Owls have earned a reputation for being bookish, with their wide, curious eyes and intense concentration. Their adorable yet predatory nature only adds to the fascination around these birds of prey. As a tribute to their unique charm, this list features a diverse range of owl books, including children’s literature, middle grade and young adult fiction, nonfiction, and even a comics series.
What sets these titles apart is that they can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, regardless of genre or intended audience.
This collection also highlights the dearth of works written by authors of color in the owl book canon, particularly in children’s literature. While there are a few notable exceptions, the dominance of white voices in academia and naturalism is reflected in the published works.
The following descriptions are sourced from Amazon, as my own reading on the subject is unfortunately limited.
Children’s Owl Books
The Barn Owls by Tony Johnston
For over a century, Tony Johnston’s THE BARN OWLS has quietly reflected on the enduring presence of a lone barn in a wheat field. The owls have made this place their home, nesting within its walls and hunting beneath the starry skies that stretch out endlessly above. Each night, as the moon rises high, a barn owl awakens from slumber, unfurls its wings, and takes to the darkness, swooping down upon unsuspecting prey in the fields below.
The cycle of life is mirrored in this ritual, one that has been repeated for generations by the owls’ ancestors within these very walls. With each return to the nest, the owl’s outstretched wings carry not only its own sustenance but also the memories of countless nights past, as if sharing tales of a time long forgotten.
This gentle poem masterfully captures the essence of a wheat field’s warm sunshine and envelops readers in the scent of ripened grain, inviting them to step into this timeless world of wonder.
A Book of Sleep by Il Sung Na
As the moon casts its gentle glow, an owl embarks on a serene journey through the night sky, surrounded by vibrant, textured illustrations that transport young readers to a world of peaceful slumber. This enchanting ‘book of sleep’ invites children to join the owl as he watches other animals settle in for the night, each one finding its own unique way to rest. Some curl up standing upright, while others snooze on the move, and yet others snuggle together in cozy bundles.
Na’s American debut is a stunning bedtime offering that not only showcases his beautiful artwork but also lulls little ones into a peaceful slumber as they drift off to dreamland.
Good Night Owl by Greg Pizzoli
As Owl drifted off to sleep, a sudden, unsettling sound pierced the silence. His eyes snapped open, and he shot upright, his curiosity piqued. Sleep was now the last thing on his mind – he had to get to the bottom of this mysterious noise!
Hooray for Today by Brian Won
I’m Not Cute by Jonathan Allen
Little Owl’s Night by Divya Srinivasa Sridhar (series)
As the moon rises high in the forest sky, Little Owl stirs from his daytime slumber to witness the whimsical world of nocturnal creatures. Hedgehog’s snout twitches as he searches for hidden treasures beneath the underbrush, while Skunk indulges in a midnight snack of juicy berries. The melodic chirping of Cricket and Frog’s harmonious croaks fill the air, entrancing Little Owl with the magic of the night.
His curiosity piqued, Mama Owl attempts to regale him with tales of the daytime, but as the sun begins its ascent, Little Owl succumbs to the allure of a well-deserved afternoon nap. This charming tale, reminiscent of a bedtime story, gently whispers reassurances to young readers, inviting them to bask in the wonder of the night.
Molly The Owl: The True Story of a Common Barn Owl That Ends Up Being Not So Common After all by Eric Blehm
In a remarkable turn of events, Molly and McGee, a pair of barn owls, chose a suburban neighborhood as their nesting ground. The unlikely couple’s home, a wooden box equipped with a camera, belonged to a nature-loving couple in their backyard. This peculiar abode served as the backdrop for an extraordinary real-life tale of love, danger, and mystery, ultimately culminating in the triumph of a family.
Through the lens of the camera, Molly and McGee’s story captivated audiences from forty-five countries worldwide, shared online by millions of people. Renowned author Blehm and esteemed illustrator Christopher Adams bring this heartwarming account to life, sure to enlighten and warm the hearts of readers young and old.
