Good Night Owl

by Greg Pizzoli

Publishers Weekly Pizzoli's picture books can feel a little like Twilight Zone light: a cat who wishes away his family (Templeton Gets His Wish), a car-racing dog who unexpectedly loses (Number One Sam), a crocodile who fears a watermelon is growing inside him (The Watermelon Seed). This story is no different as it introduces a blue owl whose attempts at slumber are repeatedly interrupted by an inexplicable "squeek!" Readers instantly see that a friendly gray mouse is the culprit, but Owl isn't so lucky. In an effort to locate the source of the noise, he clears the shelves of knickknacks and vinyl albums (he looks to be a fan of the Clash and Ramones), pries up the floorboards, and tears the roof off the house. Pizzoli's bright colors, mid-century modern details, and fuzzy outlines offer a zingy counterbalance to Owl's increasingly frazzled mental state. After reducing the house to rubble, Owl finally sees the mouse ("Owl smiled. He said, 'Good night, noise.'"), and the two curl up in bed to sleep. Is that what the mouse was after all along? Pizzoli leaves the answer to readers. Ages 3-5. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Book list The author-illustrator of Geisel Award winner The Watermelon Seed (2013) offers another anthropomorphic look at a familiar childhood concern. Here Owl, nattily robed in pink, is preparing for bed in his well-appointed house when he hears a tiny squeak. Annoyed, he checks his door and empties his cupboard but finds nothing. As the squeaks continue, he becomes even more determined to uncover their source. He removes floorboards, takes down his roof, and tears apart his walls before finally noticing the noise maker, a tiny mouse. Pizzoli's friendly, pastel-hued artwork will reassure young listeners that all ends happily, despite the rampant destruction depicted. Owl's expressive eyes and simple lines effectively convey his increasing frustration, while the tiny gray mouse seems mostly to be looking for a friend. Although the scientifically inclined are likely to realize that nocturnal owls generally eat mice, most listeners will be amused by this over-the-top adventure. This makes a perfect companion to Pat Hutchins' classic Good-night, Owl! (1972) for story hours or bedtime sharing.--Weisman, Kay Copyright 2016 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

School Library Journal PreS-Gr 1-Owl is just beginning his bedtime routine when he hears an annoying squeak. Readers can see that a cheerful little mouse is responsible, but Owl remains clueless about its origins. His attempts at discovering where the noise is coming from not only are glaringly wrong but also cause him to do enormous damage to his home. When he thinks that the squeak is coming from under the floor, he pulls up every last floorboard. When he is certain that he has a "noisy roof," children witness a manic Owl destroying it with a sledgehammer. The stakes get higher and higher, as will the laughs and groans from readers, until he obliterates every inch of his domicile save his bed. It is at this point that Owl spies Mouse, and with that discovery, they both go happily to sleep. While the ending is quirky and feels abrupt, kids will be greatly amused by Pizzoli's latest effort. VERDICT Filled with big, colorful illustrations and amusing facial expressions, this is a lively addition for most collections and a definite storytime addition.-Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, St. Joseph, MI © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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