I was attracted to this book because it mixes great drawings and the paneled story pacing of a comic with a great story that seems almost nostalgic. With representational dialogue (i.e. pictures in word bubbles) instead of words, these two heart-warming tales are easily interpretable for people of all reading levels and languages. Definitely one of those rare books that cross-over from adult-reading to bedtime-story.


THE VALUE OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP   April 28, 2005
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

The second volume of Andy Runton's Owly has all the charm, wit, and soft moral messages of the first book. Told without benefit of any text, Andy Runton instead uses word balloons with pictures as his method of dialogue to convey his character's words and emotions. Owly is joined by his new friend from the first book "wormy" in their quest to make new friends. This time he's attracting a young bird with birdseed. But when the mother bird sees Owly, she immediately goes on the offensive, knowing that owls are predators.

Owly and Wormy decide to build the birds a birdhouse and even sacrifice their wooden wagon to make one large enough. They are proud of their work but still the mother bird is having none of it. Owly then thinks he's figured it out and paints a small little welcome sign on the front of the birdhouse. But Owly and Wormy are disappointed when they find the sign lying on the ground, broken in half and mother bird again going on the attack and driving Owly away. The friends are distraught and take the birdhouse back to Owly's tree and put it away in the closet, seemingly for good. But now the poor bird family finds themselves shivering and wet from the cold. A nice house sure would be great! When a storm blows three new baby birds out of the nest, Owly comes to the rescue but the third is still missing. Can Owly and Wormy locate the missing baby bird? How will mother bird treat them now?

Owly is not so much a graphic novel in the traditional sense but truly a wonderful children's book told solely through cartooning. We see the value of friendship and never giving up when it comes to helping others. And we also see the pitfalls of judging people too hastily. Andy Runton's unique cartooning style drives the book. At once very simplistic and yet able to express such a wide range of emotions from all his characters. This book is pure charm and shows the incredible talent that is out there among the smaller press community. Another winner!



Honest and Genuine   November 23, 2004
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Owly's is a great story, and conveyed in a timeless and ageless way. It would be very easy with this kind of material to be mawkish or contrived, but Andy does a brilliant job conveying his deep respect for nature. Owly is simple and sweet, and hearkens back to the classic storytelling of Winnie-the-Pooh or Curious George.

Especially nice is the clear and intelligent use of animal behavior. For example, what flowers will attract hummingbirds, that small birds would be scared of an owl, etc...

It really is one of the most honest and genuine things I've read in a long time.


Owly is an endearing story for everyone   October 9, 2004
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Owly is a kind-hearted but lonely little bird in search of a friend. This bittersweet story is filled with charming and adorable characters, and you can't help but fall in love with them.

Owly's story is told without words, relying solely on comic-style picture panels, but the meaning is never lost. It is amazing how much emotion is conveyed in each of the drawings. The unique format makes the book fun for adults, but kids will have no trouble understanding and enjoying it too.