Owl Babies by Martin Waddell and Patrick Benson
Three baby owls find themselves in a predicament when they awaken one night to discover their mother is nowhere to be found. Filled with uncertainty and concern, they begin to wonder what she could possibly be doing, when she’ll return, and what lurks in the shadows that might pose a threat. The anxiety of the little owls is palpable as they frantically search for answers.
However, the suspense is eventually alleviated by the mother’s triumphant return, marked by joyful expressions of flapping, dancing, and bouncing. This heartwarming tale beautifully captures the universal experience of young ones missing their mothers, presenting it in a manner that is both simple and visually stunning.
Owl Eyes by Frieda Gates
In the revered creation story of the Kanienke-haka people, Raweno – the supreme being and master craftsman – faced an unexpected challenge in bringing forth the world. Among the numerous entities he created was Owl, a bird known for its wisdom and wit. However, Owl’s indecisive nature proved to be quite a nuisance for Raweno, causing delays and disruptions in his creative process.
This endearing retelling of the traditional legend is sure to captivate readers of all ages with its light-hearted portrayal of Owl’s antics.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
Under the silent winter night sky, a little girl and her father embark on an adventure of discovery. The trees stand like sentinels, their branches etched against the darkness. With each step, they surrender to the mystery, their footsteps the only sound in a world that’s hushed as a whispered secret. The father’s soft ‘Whoo-whoo-whoo’ echoes through the stillness, an invitation to the elusive night bird. Though there may be no immediate response, the journey itself is the reward.
For in this quiet companionship, words are unnecessary, and hope is all that’s required. Sometimes, there’s no owl; sometimes, there is. The tender bond between father and daughter is beautifully captured by Jane Yolen’s poetic prose, while John Schoenherr’s watercolor illustrations bring a soft, gentle glow to the story. This treasure of a tale is perfect for winding down with before bed or sharing as a special treat.
Owl Sees Owl by Laura Godwin
In a whimsical tale, a baby owl embarks on an adventure, leaving the comfort of his nest to explore the night sky. With only three or four words per page, this narrative follows the young owl as he discovers the world around him, using verbs like soar, glide, swoop, and swoosh to describe his flight. As the story unfolds, it is inspired by reverso poetry, a unique style that involves reversing the order of words in the middle section.
This technique is employed when the baby owl encounters his reflection in a pond, causing him to be startled and take off towards home. The owl’s journey takes him over farms and forests as he soars through the air, finally returning safely to the comfort of his nest.
Owls by Gail Gibbons
In her most recent nonfiction picture book, Gail Gibbons delves into the enigmatic realm of owls, showcasing a diverse array of species and their unique characteristics. The book not only highlights the biological commonalities among owl species but also delves into their distinct differences, including their natural habitats, lifestyles, birth and development processes, and the environmental threats that imperil certain populations.
As in her previous works, Gibbons’ meticulous text is paired with informative illustrations and diagrams, further enhanced by definitions that provide additional insight for readers.
White Owl, Barn owl by Nicola Davies
As dusk settles over the landscape, a young girl and her grandfather embark on a nocturnal adventure, driven by their shared fascination with a majestic creature. The quest to spot a barn owl is all the more thrilling as they scan the darkness for the telltale heart-shaped face that peeks out from beneath the window’s eaves.
Michael Foreman’s masterful brushstrokes bring the night sky to life, harmoniously complementing Nicola Davies’s poetic narrative, which weaves together captivating facts and insights about this elusive bird species. The comprehensive back matter provides a valuable resource for young naturalists, featuring informative notes on nest boxes and an index that invites further exploration of the subject.
Middle Grade and Young Adult Owl Books
Avenging The Owl by Melissa Hart
Solo Hahn’s idyllic life was turned upside down when his parents uprooted him from California and transplanted the family to rural Oregon. As he struggled to adapt to his new surroundings, the one constant in his life was his small gray-and-white kitten, who had been a source of comfort and companionship since moving. But when tragedy struck and the owl-hunting bird claimed her life, Solo’s world was shattered.
