What do you think?
Rate this book
Owly #1
The Way Home & The Bittersweet Summer
Owly is a kind, yet lonely, little owl who's always on the search for new friends and adventure.
The first graphic novel in the series contains two enchanting novellas, "The Way Home" & "The Bittersweet Summer," wherein Owly discovers the meaning of friendship, and that saying goodbye doesn't always mean forever.
Relying on a mixture of symbols, icons, and expressions to tell his silent stories, Runton's clean, animated, and heartwarming style makes it a perfect read for everyone.
The first graphic novel in the series contains two enchanting novellas, "The Way Home" & "The Bittersweet Summer," wherein Owly discovers the meaning of friendship, and that saying goodbye doesn't always mean forever.
Relying on a mixture of symbols, icons, and expressions to tell his silent stories, Runton's clean, animated, and heartwarming style makes it a perfect read for everyone.
Paperback
First published September 1, 2004
93 people are currently reading
5,570 people want to read
About the author
Andy Runton
48Ìýbooks145ÌýfollowersAndy is the creator of the breakout all-ages series of graphic novels, Owly, featuring a kind-hearted little owl who's always searching for new friends and adventure. Relying on a mixture of symbols and expressions to tell his silent stories, Andy?s work showcases both his gift for characterization and his love of birds, animals, and the outdoors. His animated and heartwarming style has made him a favorite of both fans and critics alike.
The Owly series has earned him multiple awards in the comics and graphic novel community, including the Howard E. Day Memorial Prize, the Harvey Award, two Ignatz Awards, and the 2006 Eisner Award for "Best Publication for a Younger Audience". He lives in the greater Atlanta area, where he works full-time on Owly comics, books, and graphic novels.
The Owly series has earned him multiple awards in the comics and graphic novel community, including the Howard E. Day Memorial Prize, the Harvey Award, two Ignatz Awards, and the 2006 Eisner Award for "Best Publication for a Younger Audience". He lives in the greater Atlanta area, where he works full-time on Owly comics, books, and graphic novels.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 528 reviews
December 27, 2014
This is a marvelous series of books for kids. Not just lovely and sweet, but pretty unique in my experience.
They're comics, but they don't have any verbal element. (Well, very rare verbal elements) The animals think and speak in pictures, so kids can read these books to themselves.
Reading them with your kids is fun too, because you can say, "What do you think is happening here?" Not only is hearing their interpretation of events lovely, but it make the reading a truly collaborative experience.
Highly recommended. Pure delight.
They're comics, but they don't have any verbal element. (Well, very rare verbal elements) The animals think and speak in pictures, so kids can read these books to themselves.
Reading them with your kids is fun too, because you can say, "What do you think is happening here?" Not only is hearing their interpretation of events lovely, but it make the reading a truly collaborative experience.
Highly recommended. Pure delight.
May 25, 2019
A wordless comic book. Owly is adorable and cute. It's tough being a friendly owl and everyone is afraid of you, but Owly is very sweet and nice and he gains the creatures trust around him.
There are 2 stories in this book. Owly makes a friend and he helps a friend find his way home. Owly has a great big heart. This is black and white. I was expecting color from the cover.
I can see people enjoying this series. It's cute.
There are 2 stories in this book. Owly makes a friend and he helps a friend find his way home. Owly has a great big heart. This is black and white. I was expecting color from the cover.
I can see people enjoying this series. It's cute.
March 10, 2021
Sweet and great. My kid loves it.
July 26, 2011
It’s difficult to know exactly what to say about Owly. The book is slight, certainly. One can breeze through the entire volume in under fifteen minutes. That there are nearly no words means that readers will spend all their time reading pictures instead of divvying time between text and illustration. The stories are simple (even perhaps simplistic) and the characters are all dressed in heart-on-sleeve fashion. The art, too, is low on detail and finish, using broad brushstrokes and few lines to convey character and place. There is no evidence of brilliant craftsmanship shining through Runton’s illustrations (not that Owly‘s art isn’t brilliantly crafted, but more that it just doesn’t grab you by the collar to scream in your face expounding on how brilliant it is).
These are all things that can be said about Andy Runton’s Owly, and yet none of these adequately describe this charming little book.
Without words, Owly may be the perfect investment for families with young children, a book that can be read over and over and told differently every time. Runton’s tales about an overtly sincere, disarmingly careful owl can function as a genuine vehicle for teaching parents better ways to tell stories. While the bones of the narrative (Runton’s illustrations) remain unchanged, the way a reader chooses to convey the story to small listeners will evolve and grow through multiple readings. I’m not sure if this conceit was one of Runton’s intentions, but sometimes even unintended ends justify a variety of means.
And with simple life lessons and the obvious emotional carnage his characters suffer at the hand of being perhaps too invested in their loneliness and pain, Owly marks a suitable tool for social pedagogy. Parents can use kids� natural affection for Owly himself to draw out empathy for those outsiders who may be misunderstood, for those who cannot find the words to express themselves in acceptable ways within group settings. Owly is a caring, conscientious, and loving individual who cannot make friends because he’s simply too awkward to do so. He fumbles his opportunities and spends enough of his time alone that he’s come to expect that will be the way of his life—even though he consistently makes strides to overcome a life that causes him to grow despondent.
And perhaps that’s one of the lessons as well: even when things are going badly and it feels like you have no friends, keep being a friend to others and that friendliness will not let you down in the end. For it’s true. Just as Owly’s perseverance in showing love to his neighbours wins him some fast friends, so too might your children’s own friendliness net similar results.
But really, as true as these things are, none of them adequately describe this charming little book.
At the end of the day, perhaps the best way is to reflect the simplicity with which the book itself is composed. Owly is a very short, very cute book that is probably enough to warm even your heart—if warmth is something to which you are at all inclined.
[review courtesy of ]
These are all things that can be said about Andy Runton’s Owly, and yet none of these adequately describe this charming little book.
Without words, Owly may be the perfect investment for families with young children, a book that can be read over and over and told differently every time. Runton’s tales about an overtly sincere, disarmingly careful owl can function as a genuine vehicle for teaching parents better ways to tell stories. While the bones of the narrative (Runton’s illustrations) remain unchanged, the way a reader chooses to convey the story to small listeners will evolve and grow through multiple readings. I’m not sure if this conceit was one of Runton’s intentions, but sometimes even unintended ends justify a variety of means.
And with simple life lessons and the obvious emotional carnage his characters suffer at the hand of being perhaps too invested in their loneliness and pain, Owly marks a suitable tool for social pedagogy. Parents can use kids� natural affection for Owly himself to draw out empathy for those outsiders who may be misunderstood, for those who cannot find the words to express themselves in acceptable ways within group settings. Owly is a caring, conscientious, and loving individual who cannot make friends because he’s simply too awkward to do so. He fumbles his opportunities and spends enough of his time alone that he’s come to expect that will be the way of his life—even though he consistently makes strides to overcome a life that causes him to grow despondent.
And perhaps that’s one of the lessons as well: even when things are going badly and it feels like you have no friends, keep being a friend to others and that friendliness will not let you down in the end. For it’s true. Just as Owly’s perseverance in showing love to his neighbours wins him some fast friends, so too might your children’s own friendliness net similar results.
But really, as true as these things are, none of them adequately describe this charming little book.
At the end of the day, perhaps the best way is to reflect the simplicity with which the book itself is composed. Owly is a very short, very cute book that is probably enough to warm even your heart—if warmth is something to which you are at all inclined.
[review courtesy of ]
September 13, 2008
Charming and heartwarming! There are two stories in this volume, and both are lovely tales of friendship; the artwork is adorable, and Owly and his friends are so expressive, even though the story is basically wordless. I will definitely be reading more of the Owly books. Highly recommended.
July 3, 2024
When your nine year old places a book in your hands and says, "mom, you have to read this book, it was SO good," you read the book. The Way Home was a sweet little tale that I very much enjoyed.
July 16, 2013
I don't usually read all-ages comics but I picked up Andy Runton's Owly on the strength of Grant Morrison recommending it - if Morrison thinks it's good, I'm giving it a shot!
Owly is a silent comic (wordless) featuring a lonely Owl who can't seem to make friends among other birds but becomes friends with a worm. He helps the displaced worm find his family again before sadly departing back to his solitary life. But Wormy sticks with him so he won't be alone and a great friendship begins!
The second story has Owly and Wormy make friends with a pair of hummingbirds for the summer before they sadly migrate South for the winter only to return again in the spring.
The stories are very sweet and teach kids about the value and importance of friendship. Runton makes the storytelling seem effortless through facial expressions and body language, pacing the panels just right so you completely understand what's happening in the story, showing an artist who truly understands the comics medium. The characters are all very likeable, especially Owly who has an innocence about him that's refreshing and completely appropriate for a kids' book.
Morrison said about this book that it's very pure and I totally understand what he means - Owly is a delightful read but young readers will get the most out of it.
Owly is a silent comic (wordless) featuring a lonely Owl who can't seem to make friends among other birds but becomes friends with a worm. He helps the displaced worm find his family again before sadly departing back to his solitary life. But Wormy sticks with him so he won't be alone and a great friendship begins!
The second story has Owly and Wormy make friends with a pair of hummingbirds for the summer before they sadly migrate South for the winter only to return again in the spring.
The stories are very sweet and teach kids about the value and importance of friendship. Runton makes the storytelling seem effortless through facial expressions and body language, pacing the panels just right so you completely understand what's happening in the story, showing an artist who truly understands the comics medium. The characters are all very likeable, especially Owly who has an innocence about him that's refreshing and completely appropriate for a kids' book.
Morrison said about this book that it's very pure and I totally understand what he means - Owly is a delightful read but young readers will get the most out of it.
April 13, 2017
This is an 'all ages comic book' that is shocking in it's simplicity and lack of words. The animals make noises and occasionally there are words shown from a book one of the animals is reading, but that’s about it. Conversations are conveyed through bubbles containing pictures. Emotions are expressed by way of pictures. I found it pretty incredible that so much could be conveyed without words, with only some fairly simplistic depictions.
This book is composed of two novellas, each in comic book style. In the first, Owly, the charming main character, is out to help others and make friends. He puts birdseed out for the birds. He frees captured fireflies. He rescues Wormy from nearly drowning in a puddle during a rainstorm and stays up all night making sure he is ok. The next day he helps Wormy find his parents. In the second novella, Owly and Wormy go out of their way to research and find the right food for two hungry hummingbirds. Owly also must learn to let go in this story, as the hummingbirds must migrate south for the summer. Owly’s good deeds do not go unnoticed and those he has helped become his loyal friends, destined to return even if flying far away.
These are truly heartwarming, enchanting tales of friendship and kindness. I read this with my 4 year old daughter who summed the book up in one word, “awesome.� I look forward to reading more of Owly in the future.
This book is composed of two novellas, each in comic book style. In the first, Owly, the charming main character, is out to help others and make friends. He puts birdseed out for the birds. He frees captured fireflies. He rescues Wormy from nearly drowning in a puddle during a rainstorm and stays up all night making sure he is ok. The next day he helps Wormy find his parents. In the second novella, Owly and Wormy go out of their way to research and find the right food for two hungry hummingbirds. Owly also must learn to let go in this story, as the hummingbirds must migrate south for the summer. Owly’s good deeds do not go unnoticed and those he has helped become his loyal friends, destined to return even if flying far away.
These are truly heartwarming, enchanting tales of friendship and kindness. I read this with my 4 year old daughter who summed the book up in one word, “awesome.� I look forward to reading more of Owly in the future.
November 17, 2008
Graphic novel
For kindergarten-6th grade
In two wordless stories, Owly makes his first friend, a worm, and then both Owly and Wormy learn how to be friends with a pair of hummingbirds.
At first glance, this black-and-white graphic novel is simple and cute, but the simplicity is deceptive. The artwork is slightly cartoony and very expressive, particularly Owly's large and revealing eyes. Although the basics of the story are easy to pick up from the wordless panels, there is a lot of heart - and a bunch of life lessons - mixed in. Owly, a very round and apparently flightless fellow, clearly longs for friends, but the other birds are frightened of him. His patient and nurturing side comes through strong as he rescues Wormy and they set off to find Wormy's parents, and again when both characters learn what it takes to befriend migrating hummingbirds. Despite the charm and some anthropomorphic elements, like Owly's fully furnished tree house, the stories still maintain a sense of realism and nature. Owly learns about the diet and habits of hummingbirds, and Wormy nearly drowns in a puddle. The stories are appropriate for an early or pre-reader, but older children will also find it a quick and fun read.
