling to the story. Also, I am surprised by the bold nature of the storytelling. I had to read it twice to make sure I didn't misunderstand.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews