What do you think?
Rate this book
Mouse Books
Owen
“Fuzzy goes where I go.” Owen’s fuzzy yellow blanket is his favorite possession. Everywhere Owen goes, his blanket goes with him. Upstairs, downstairs, in-between. Inside, outside, upside down. Everywhere! Owen’s parents are in despair—soon Owen will begin school, and he can’t take Fuzzy with him then. Whatever can be done? This Caldecott Honor Book will provide reassurance and laughs whether shared at home or during circle time. Every child uses some sort of security object, whether it’s a toy, a thumb, or a binky. For those not yet ready to let go and for those who have moved on, here’s a story about making compromises that speaks to us all.
Everyone who’s ever had a favorite blanket will know exactly how Owen feels!
Everyone who’s ever had a favorite blanket will know exactly how Owen feels!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 15, 1993
26 people are currently reading
2892 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Henkes
147 books1,212 followersKevin Henkes is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. As an illustrator he won the Caldecott Medal for Kitten's First Full Moon (2004). Two of his books were Newbery Medal Honor Books, Olive's Ocean in 2004 and The Year of Billy Miller in 2014. His picture book Waiting was named both a 2016 Caldecott Honor Book and a Geisel Honor Book. It was only the second time any author has won that combination of awards.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 765 reviews
July 7, 2019
Owen loves his blanket and he’s getting big, so his parents are trying to take it or have him give it up. He’s about to start school and he can’t take it with him. There are many cute scenes of him and his blanket. They come up with a great ending to the story of how Owen does give up the blanket. It’s a smart idea. That blanket is very gross after all it goes through.
This is a beginning story. It’s cute, but the art didn’t stand out for me.
The nephew loved the picture of Owen and his blanket on the toilet. He laughed and laughed at that one. I think the nephew got this story and he gave this 4 stars. He liked it. This was below my niece and she only gave this 2 stars. She is tired of the young books.
This is a beginning story. It’s cute, but the art didn’t stand out for me.
The nephew loved the picture of Owen and his blanket on the toilet. He laughed and laughed at that one. I think the nephew got this story and he gave this 4 stars. He liked it. This was below my niece and she only gave this 2 stars. She is tired of the young books.
February 25, 2009
I would personally like to thank Kevin Henkes for writing the book Owen because it seemed like a gift to me and my son, Owen. The book Owen came out in 1993 and the person Owen came out in 1992. When the book came out, my Owen had a year to establish himself as a little human being and by the time he was a year old he had a comfort "LeLe" -- a Lambchop puppet with a soft wooly fleece and he sucked his thumb. I think maybe Kevin Henkes saw us at the park one day and became inspired by my adorable son, and wrote this beautifully illustrated and sweetly written book about a little mouse named Owen who sucks his thumb and has a comfort blanket named "Fuzzy." Henkes probably changed LeLe into Fuzzy to protect the innocent.
Owen (the book) is the story of a little mouse who can't go anywhere or do anything without his "Fuzzy." Fuzzy experiences life with Owen, 'eating and drinking' orange juice, ice cream and applesauce cake. Owen's parents don't think much about their son's attachment to his blanket until a nosey old neighbor -- Mrs. Twitter -- starts to suggest that Owen is too old for such a thing. Soon Owen's parents are telling him that Fuzzy is going to disappear and be replaced by a toy that is for big boys. Owen hides Fuzzy in the pants of his pajamas to avoid losing him. As Owen deals with the daily trials and tribulations of a 4-year-old (going to the dentist, getting a haircut), Fuzzy is called into service on a regular basis.
So begins gentle nudging from Owen's parents to make him give up Fuzzy before he begins going to school. They resort to such tactics like dipping her in vinegar and outright telling Owen he may not take her to school. Owen's tears at losing his friend gives his mother an idea, and soon Owen is able to take Fuzzy to school without anyone realizing it. Owen is once again smiling and happy.
