"Be-bop, Alula and Bo" is a unique opportunity to follow the first year in the life of a barn owl and the adventures that come with growing up in the wild. Beautifully illustrated, it is educational yet remains entertaining with a variety of moods. There are comic elements, dramatic moments and of course, a very happy ending. The story begins with a female barn owl helping her first baby (Be-bop) to hatch. Be-bop, like all barn owl babies is rather ugly but of course, his mother thinks he's beautiful. We see Be-bop and his siblings develop and grow and Be-bop becomes a handsome, confident little barn owl. Learning fast, the youngsters are soon providing for themselves and when it's time for them to find homes of their own, Be-bop is the first to leave. Life away from home isn't as easy as expected. His first encounter on a busy road is almost his last. He meets a hedgehog and then a badger who both try to give him sound advice but Be-bop, chooses to ignore them and settles to roost in a wood. As morning comes, he is mobbed by angry crows and chased away. After an exhausting flight Be-bop takes refuge in a church tower. When night comes, he explores the surrounding area and there is a comedy moment as an old-timer staggers out of the pub and mistakes the hovering owl for a ghost. Be-bop discovers an old barn and nest box and as there's no other resident, he settles in to roost for the day. He is woken by the call of another owl in the meadow (Alula). With a courtship flight and hunting demonstration, Be-bop persuades Alula to stay with him and they spend the winter together, hunting, preening and pair bonding. Spring arrives and there is a tense moment as Alula has an unfortunate mishap, but luckily; Be-bop is there to help. This brings the pair even closer together. Just like his father before him, Be-bop becomes the provider as Alula lays eggs. As the first hatches, our story returns to its beginning and the cycle is complete. Aimed at primary school ages 5 years plus, but also enjoyable for parents to read to younger children. This story is a unique opportunity to follow the first year in the life of a barn owl and the adventures that come with growing up in the wild. Beautifully illustrated, it is educational yet remains entertaining with a variety of moods. There are comic elements, dramatic moments and of course, a very happy ending.

 

There are 28 pages in this book. This book was published 2006 by Reardon Publishing .

Anita Saunders the books illustrator - Profile. Born in the Cotswolds, animals, people and the countryside in which they live are a constant source of inspiration for Anita. Her ability to capture a character's emotions is driven by her desire to enhance the experience of reading by breathing life into the characters she portrays. Using pen and ink, watercolour and acrylics Anita is a versatile illustrator who strives to bring an enchanting quality to her work. Having gained a BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art at Exeter School of Art, Anita currently lives in Wiltshire with her fiance.