For kindergarten-6th grade
In two wordless stories, Owly makes his first friend, a worm, and then both Owly and Wormy learn how to be friends with a pair of hummingbirds.
At first glance, this black-and-white graphic novel is simple and cute, but the simplicity is deceptive. The artwork is slightly cartoony and very expressive, particularly Owly's large and revealing eyes. Although the basics of the story are easy to pick up from the wordless panels, there is a lot of heart - and a bunch of life lessons - mixed in. Owly, a very round and apparently flightless fellow, clearly longs for friends, but the other birds are frightened of him. His patient and nurturing side comes through strong as he rescues Wormy and they set off to find Wormy's parents, and again when both characters learn what it takes to befriend migrating hummingbirds. Despite the charm and some anthropomorphic elements, like Owly's fully furnished tree house, the stories still maintain a sense of realism and nature. Owly learns about the diet and habits of hummingbirds, and Wormy nearly drowns in a puddle. The stories are appropriate for an early or pre-reader, but older children will also find it a quick and fun read.
July 1, 2015
Owly is a sweet kid series without words but with lots of empathy, understanding, acceptance, warmth and sweetness. Not flying sweetness, but Winnie the Pooh and Piglet sweetness. Like the Tao of Pooh, you can read it for its world view or philosophy, though it's solid, not sappy. My kids are liking the series.
August 7, 2015
I found this Graphic Novel quite heartwarming and entertaining. Owly, a very friendly owl saves Wormy, a worm, from drowning in a pond in a rainy day. Their friendship starts the moment Wormy wakes up at Owly's house and sees Owly's dedication while he was sick. Wormy lost his parents in the rain so Owly and Wormy take off in their search for them, finding them safe and sound. Then Owly and Wormy set in another adventure when they try to feed seeds to a hummingbird, learning that what they eat is nectar. Then one day, their hummingbird friends disappeared, which devastated Owly. But then, Wormy found in a book about their friends' habits during winter. Although the stories seem very simple, it can teach children to treat each person individually, without stereotyping. It also shows compassion, and understanding.
Despite of the lack of color, the black and white drawings are self explanatory, with little to no words , readers are able to follow the story. It's good for beginners, yet older readers, like myself, can also find it fun and attractive.
Despite of the lack of color, the black and white drawings are self explanatory, with little to no words , readers are able to follow the story. It's good for beginners, yet older readers, like myself, can also find it fun and attractive.
June 26, 2021
7 out of 10
This book is about a little owl named Owly. Owly finds this worm, who is lost from his family. Owly then goes on a little adventure to help the worm.
Quite a nice children's series. Obviously, I'm not in the target demographic of this book, but I still thought it was enjoyable. It was told mainly through pictures and expressions. Perfect for little children. I'd definitely recommend it to children, in particular, they might like it if they have trouble reading.
This book was in the young adult graphic novel section at the library, so I came into this book, thinking that this would be something dark while being disguised as a children's book. I was wrong, this is just a nice charming children's book, but still, I feel a little confused on why this is in the young adult section.
This book is about a little owl named Owly. Owly finds this worm, who is lost from his family. Owly then goes on a little adventure to help the worm.
Quite a nice children's series. Obviously, I'm not in the target demographic of this book, but I still thought it was enjoyable. It was told mainly through pictures and expressions. Perfect for little children. I'd definitely recommend it to children, in particular, they might like it if they have trouble reading.
This book was in the young adult graphic novel section at the library, so I came into this book, thinking that this would be something dark while being disguised as a children's book. I was wrong, this is just a nice charming children's book, but still, I feel a little confused on why this is in the young adult section.
January 27, 2019
This was a pleasant surprise! I picked it up because there's an owl on the cover. Of course, I expected to like it. Any story that focuses on nature and encourages observation is likely to find its way to my heart. It doesn't hurt that both stories illustrate what it means to be kind.
We added touches of color to the pictures, using tones similar to the frame on the cover. That made it easier for young readers to follow some of the details
Note: Don't expect to learn anything about owls from this book.
We added touches of color to the pictures, using tones similar to the frame on the cover. That made it easier for young readers to follow some of the details
Note: Don't expect to learn anything about owls from this book.