Henkes' drawings are delightful, and Owen is as cute as he can be with big mouse ears and a sweet little face. Each picture correspondes with the text so younger listeners will be able to follow along with the words and pictures in a read-aloud. Henkes also captures Owen's imagination as he pretends he's Captain Plunger (in the bathroom), he's marching in a parade, and playing in the backyard. If we remember our own children playing, it'll be easy to see a little bit of Owen in each of them.
One of the things Henkes does so endearingly in this book is show how conflicted Owen's parents are about making their son give up something he loves. A lot of us have been there, and it's broken our hearts as much as our children's hearts to try and force them to stop doing something that makes them feel good, i.e., suck their thumb, twirl their hair, rub their face with the satiny part of their blankie, or idly thumb the fleece fuzz on their LeLe. I've been there thinking, what difference does it make if my Owen sleeps with LeLe or not? When he goes to college he likely won't take her with him, so was it necessary for me to tell him to be a big boy and give her up? I would've upset Mrs. Twitter because I never took my Owen's LeLe from him.
On a very basic level Kevin Henkes wrote this beautiful story and it will endure the test of time as long as human beings need love and comfort. In fact, one of our most basic human instincts is to comfort ourselves when we're stressed, sad, lonely, or upset. Owen (the book) touches at the heart of that basic need, and I was reminded of that when I watched Owen (my 16-year-old son) idly touch the wool fleece insert in his jacket -- just like he used to touch LeLe when he was three-years-old and needed comfort -- as he was telling me about his girlfriend breaking up with him. It made me want to get out our copy of Owen and read it to him again.
Owen (the book) is the story of a little mouse who can't go anywhere or do anything without his "Fuzzy." Fuzzy experiences life with Owen, 'eating and drinking' orange juice, ice cream and applesauce cake. Owen's parents don't think much about their son's attachment to his blanket until a nosey old neighbor -- Mrs. Twitter -- starts to suggest that Owen is too old for such a thing. Soon Owen's parents are telling him that Fuzzy is going to disappear and be replaced by a toy that is for big boys. Owen hides Fuzzy in the pants of his pajamas to avoid losing him. As Owen deals with the daily trials and tribulations of a 4-year-old (going to the dentist, getting a haircut), Fuzzy is called into service on a regular basis.
So begins gentle nudging from Owen's parents to make him give up Fuzzy before he begins going to school. They resort to such tactics like dipping her in vinegar and outright telling Owen he may not take her to school. Owen's tears at losing his friend gives his mother an idea, and soon Owen is able to take Fuzzy to school without anyone realizing it. Owen is once again smiling and happy.
Henkes' drawings are delightful, and Owen is as cute as he can be with big mouse ears and a sweet little face. Each picture correspondes with the text so younger listeners will be able to follow along with the words and pictures in a read-aloud. Henkes also captures Owen's imagination as he pretends he's Captain Plunger (in the bathroom), he's marching in a parade, and playing in the backyard. If we remember our own children playing, it'll be easy to see a little bit of Owen in each of them.
One of the things Henkes does so endearingly in this book is show how conflicted Owen's parents are about making their son give up something he loves. A lot of us have been there, and it's broken our hearts as much as our children's hearts to try and force them to stop doing something that makes them feel good, i.e., suck their thumb, twirl their hair, rub their face with the satiny part of their blankie, or idly thumb the fleece fuzz on their LeLe. I've been there thinking, what difference does it make if my Owen sleeps with LeLe or not? When he goes to college he likely won't take her with him, so was it necessary for me to tell him to be a big boy and give her up? I would've upset Mrs. Twitter because I never took my Owen's LeLe from him.
On a very basic level Kevin Henkes wrote this beautiful story and it will endure the test of time as long as human beings need love and comfort. In fact, one of our most basic human instincts is to comfort ourselves when we're stressed, sad, lonely, or upset. Owen (the book) touches at the heart of that basic need, and I was reminded of that when I watched Owen (my 16-year-old son) idly touch the wool fleece insert in his jacket -- just like he used to touch LeLe when he was three-years-old and needed comfort -- as he was telling me about his girlfriend breaking up with him. It made me want to get out our copy of Owen and read it to him again.
