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The Christmas Owl: Based on the True Story of a Little Owl Named Rockefeller
Last updated Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Author: Gideon Stere and Ellin Kelish
Illustrator: Ramona Kaulitzki
Date of Publication: 2021
ISBN: 031629912X
Grade Level: 2nd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Dec. 2023
Synopsis:
When Little Owl's home is cut down by people saying it will make a beautiful Christmas tree, she's not sure she wants anything to do with Christmas, whatever that means. But then she is saved by a woman named Ellen, whose house is merrily decorated for the holiday, and filled with birds who need someone to care for them. Surrounded by kindness and helpful new friends, Little Owl begins to wonder if Christmas might not be such a bad thing after all….
| Note to readers: |
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This is based on a true story. You might want to show the kids the last page and explain that's the real owl and the author. This story is told from the owl's perspective. (Note that her journey from NY to the rehab center is just a page of pictures. You should provide the explanation of what is happening when you get to that page.)
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What is Christmas? What does it mean to you? The Christmas owl is trying to figure that out.
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Have you heard about wild animals being rescued and rehabilitated (nursed to health)?
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Have you ever seen the giant Christmas tree in New York (maybe on TV or in a movie)? You could show pictures of the real tree.
Vocabulary:
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Friends of all feather: all sorts of animals – not just with feathers
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Transform: to look different because of a big change – like when neighborhoods are all decorated for Christmas
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Pinned: pressed against something, trapped
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Jostled: shook
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Worn and weak: worn out and tired
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Scowled: made a face that looks sad or angry
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Thawed: warmed up something that is frozen so it’s soft
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Miracle: something happens that is almost unbelievable
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Basking: relaxing in the warmth
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What do the animals think about Christmas? All they know is what they see and experience themselves.
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What do you think Little Owl thinks about people when they come to her tree?
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Have you ever seen a Christmas tree tied to the top of a car? Imagine a little bird trapped in there!
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How do you imagine Little Owl felt when she arrived at the destination? What are the differences between the forest and a big city?
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Why did Little Owl think Christmas was INSIDE Ellen’s house?
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Do you think Little Owl trusted humans after what happened? What changed her mind?
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When Little Owl went back to New York, what was different about the city?
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Compare the picture of Little Owl flying over the city to her flying back home. Where would she be happier?
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How do you think Little Owl described Christmas to her friends?
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What are some examples of kindness that you saw in the story?
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| Special activities: |
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Talk about how the kids can help animals. Would any of them like to work at a shelter or for a veterinarian?
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Talk about how they might decorate a Christmas tree if they have one.
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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