April 15, 2021
Adorable children's story about an owl and the friends he makes along the way!
January 17, 2021
Read aloud to the younger kids. I was so excited to see these get reissued with full color illustrations, but I do think they aren’t quite as interesting as an adult now that they have more text. The originals were almost completely wordless and relied on pictures in word bubbles. I still think the stories are very sweet and a great option for a beginning reader.
June 29, 2024
5 stars!!
I was looking at my library’s graphic novel collection on Libby and came across this cute owl and worm graphic novel. I just want to protect sweet little cinnamon roll Owly and the friends he makes along the way! I also love the illustrations and colors chosen for the comics. Definitely a new fan of Owly and would love to buy the books for my collection.
I was looking at my library’s graphic novel collection on Libby and came across this cute owl and worm graphic novel. I just want to protect sweet little cinnamon roll Owly and the friends he makes along the way! I also love the illustrations and colors chosen for the comics. Definitely a new fan of Owly and would love to buy the books for my collection.
June 5, 2010
The Owly books have been on my radar for a while. I remember reading a review of one of the recent volumes on a book blog I follow. What caught my attention was the sorrowful eyes of the titular character. That, and the fact that he's an owl. Owls have been a part of my life for almost six years now, ever since Sean first fell in love them as a toddler.
So you'd think Sean would be reading Owly too and when I originally checked out Owly Volume 1 by Andy Runton I thought he'd like to look at them too. Although he's still nuts about owls, he politely turned down my selection because the book has no words. I can understand, since reading comprehension and speed are two big concerns in school right now. A book without words to him seems counterproductive.
I don't however, need my children's approval to read a book. I still wanted to read Owly and did. Although it has no words, it isn't exactly a fast book to read. The two novellas, "The Way Home" and "The Bittersweet Summer" are as densely packed with emotion and pathos as a typical silent drama from the early days of cinema. Runton clearly understands the importance of the eyes in the conveyance of emotional states and Owly's eyes speak volumes as do the supporting characters.
In "The Way Home" Owly befriends a worm. You'd think an Owl would want to eat a worm but he's a very special owl. He's not a very owly owl, and that's part of his charm. He's an odd ball, somewhere between Charlie Chaplin's tramp character and the well meaning but off center characters that Buster Keaton played. The relationship between the worm and Owly reminds me most of all of the Chaplin film, The Kid (1921)
In "The Bitterweet Summer" the worm and Owly befriend a humming bird. Here Owly needs to learn the important lesson of knowing when to let someone go. Owly and the worm live in an area that has a harsh winter, not somewhere a hummingbird can stay year round, no matter how welcome he is. Seeing Owly come to the conclusion that he has to say good bye to his friend is heartbreaking and yet charming.
I plan to read the whole series. My local library has every volume except for two. Fortunately the books seem to stand alone so I can enjoy the others while tracking down the second volume.
So you'd think Sean would be reading Owly too and when I originally checked out Owly Volume 1 by Andy Runton I thought he'd like to look at them too. Although he's still nuts about owls, he politely turned down my selection because the book has no words. I can understand, since reading comprehension and speed are two big concerns in school right now. A book without words to him seems counterproductive.
I don't however, need my children's approval to read a book. I still wanted to read Owly and did. Although it has no words, it isn't exactly a fast book to read. The two novellas, "The Way Home" and "The Bittersweet Summer" are as densely packed with emotion and pathos as a typical silent drama from the early days of cinema. Runton clearly understands the importance of the eyes in the conveyance of emotional states and Owly's eyes speak volumes as do the supporting characters.
In "The Way Home" Owly befriends a worm. You'd think an Owl would want to eat a worm but he's a very special owl. He's not a very owly owl, and that's part of his charm. He's an odd ball, somewhere between Charlie Chaplin's tramp character and the well meaning but off center characters that Buster Keaton played. The relationship between the worm and Owly reminds me most of all of the Chaplin film, The Kid (1921)
In "The Bitterweet Summer" the worm and Owly befriend a humming bird. Here Owly needs to learn the important lesson of knowing when to let someone go. Owly and the worm live in an area that has a harsh winter, not somewhere a hummingbird can stay year round, no matter how welcome he is. Seeing Owly come to the conclusion that he has to say good bye to his friend is heartbreaking and yet charming.
