* Owl Moon       Jane Yolen



This is a great read.  It is about a young boy who is finally able to go owling with his father, an indication that he is mature enough to go.  During his travel it is cold, and dark and has to follow quickly to keep up.  Once they get to the designated spot, the father gives out a hoot and calls for an owl.  The owl returns the call and shows itself.  The young boy is thrilled and so is the father.  Soon they head back, and they know their relationship will forever be different.  The son knows that his father looks at him no longer as a young child, but as a mature kid.  The sons affection for the father changes as well, because now he has done something special with him and will forever remember.    The illustrations in this are gorgeous, the snow looks as if it is real and you can just feel the coldness of the night, and the darkness engulfing you.  It is a great read for kids of all ages, but is especially nice for young children who are about to reach that age of knowing and maturity, of coming of age.  2nd grade and older are best suited for this excellent read.  The content is not hard to understand but it might bring up questions from the younger children.