The Silent Owl

The Silent Owl by Clemency Pearce, illustrated by Sam McPhillips (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 9781925520019

Reviewed by Anita Howard

The hand-crafted illustrations made from everyday items which are full of personality beautifully illustrate the story of an owl which, for an unknown reason, will not make a sound.

This is a fun story told through rhyme, of forest animals, mice, fox, badger, bats, a squirrel and a stag that all take turns in trying to get Owl to speak.

In the end, the owl produces a collection of musical instruments which it plays whle the animals comment on how cleaver the owl is -- and then the owl winks.

As a story, but also as a stimulus for creativity in the use of the found object, this picture book is appropriate for two year olds to 11 year olds.

The Silent Owl was a finalist at the People’s book prize.