July 24, 2012
Despite being a fan of Kevin Henkes, I could not bring myself to like this book. The idea behind the story- trying to get a young child to part with his/her blanket- is certainly one that might appeal to parents. However, I dislike the fact that the parents start trying to force their son to give up his security object simply because the neighbor who can't mind her own business peer pressures them into thinking they are being bad parents by letting him keep his "baby" object. They also make a fuss over Owen not being able to go to school with a blanket (which strikes me as odd because the preschools where I live don't seem to mind if you child brings a special object as long as they tuck it away in their cubbie). So not only do the parents attempt to force the poor kid to suddenly be okay with getting rid of his blanket, but when they realize it won't work they attempt to compromise by cutting it up into little squares and sending him to school with handkerchief-sized pieces. Suddenly Owen doesn't care that his blanket isn't fuzzy anymore and is in small squares, which I have a hard time believing wouldn't be rather heartbreaking in real life. My own son has a blanket he loves dearly but he is naturally spending less and less time with it on his own as he gets older without me having to give him lectures on how the nosy neighbor thinks he's a baby and hacking it into small pieces. I'm sorry, Kevin Henkes, but this one did not work for me as a parent. I'm not saying there shouldn't be rules about where a security object is or isn't allowed, but I disagree with the message that it's wrong to have one the minute you hit school age.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
Personally having never read this adorable Henkes book until today with my son, I can say I feel and sympathize with Owen, as a kid growing up with a favorite blankey that sadly one day I grew “too old” for was confiscated to never have been seen again, that genuinely scarred me a bit as a kid if I’m being completely forthcoming, I only wish I had a creative momma rabbit who could’ve come up with a cute work around like his. But that neighbor lady needs to just stay on her side of the fence and leave everybody alone.
October 29, 2017
Although I have never been all that much of a fan of anthropomorphic animal stories (and especially of tales involving human like mice), Kevin Henkes' series of mouse tales are a glowing and sweet exception to this personal pet peeve. And his Owen has not in any way disappointed, providing a tender and evocative storyline, with equally expressive and delightful illustrations, pictures that while by themselves would not be all that much to my tastes, in combination with Henkes' text, with his printed words, present a caressing and surprisingly nuanced account of Owen and his best friend, his security blanket Fuzzy (and how his parents finally accept that Owen and Fuzzy are meant to be together, and can even attend school together, all achieved with imagination and basic sewing skills, of basically having Fuzzy experience a bit of a make-over).
Now I do find nosy neighbour Mrs. Tweezer more than a bit annoying, but actually while she is definitely a nasty and in my opinion really artificially sweet busy-body type (which Henkes brilliantly demonstrates both textually and also very much visually), I am in fact rather more frustrated at and by the fact that Owen's parents do so often seem to take her advice and try to wean Owen off of his reliance on and friendship with Fuzzy (because quite frankly, parents, adults, who attempt to wrest a child's security blanket away by either subterfuge or categorical demands of "no" are to and for me, and on an entirely personal and emotional level, thieves and dictatorially unsympathetic entities). That being said, and while both Mrs. Tweezer's attitude and Owen's parents' behaviour (listening to her advice, actually trying to make Owen no longer want or desire Fuzzy) are personally aggravating, I also much commend Kevin Henkes for NOT sugar-coating this, for actually showing an adult type of in my opinion rather problematic if not emotionally abusive behaviour that is in fact very very common and even often considered acceptable if not laudable patenting (and in the end, Owen does get to keep his blanket and take it to school, although rendered into not-so-fuzzy handkerchiefs, a perfect and tenderly caring imaginative solution). Highly recommended is Kevin Henkes' Owen, especially for children who have a security blanket or a favourite stuffed animal or toy they insist on taking everywhere!