In a misguided attempt to avenge her death, he found himself facing eight months of community service at the local raptor center, working alongside Sergeant Bird-Nerd. As he labored among the very creatures that had taken his beloved pet’s life, Solo was rebranded from ‘good kid’ to ‘troubled youth’, leaving him feeling lost and alone. With no clear path forward, Solo must learn to navigate this unfamiliar landscape and find a way to survive the summer.
The Capture by Kathryn Lasky
As Soren, a young owlet, tumbled from his family’s nest at the behest of his older brother, fate intervened in the form of agents from the enigmatic St. Aegolius Academy for Orphaned Owls. Upon arrival at the school, Soren couldn’t shake the notion that there was more to St. Aggie’s than met the eye. His suspicions were soon confirmed by new friend Gylfie, a clever and resourceful owlet who shared his doubts. Together, they uncovered the truth: St.
Aggie’s served as a training ground where the school’s leader cultivated young owls to aid her in her ambitious quest – to dominate the owl kingdom.
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
The allure of Mother Paula’s pancakes is undeniable, but it’s a different story for the colony of endangered owls that inhabit the construction site where the new restaurant is being built. As the owls face an uncertain future, a scrappy new kid and his feral friend concoct a daring plan to outsmart the pancake enthusiasts and potentially change their fate.
Will they succeed in pulling off the ultimate prank, or are the owls’ fortunes forever tied to the batter of Mother Paula’s signature treats?
The Owl Keeper by Christine Brodien-Jones
Maxwell Unger’s affinity for the night has remained unchanged since his childhood adventures with his grandmother. Those were the days when he’d boldly venture into the forest under the cover of darkness, listening to her enchanting tales about a world before the devastation. His grandmother regaled him with stories of nature’s splendor, the abundance of books, and the majestic silver owls that roamed free. However, it was the legend of the Owl Keeper that held a special place in his heart.
The loss of his grandmother and her treasured stories has left Maxwell with a sense of disorientation. The forest, once a realm of wonder, is now fraught with peril; the books that were the last remnants of his grandmother’s legacy lie in ruin; and the silver owls, those mystical creatures, have vanished into extinction.
Yet, the arrival of an enigmatic girl in town might just be the catalyst Max needs to rekindle his sense of bravery.
As his grandmother would often whisper, the time of the Owl Keeper is nigh, hinting at a forthcoming era of great change and significance.
Owly by Andy Runton (series)
In the heartwarming world of Owly, a gentle yet solitary owl embarks on a journey to forge new connections and experience thrilling escapades. The inaugural graphic novel in the series comprises two captivating novellas: ‘The Way Home’ and ‘The Bittersweet Summer.’ Within these tales, Owly uncovers the essence of friendship, learning that departures don’t necessarily signify permanent farewells.
Adult Owl Books
Adopted By An Owl by Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen
For two decades, our farm has served as a rehabilitation haven for an eclectic mix of wildlife, including fawns, foxes, skunks, and crows, as well as opossums, raccoons, rabbits, and owls. A combination of my rural upbringing and training as an animal technician prepared me to handle a wide range of medical situations that arose. My partner Gijsbert also honed his artistic skills by sketching, painting, and photographing our temporary residents during their stay.
Crucially, Gijsbert obtained all the necessary Federal and State permits to care for birds of prey, permitting us to nurture hawks and owls under regulated conditions. The importance of these permits cannot be overstated, as taking an owl from its nest is a dangerous and illegal endeavor. We’ve had the privilege of caring for numerous Great Horned Owls, but none have left a lasting impression like Jackson, whose distinct personality shone through from the start.
His story is one of our closest bonds with a wild bird, and we’re honored to share it with you.
The Enigma of an Owl by Mike Unwin
The enigmatic gaze of the owl is a sight to behold, hypnotizing all who lay eyes on it. Its nocturnal nature only adds to the mystique, hinting at secrets waiting to be uncovered. This lavishly illustrated book embarks on a journey to celebrate owls from around the world, delving into the fascinating details of fifty-three species, ranging from the diminutive Elf Owl inhabiting southwestern American deserts to the formidable Blakiston’s Fish Owl, the largest of its kind.
