Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Little Owl has big feelings when Mommy says there will soon be a new baby owl in their family. Mommy wisely accommodates Little Owl's protestations about the egg she's laid and initiates a playful conversation about what could be in the egg besides a "new baby owl." It could be a baby worm, or maybe chocolate, or a penguin, or even a crocodile. Little Owl objects to each idea in turn but also adds a few ideas (elephant, dragon) that Mommy rejects. The culminating idea of a "baby Princess Wormy Choco-Penguin Crocophant Dragowl" provokes laughter and ultimately prompts Little Owl to speculate that "a little owl just like me would be much more fun." Patient, supportive Mommy agrees: "Yes.We'd love a baby owl much more than a baby anything else." Comforted and secure, Little Owl and Mommy end the story with a scene of cozy, contented anticipation. Brown's acrylic-and-colored-pencil illustrations do little to expand upon the straightforward text, but their soft, cartoon style matches the playful spirit of the text for this well-worn picture-book theme. A reassuring read for little ones awaiting new babies in their families. (Picture book. 2-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Little Owl is crestfallen when he sees Mommy Owl's new egg: "I'm your baby owl. You don't need a new one." They imagine what's inside the egg--a penguin? an elephant?--until Little Owl concedes that another owl would indeed be best. The sweet and silly text combines well with soft acrylic-paint and colored-pencil illustrations to create a reassuring new-sibling story. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

PreS-K-Little Owl's mommy has laid an egg. She tells Little Owl they will soon have a baby owl. Unhappy, Little Owl responds adamantly with several "no's." He's the baby owl and his mommy doesn't need a new one. Mommy Owl tells him maybe he is right and the egg isn't a baby owl after all. Maybe the egg is a baby worm, but this doesn't make Little Owl happy. Worms are wiggly. Mommy Owl suggests a chocolate egg. Or maybe a crocodile egg? Little Owl doesn't like any of these suggestions, particularly the baby crocodile with sharp teeth. Little Owl catches on to Mommy Owl's game and he suggests that the egg might be an elephant. A baby elephant and Little Owl could have the best water fights. Or maybe a dragon egg? No, Mommy Owl says, the mess would ruin the nest. Little Owl then thinks that maybe another little owl just like him would be more fun than any of the alternatives. Little Owl also realizes with a new Little Owl in the nest, he'll be a Big Owl. Mommy Owl agrees and says she will always love her Little Owl even when he is a Big Owl. Acrylic paint and color pencil illustrations will catch readers' attention as they observe Little Owl's adorably expressive face. Mommy Owl wheels her egg around in a twig wheelbarrow while Little Owl carries his toy hedgehog with him, to name just a few of the whimsical touches. The story is told primarily by conversation and spare enough to share aloud. VERDICT Gliori has written another charming picture book, illustrated with lovable creatures, that delivers a reassuring message of never-ending parental love. A great choice for most libraries.-Mindy Hiatt, Salt Lake County Library Services © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.