Now I do find nosy neighbour Mrs. Tweezer more than a bit annoying, but actually while she is definitely a nasty and in my opinion really artificially sweet busy-body type (which Henkes brilliantly demonstrates both textually and also very much visually), I am in fact rather more frustrated at and by the fact that Owen's parents do so often seem to take her advice and try to wean Owen off of his reliance on and friendship with Fuzzy (because quite frankly, parents, adults, who attempt to wrest a child's security blanket away by either subterfuge or categorical demands of "no" are to and for me, and on an entirely personal and emotional level, thieves and dictatorially unsympathetic entities). That being said, and while both Mrs. Tweezer's attitude and Owen's parents' behaviour (listening to her advice, actually trying to make Owen no longer want or desire Fuzzy) are personally aggravating, I also much commend Kevin Henkes for NOT sugar-coating this, for actually showing an adult type of in my opinion rather problematic if not emotionally abusive behaviour that is in fact very very common and even often considered acceptable if not laudable patenting (and in the end, Owen does get to keep his blanket and take it to school, although rendered into not-so-fuzzy handkerchiefs, a perfect and tenderly caring imaginative solution). Highly recommended is Kevin Henkes' Owen, especially for children who have a security blanket or a favourite stuffed animal or toy they insist on taking everywhere!
August 8, 2015
Ever heard of the blanket fairy? Until reading this, I never had.
The mouse family in this book is very cute! I loved the expressions they have. Young Owen is very attached to his blanket. His parents try all sorts of methods to get him to part with it.
Parents can relate to having to separate the baby items (first stuffy, blanket, pacifier, etc) from their child and kids can read this for alternatives and that every kid goes through adjustments in their life.
The mouse family in this book is very cute! I loved the expressions they have. Young Owen is very attached to his blanket. His parents try all sorts of methods to get him to part with it.
Parents can relate to having to separate the baby items (first stuffy, blanket, pacifier, etc) from their child and kids can read this for alternatives and that every kid goes through adjustments in their life.
February 8, 2014
“Owen” is a cute children’s book written from the mind of Kevin Henkes. The book relates the story of how children are usually attracted to certain objects, such as a blanket, whenever they are young of age. “Owen” was also the winner of the Caldecott Honor Book and has been greatly received for many years.
Kevin Henkes’ illustrations are truly highlighted in this story as the main characters are mainly mice which is the basis for most of his books. Kevin Henkes also vividly illustrates the various reactions on the characters such as, Owen’s look of surprise when he smells the vinegar on his blanket and the somewhat sneaky expression on Mrs. Tweezers’ face as she gives various advice about what Owen’s parents should do about the blanket. The illustrations are also extremely colorful on every page and gives life to the story. The plot of the book is extremely cute as the book details how a young mouse refuses to part with his blanket because the blanket has become Owen’s best friend, just as a teddy bear would become a young child’s best friend before he or she goes to school and meet new people.
“Owen” is a great children’s book about the importance of how certain objects such as a blanket, would help make a child feel more comfortable about themselves by talking or spending time with an object that acts as a real person. Therefore, the child would improve his or her social skills when they come to school by being more trusting of other children just like the child would be trusting towards their blanket or other objects. “Owen” will surely please children ages four or younger for its title character, Owen, and adults would appreciate the solution to Owen still having his blanket but carrying it in a more mature way.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
October 6, 2019
Owen's yellow baby blanket, nicknamed Fuzzy, had been with him all his life - a constant companion through thick and thin. When well-meaning but nosy Mrs. Tweezers suggests to his parents that he is getting too old for such things, a hilarious contest of wills begins. The blanket-fairy, dipping in vinegar, and just "saying no" all fail to separate Owen from his blanket, until finally his mother has an ingenious idea that will keep everyone happy...
Kevin Henkes' picture-book mice are always adorable, whether they're experiencing a name-related crisis like the eponymous Chrysanthemum , or facing the ambiguous feelings that accompany a new sibling, like Lily in Julius, the Baby of the World . In Owen, Henkes turns his attention to the question of that beloved childhood artefact known as the "security blanket," producing a charming tale that is sure to both comfort and entertain. The watercolor illustrations, which garnered Henkes a Caldecott Honor, are colorful and expressive.