The author, Mike Unwin, has spent years studying these remarkable birds in their natural habitats, from cold northern forests to tropical rivers and beyond. He sheds light on how owls evolved into apex predators of the night, examining their breeding and hunting behaviors, unique vocalizations, and the cultural myths and superstitions surrounding various species.
The book is accompanied by over two hundred stunning color photographs taken or selected by David Tipling, capturing the breathtaking beauty of each owl in its natural environment.
Flyaway: How A Wild Bird Rehabber Sought Adventure and Found Her Wings by Suzie Gilbert
Suzie Gilbert’s journey began in an unexpected way when she started working at a local animal hospital, where her passion for helping animals grew. This led her to take in abused and unwanted parrots, as well as volunteer at a raptor rehabilitation center. Her dedication eventually culminated in the founding of Flyaway, Inc., a nonprofit wild bird rehabilitation center that operated out of her home.
With warmth and humor, Gilbert recounts the daily life she shared with her family – including her husband and two young children – amidst the chaos caused by parrots belting out Motown tunes and recuperating herons occupying the spare bathroom. The story is a testament to the power of compassion and the importance of pursuing one’s passions, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
The Hidden Lives of Owls by Leigh Calvez
Drawing parallels with the readers of Robert Macfarlane’s ‘H is for Hawk’, this captivating book by Leigh Calvez delves into the enigmatic world of owls. As a naturalist, Calvez embarks on thrilling adventures through the forest, often under the cover of darkness, to uncover the secret lives of these mysterious birds.
With a unique blend of owl-watching, avian science, and forays into the deep forest, Calvez masterfully weaves together the threads of human fascination with owls, exploring themes that span from their fascinating calls and social behavior to habitat preservation and the enduring allure of mythology.
The House of Owls by Tony Angell
For a quarter century, Tony Angell’s family shared an extraordinary experience observing western screech owl pairs occupying a nesting box outside their forest home. This remarkable story is woven from Angell’s journals, which recorded his observations in vivid detail, as well as the captivating drawings he created to bring these moments to life.
The book is a deeply personal account of an artist-naturalist’s journey with owls, marked by Angell’s extensive illustrations that showcase owls’ natural behaviors—hunting, courting, raising families, and exercising their curious nature. His artwork reveals a profound respect for the secret lives and formidable challenges faced by these enigmatic birds.
Angell delves into the unique characteristics that set owls apart from other bird species, offering a captivating overview of how owls have influenced human culture and thought throughout history. He also provides in-depth scientific descriptions of the nineteen North American owl species, as well as their close relatives globally.
Through his own experiences, Angell emphasizes the reciprocal impact between humans and owls—both beguiling and inspiring—and affirms the power of these birds to captivate and inspire us.
Owl by Desmond Morris
The enigmatic owl has captivated human imagination for centuries, appearing in various forms of art, literature, and folklore across cultures. From ancient civilizations like Babylon and Greece to modern-day stories like Harry Potter’s Hedwig and David Lynch’s Twin Peaks, owls have been woven into the fabric of our collective psyche. These nocturnal predators are often depicted as wise and dignified, yet their silent, pitiless nature also evokes a sense of foreboding and mystery.
In this fascinating book, renowned author and broadcaster Desmond Morris delves into the natural and cultural history of owls, exploring their evolution, species, and iconic appearances in art, film, literature, and popular culture. With over 100 illustrations from nature and culture, Owl offers a captivating journey through the surreal world of these majestic creatures, revealing their presence in our lives despite being elusive and rarely seen.
The Owl Who Liked Sitting on Caesar by Martin Windrow
Martin Windrow’s life took an unexpected turn when he adopted Mumble, a Tawny Owl the size of a corncob. This unlikely companion became his constant friend, despite being unpredictable at times. Initially, Mumble settled into Windrow’s South London flat, and later they made their home in the more owl-friendly Sussex countryside.