I plan to read the whole series. My local library has every volume except for two. Fortunately the books seem to stand alone so I can enjoy the others while tracking down the second volume.
September 9, 2011
This book was recommended to me by one of my Goodread friends who also likes graphic novels. It was a very cute book with adorable drawings that told a great story despite having very few words. This is something young kids and adults alike will enjoy.
The book tells two stories. The first is The Way Home in which Owly saves a worm from drowning and helps the worm to find his family. The second is The Bittersweet Summer where Owly befriends some hummingbirds and struggles with how to take care of them as the summer fades.
The book has very few words, the story is almost completely told in pictures. It is a great story that teaches about friendship and nature. I enjoyed it and thought it was sweet and fun. I actually became very emotionally involved with Owly as he tried to care for his hummingbird friends.
The pictures are simple, done in black and white with simple clean lines. Somehow they manage to convey a wealth of story in each picture though. The expressions on the animals faces are spot on. Owly is adorable and so earnest in his need to help his fellow forest creatures.
The best thing about this book is that everyone from a very young child (3-4 years old) to an adult can enjoy the story. I love graphic novels that span all age groups.
On a side note, I read this right after reading Grant Morrison's Arkham Asylum....it almost gave me mental whiplash. This book is pretty much the opposite of everything Arkham Asylum is; I only bring it up because the difference is crazy and it was quite a change in pace :-)
Overall this was a quick, well-done, and fun read. I would recommend it to fans of graphic novels; especially those who are interested in graphic novels that younger kids and adults can both enjoy. The artwork is cute and conveys a wonderful story without many words. This is a great story about friendship and teaches some about the natural world around us. I will definitely be checking out future installments.
The book tells two stories. The first is The Way Home in which Owly saves a worm from drowning and helps the worm to find his family. The second is The Bittersweet Summer where Owly befriends some hummingbirds and struggles with how to take care of them as the summer fades.
The book has very few words, the story is almost completely told in pictures. It is a great story that teaches about friendship and nature. I enjoyed it and thought it was sweet and fun. I actually became very emotionally involved with Owly as he tried to care for his hummingbird friends.
The pictures are simple, done in black and white with simple clean lines. Somehow they manage to convey a wealth of story in each picture though. The expressions on the animals faces are spot on. Owly is adorable and so earnest in his need to help his fellow forest creatures.
The best thing about this book is that everyone from a very young child (3-4 years old) to an adult can enjoy the story. I love graphic novels that span all age groups.
On a side note, I read this right after reading Grant Morrison's Arkham Asylum....it almost gave me mental whiplash. This book is pretty much the opposite of everything Arkham Asylum is; I only bring it up because the difference is crazy and it was quite a change in pace :-)
Overall this was a quick, well-done, and fun read. I would recommend it to fans of graphic novels; especially those who are interested in graphic novels that younger kids and adults can both enjoy. The artwork is cute and conveys a wonderful story without many words. This is a great story about friendship and teaches some about the natural world around us. I will definitely be checking out future installments.
October 30, 2009
I cannot stress this enough. BUY THIS SERIES! This is a tender little series about an owl, named Owly and his best friend who is a worm named Wormy, of course. Owly has big adorable eyes and little tiny wings, that don’t know how to fly. He likes going to one of the local gardening shops to look at new plants and look up information in the oodles of books they have.
The best thing about this series is (and you are going to think I’m sick in the head perhaps)� there are NO words! How great is that! For younger kids who can’t read yet or for kids who have trouble reading, or kids that want to use their imaginations, this is the perfect series. This way they can make up the conversations, the voices and expand on the emotions of the character. They can think about how the characters are feeling and how they imagine the characters would express these emotions.
This is also great for libraries with high populations of people that do not speak English, or do not speak it well. They are not burdened with having to know the English language and they can still enjoy it. If they have a very limited understanding of English, you will still be able to discuss the book without fear of them missing anything. Plus the series is something entertaining, and not purely educational (which can sometimes be boring).
I am no teacher by far, but I imagine teachers everywhere exclaiming in joy over this series. According to an article put out by ALA, wordless picture books promote language development, they allow you to concentrate on the illustrations, allow you to think about the feelings of the characters, and discuss how the story is moving along.
In conclusion, I repeat BUY THIS SERIES!
