Scan barcode
cet828's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
mellarkbakery10's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Such an adorably sweet story with stunning illustrations, I really enjoyed every moment of this! I teared up a little throughout and while reading the inspiration behind the story, which is included in the back of the book. I remember seeing pictures of Rocky the owl on social media a couple years ago, and I’m so happy that she got time to shine in a book!
backonthealex's review
4.0
Every year, there is lots of local NYC news coverage for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, but the 2020 tree got some extra coverage. And no wonder - that tree came with a young saw-whet owl living among its branches and no one noticed until the tree arrived in NYC. How this little owl get from his home in Oneonta, NY to Rockefeller Center and then on to Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in Saugerties, NY is the inspiration for this imaginative picture book. Christmas is coming, but what does that mean? Is the tree little own calls home Christmas? Hiding on the branches of a large fir tree, the men cutting it down don't notice her sitting there. Soon, they are on a big truck and heading to NYC, where the tree is prepared for decorating. Where am I? wonders the little owl as she looks around at the big buildings, at the people and cars hurrying by. When a surprised worker discovers her, little owl, now called Rockefeller, is carefully put into a box and driven out of NYC, and handed over to Ellen (the author) from the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center. There, Rocky is cared for until she is able to fly high and far. On Christmas, Rocky is released into the wild, ready to go back where she came from. This is a sweet feel-good story in which the little owl (and readers) discovers some of what Christmas is all about. The digitally created illustrations are soft and very Christmasy. Back matter consists of a note from the author and the real story of Rockefeller the owl.
More...