In ‘The Owl Who Liked Sitting on Caesar’, Windrow recounts their adventures with wry humor, including the reactions of bewildered neighbors, the awkwardness of purchasing unskinned rabbit at Harrods Food Hall, and the anguish of nearly losing Mumble. As he reflects, it’s clear that Mumble became an integral part of his life, only prompting thoughts about their unusual relationship when faced with others’ astonishment.
When acquaintances discovered they were talking to a book editor who shared a seventh-floor flat in a South London tower block with an owl, some would discreetly distance themselves… I tried patiently answering their questions, but it was challenging to provide a concise response to the direct question ‘Yes, but why?’ My best answer was simply ‘Why not?
‘ Windrow’s poignant reminiscence of his time with Mumble offers an unforgettable education in the paleontology, zoology, and sociology of owls, as well as a charming insight into their improbable bond.
Owls: A Guide To Every Species In The World by Marianne Taylor
Owls have captivated human imagination for centuries. From ancient cave paintings to modern children’s literature, these enigmatic creatures have been perceived as harbingers of both good and bad omens, symbols of wisdom and fear, and trusted allies in magical realms. Despite their elusive nature, scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of owl biology, with new species still being discovered and fresh insights into familiar varieties emerging.
The visually stunning book Owls offers a comprehensive guide to all 225 owl species globally, featuring detailed descriptions, maps of key viewing locations, and breathtaking photographs from renowned wildlife photographers. The publication also delves into the art of concealment, a remarkable skillset honed by owls themselves. Throughout, author Marianne Taylor provides an abundance of information on each bird’s hunting and breeding habits, habitats, and conservation status.
Owls: Our Most Charming Bird by Matt Sewell
Bringing to life fifty species of owls from around the globe, Matt Sewell’s enchanting guide showcases the incredible diversity of nature’s most captivating creatures. With a range spanning from the pint-sized Eurasian Pygmy Owl, small enough to fit in your pocket, to the majestic Great Gray Owl, renowned for its grandeur and refinement—these charming illustrations are sure to captivate anyone fascinated by these wise and wonderful animals.
Owls and Other Fantasies by Mary Oliver
Owls of the World: A Photographic Guide by Heimo Mikkola
The newly released Owls of the World: second edition is an unparalleled photographic compendium that has taken the art of owl identification to new heights. This exhaustive resource features stunning images of 268 distinct species, 19 more than its predecessor, showcasing even the most elusive and rarely captured on camera species.
The accompanying detailed descriptions delve into the intricacies of each species, covering key aspects such as identification notes, habitat, population status, voice, food, distribution, accurate range maps, and similar species. Furthermore, the photographic coverage extends to plumages and subspecies, providing invaluable insights for differentiating between species.
For bird enthusiasts, naturalists, photographers, researchers, and anyone captivated by these enigmatic birds, Owls of the World: second edition is an indispensable reference guide and comprehensive encyclopedia that surpasses all others in its field.
Wesley The Owl by Stacy O’Brien
In 1985, biologist Stacey O’Brien embarked on an extraordinary journey when she adopted Wesley, a baby barn owl with a severely injured wing. Over the next nineteen years, she closely observed his unusual behaviors with a combination of scientific curiosity and maternal affection. To sustain him, she fed Wesley an exclusively mice-based diet, sourcing 28,000 rodents throughout his life.
As he matured from a vulnerable hatchling to a majestic adult, O’Brien discovered a language that developed between them. The owl’s transformation was marked by the emergence of striking physical characteristics – a heart-shaped face and resplendent plumage. Notably, Wesley became territorial, objecting to visits from any other males, claiming his domain as his own.
O’Brien also shares her experiences within Caltech’s esteemed research community, where resident owls would occasionally soar through offices and brilliant scientists dedicated themselves to animal welfare. As she delved deeper into Wesley’s world, she made groundbreaking discoveries about owl behavior, intelligence, and communication, coining the term ‘The Way of the Owl’ to describe his noble demeanor.
When O’Brien faced a life-threatening illness, it was this very same wild animal that rescued her from mortality, demonstrating an unwavering love and courage. The remarkable story of Wesley the Owl is being adapted for television, offering a captivating glimpse into the world of these majestic creatures.