Thank you.
The best thing about this series is (and you are going to think I’m sick in the head perhaps)� there are NO words! How great is that! For younger kids who can’t read yet or for kids who have trouble reading, or kids that want to use their imaginations, this is the perfect series. This way they can make up the conversations, the voices and expand on the emotions of the character. They can think about how the characters are feeling and how they imagine the characters would express these emotions.
This is also great for libraries with high populations of people that do not speak English, or do not speak it well. They are not burdened with having to know the English language and they can still enjoy it. If they have a very limited understanding of English, you will still be able to discuss the book without fear of them missing anything. Plus the series is something entertaining, and not purely educational (which can sometimes be boring).
I am no teacher by far, but I imagine teachers everywhere exclaiming in joy over this series. According to an article put out by ALA, wordless picture books promote language development, they allow you to concentrate on the illustrations, allow you to think about the feelings of the characters, and discuss how the story is moving along.
In conclusion, I repeat BUY THIS SERIES!
Thank you.
April 24, 2008
(CIP) Owly is a kind, yet lonely, little owl who's always on the lookout for new friends and adventure. The first graphic novel in the series contains two enchanting novellas: the Way Home and the Bittersweet Summer, wherein Owly discovers the meaning of friendship and that saying goodbye doesn't always mean forever.
(Claudia) Two thoroughly charming, almost wordless stories in black-and-white comic book style. Simple yet expressive drawings tell the (first) story of a lonely little owl, as he rescues a young worm who’s been washed away from his family in a rainstorm. After “Wormy,� an upbeat little guy, becomes convinced of Owly’s kindness, the two adventure through a dark woods to find Wormy’s home and parents. Wonderfully engaging for both children and adults to decipher these gentle, often humorous stories of friendship and kindness. Gr. 1-4.
(Booklist) Favorable: “The whimsical black-and-white art is done with great facility for expressing emotion.�
(Language Arts) Favorable: “OwIy is a totally appealing � [and] highly lovable character who is in tune with the feelings of others and does his best to be a good friend.�
(Claudia) Two thoroughly charming, almost wordless stories in black-and-white comic book style. Simple yet expressive drawings tell the (first) story of a lonely little owl, as he rescues a young worm who’s been washed away from his family in a rainstorm. After “Wormy,� an upbeat little guy, becomes convinced of Owly’s kindness, the two adventure through a dark woods to find Wormy’s home and parents. Wonderfully engaging for both children and adults to decipher these gentle, often humorous stories of friendship and kindness. Gr. 1-4.
(Booklist) Favorable: “The whimsical black-and-white art is done with great facility for expressing emotion.�
(Language Arts) Favorable: “OwIy is a totally appealing � [and] highly lovable character who is in tune with the feelings of others and does his best to be a good friend.�
February 3, 2012
In The Way Home, Owly finds a worm who was going to drown from all the rain and saves him. He learns that the worm wants to go back to his parents and Owly helps the worm find his parents. Then the worm decides that his home is now with Owly.
In The Bittersweet Summer, Owly and the worm makes friends with the hummingbirds that have been hanging around their tree. They are sad when winter comes and the hummingbirds leave, but are happy to learn from a book that when spring comes, their friends will return again.
There really isn't much to read in this book at all, it is mostly pictures, but the pictures do good enough of a job of telling the story. Owly, the worm and all their friends are so cute. I thought this was quite a sweet book and I really enjoyed it.
In The Bittersweet Summer, Owly and the worm makes friends with the hummingbirds that have been hanging around their tree. They are sad when winter comes and the hummingbirds leave, but are happy to learn from a book that when spring comes, their friends will return again.
There really isn't much to read in this book at all, it is mostly pictures, but the pictures do good enough of a job of telling the story. Owly, the worm and all their friends are so cute. I thought this was quite a sweet book and I really enjoyed it.
August 31, 2014
I really like how sweet this series is. The characters are friendly, supportive, and express emotions without shame. There are some very important lessons in teamwork and togetherness, done in such a way which doesn't feel like a lesson. It's very *real* how the story is about these empathizing characters helping other characters, and getting to know and appreciate each other through their challenges and triumphs.
The lack of dialogue common to graphic novels is actually a relief for me. In not having text, instead I come to appreciate their physical cues and expression, and as a result appreciate their emotions more. The art is cute, and Owly's house looks super comf!
