S672 Adopted by an Owl (youth nonfiction book review)

 Adopted by an Owl: The True Story of Jackson the Owl (2001)

Written by: Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen

Illustrated by: Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen

Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press

Book type: Picture book

Ages: 5-8 years

Lexile level: N/A

Summary

Adopted by an Owl tells the story of a great horned owl chick who is taken from his nest in a tall tree in the woods by a young boy who wants to keep him as a pet. When the boy realizes that he is not equipped to care for the wild animal, Gijsbert “Nick” van Frankenhuyzen, a wildlife rehabilitator, comes to pick up the owl so that he and his wife Robbyn can take care of him until he can take care of himself. Nick and Robbyn’s two young daughters name the owl “Jackson,” and he is welcomed to family life on the farm. Jackson spends many months with the family growing strong and healthy and is eventually released to live on his own. Surprisingly, Jackson returns. Nick notices that Jackson follows him around on the farm. Jackson begins arriving at a door or window at night, bringing Nick treats such as mice or other small animals. Jackson remains on the farm year-round, battling the elements, pestering the farm animals, and hiding from birds which harass him, such as crows. He even sees the children off to school as they board the bus each morning. Then one spring day, Jackson is missing. Nick finds him injured underneath the blue spruce tree Jackson frequents, and Nick takes him to a special hospital. It appears that Jackson has been hit by a car and has a broken leg. A doctor puts a small cast on Jackson’s leg, and Jackson stays at the hospital to heal. Nick visits and feeds Jackson daily. Jackson enjoys Nick’s visits. When it is time to return home, Nick keeps Jackson in a large outdoor cage so that Jackson can continue to recover. During this time, Jackson begins talking to other owls. They communicate back and forth into the early hours of the morning. When Jackson is healthy and set free, he leaves the farm for many days. The family believes that Jackson has gone to be with his owl companions. To everyone’s delight, Jackson eventually returns to the farm to live out the rest of his days watching over his human family.

On the way to the farm

Jackson presenting treats

Jackson’s leg cast

Commentary

I am a huge lover of owls, so I was especially excited to find this true owl tale on our children’s library shelves! This is a heartwarming story which celebrates wildlife rehabilitation and cohabitation between wild animals and humans. In the beginning of the book, there is an author’s note which explains that the author (Robbyn) and illustrator (Nick), a husband and wife team, collaborated to create the book together. The Michigan couple has rehabilitated a wide variety of animals for decades: owls, foxes, skunks, raccoons, rabbits, etc. Robbyn grew up on a farm and has a professional background as an animal technician, and Nick was issued federal and state permits to care for birds and prey. Nick’s natural talent and inclination to sketch, paint, and photograph the animals they cared for provided him inspiration to create the illustrations for this book. The result is a combination of warm, soft earth tones which pair nicely with the gentle mood of the narrative.

Teachers Will Appreciate

This book is part of the Hazel Ridge Farm Stories series, and teachers can find a list of the titles in the series as well as a free downloadable teaching guide at: https://cherrylakepublishing.com/teaching_guides/143 

Award Winner! 

Great Lakes Great Books Award (Michigan): Grades 2-3 (2003)

Read Alikes

Loving Ruby (2017) by Lois Chazen

This book tells the story of a young cardinal that has fallen out of its nest and is attacked by a cat. The author rescues it, takes it home, and nurses it back to health. Ruby is eventually released back into her natural habitat. The book includes information on how to care for an abandoned baby bird.

How to Mend a Kea (2017) by Janet Hunt

This book includes multiple stories of wildlife rehabilitation at Wildbase native animal veterinary hospital in New Zealand. Featured animals include: kaka (bird), kereru (bird), kea (bird), etc. This book won an award: Storylines Notable Books (New Zealand): Nonfiction (2018).

Birds of Prey Rescue (2006) Pamela Hickman

Part of the Firefly Animal Rescue series, this text provides information about birds of prey from all over the world. The book details how these animals are endangered and educates readers about conservation programs and efforts. This book won an award: Green Prize for Sustainable Literature: Youth Awards (2007).