Owl and the Woodpecker Book

The Woodpecker sleeps all night and works all day. In the tree next door, the Owl works all night and sleeps all day. The two of them don't like each other. They quarrel so much that all the other animals in the forest are upset. How can they sort this out?

(paperback reissue of ISBN 0-19-272255-7)

Children's Literature

A woodpecker works all night and sleeps all day in his tree. One day an owl moves next door; the owl likes to work all night and sleep all day. Owl wants sleep and would prefer Woodpecker stop his noise! Owl begins to make lots of noise complaining about the Woodpecker. The forest animals suggest that Owl move; Owl does not want to move as he likes living in this particular tree. The animals decide to move the tree and end Owl's complaining about Woodpecker. When a great storm threatens the tree and the Owl's life, Woodpecker's noise saves Owl. Upon first glance, this story about living with others appears very busy, and the two birds not very likeable. However, on a second glance, Wildsmith's bright, almost frenetic illustrations enhance the birds' actions. Each picture bursts with color and movement. The placement of the text enhances what each animal says. The story ends rather abruptly as Woodpecker and Owl become friends. In spite of this, the story can provide lessons in art, and discussions about neighbors for early elementary readers.