The lack of dialogue common to graphic novels is actually a relief for me. In not having text, instead I come to appreciate their physical cues and expression, and as a result appreciate their emotions more. The art is cute, and Owly's house looks super comf!
July 25, 2016
Owly: The Way Home & The Bittersweet Summer by Andy Runton (2004)
Genre: Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Plot summary:Presents the silent graphic novel adventures of a cute owl named Owly, who wishes to make friends with the other animals in the forest.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory (strong language, sex, death, religious overtones, violence, etc.): Painfully cute.
Review citation (if available):Tina Coleman. Booklist Feb 1, 2005 v101 i11 p959(2)
Section source used to find the material: MCPL Booklist Graphic Novels for Kids
Recommended age: Grades 2-4
Genre: Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Plot summary:Presents the silent graphic novel adventures of a cute owl named Owly, who wishes to make friends with the other animals in the forest.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory (strong language, sex, death, religious overtones, violence, etc.): Painfully cute.
Review citation (if available):Tina Coleman. Booklist Feb 1, 2005 v101 i11 p959(2)
Section source used to find the material: MCPL Booklist Graphic Novels for Kids
Recommended age: Grades 2-4
![Profile Image for [Name Redacted].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1347082397i%2F287915._UY200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 22, 2013
Perfect. Just perfect. I wish I had kids to give these to.
__________________
I gave this and the second volume to my ex-fiancee back in 2007 or so, since she loves adorable, gentle things. As I'm currently suffering from a glut of what our culture pretends to be insight but which is usually just self-righteous, superficial and smug cynicism, I figured I should probably check these out myself now.
__________________
I gave this and the second volume to my ex-fiancee back in 2007 or so, since she loves adorable, gentle things. As I'm currently suffering from a glut of what our culture pretends to be insight but which is usually just self-righteous, superficial and smug cynicism, I figured I should probably check these out myself now.
May 12, 2017
A nice read for children. But it lacks the elements to address the adults. I mean REAL adults of course.
September 14, 2017
Kids loved Owly! Very well drawn and fun.
December 5, 2018
This series are totally unique!! :D
October 28, 2022
What a sweet, sweet story about a sweet, sweet owl! I know that this book was intended for a younger audience, but I love owls and the cover of this book was way too cute to ignore.
The artwork really suits the youthful, carefree nature of the story. Owly is drawn in such a manner that makes him look like a circle with two big eyes and tiny little wings. Simply adorable!
Owly is a kind hearted little owl who simply wishes to help those around him. Unfortunately, he tends to scare those of different species, because owls are seen as frightening creatures. But for those who give him a chance, such as his newly found friend Wormy the worm, he is able to convey his true intentions of lending a helping hand (or wing?). Throughout the book, we get to see Owly make new friends of various species as he helps them in times of need.
Overall, a quick read that serves as a feel good story. The only question I had by the end of the book was why Owly was not able to fly like owls typically can.
The artwork really suits the youthful, carefree nature of the story. Owly is drawn in such a manner that makes him look like a circle with two big eyes and tiny little wings. Simply adorable!
Owly is a kind hearted little owl who simply wishes to help those around him. Unfortunately, he tends to scare those of different species, because owls are seen as frightening creatures. But for those who give him a chance, such as his newly found friend Wormy the worm, he is able to convey his true intentions of lending a helping hand (or wing?). Throughout the book, we get to see Owly make new friends of various species as he helps them in times of need.
Overall, a quick read that serves as a feel good story. The only question I had by the end of the book was why Owly was not able to fly like owls typically can.
March 28, 2020
Às vezes é difÃcil explicar por que um livro ganha 5 estrelas... por que este sim e aquele não?!... No caso, talvez a inocência das personagens, a exuberância das ilustrações, a ausência de texto nas falas da corujinha... tudo a causar as melhores impressões e tornar a leitura uma experiência deliciosa.
Read
February 15, 2020Wholesome. A cute story that illustrates you can’t be afraid to let your friends leave and the person you may never expect could be your truest friend.
The audience felt very young (like preschool - early elementary), but some older readers might still enjoy it.
The audience felt very young (like preschool - early elementary), but some older readers might still enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 528 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.