Kevin Henkes' picture-book mice are always adorable, whether they're experiencing a name-related crisis like the eponymous Chrysanthemum , or facing the ambiguous feelings that accompany a new sibling, like Lily in Julius, the Baby of the World . In Owen, Henkes turns his attention to the question of that beloved childhood artefact known as the "security blanket," producing a charming tale that is sure to both comfort and entertain. The watercolor illustrations, which garnered Henkes a Caldecott Honor, are colorful and expressive.
January 22, 2010
Loved this Caldecott Honor title about Owen and his beloved blanket Fuzzy! Fuzzy is more than a security blanket for Owen in times of stress--it is also a companion in all manner of childhood adventures of both the real-world and imagination variety. Fuzzy is truly a beloved friend. So when nosy neighbor Mrs. Tweezers hints to Owen's parents that he is too old for his blanket and suggests ways they can help him get over it, Owen's friendship is unfailing--after all, how could Owen allow his beloved companion be taken away by the blanket fairy in exchange for a shiny new big-boy toy? Or ignore Fuzzy just because it was dipped in vinegar? I don't think so! But when it comes time for him to start school, without any advice from Mrs. Tweezers, Owen's mom comes up with the perfect solution so that Owen can keep his ties to Fuzzy while setting out into the wide grown-up world in a style that not even Mrs. Tweezers could object to! Henkes has a remarkable sense of warmth and sympathy for the hearts and minds of young people and his stories constantly impress me with their thoughtfulness and gentle sense of humor and compassion.
December 30, 2019
Loved sharing this with my niece, who totally understood Owen's point of view
January 24, 2020
A mouse must get used to not having his blanket with him.
Ages: 3 - 6
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
Ages: 3 - 6
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
February 7, 2017
I read this book as a part of the picture book challenge I am participating in on my blog. One of the categories was to read a book that is a book by Kevin Henkes so I decided to choose this book. If you're interested in the picture book categories I'll be reading from as part of the challenge be sure to check out the link here: 2017 Challenges.
This was such an adorable picture book and I loved the simplicity of the art. It reminded me so much of my own experiences with having that toy or blanket that you don't want to give up even when your parents just want to do something as simple as clean it.
Owen is the most adorable character I have ever seen. He just...ahhh I can't even find the words to describe the way I feel about him. I really enjoyed the writing style of Henkes as well so I know that I will be checking out more of his works sometimes soon. I don't know if I would necessarily recommend this as a read a loud simply because it's on the longer side and it may take to long to read for storytime; however, this is a great story to share with kids that are definitely going through the same phase as Owen.
This was such an adorable picture book and I loved the simplicity of the art. It reminded me so much of my own experiences with having that toy or blanket that you don't want to give up even when your parents just want to do something as simple as clean it.
Owen is the most adorable character I have ever seen. He just...ahhh I can't even find the words to describe the way I feel about him. I really enjoyed the writing style of Henkes as well so I know that I will be checking out more of his works sometimes soon. I don't know if I would necessarily recommend this as a read a loud simply because it's on the longer side and it may take to long to read for storytime; however, this is a great story to share with kids that are definitely going through the same phase as Owen.
August 29, 2008
An "O" book for Collin's learning time. A very cute story of a little mouse and his fuzzy yellow blanket. Owen disagreed that he was too old to carry his blanket everywhere. In the end his mother knew just what to do and came up with the perfect solution.
March 10, 2022
I know it's silly for a 62-year-old guy to read children's books, but I simply love Henkes's mice. I attended a lecture by him years ago and was amazed by his storytelling in person and his stories and drawings on the pages of his books. I recommend them to any parent with young kids, as well as any family taking care of older folks! Like me. This is a cute little story. And again, I just love his mice drawings, ever since Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse. This copy will be going to a coworker's grandchild, and I know she'll love it.
January 20, 2020
This book has always been a favorite it of mine and I it has a special place in my heart. When I was a kid my grandmother used to read this to me. Owen was a character I felt like I could relate to, although I didn’t have a fuzzy yellow blanket I had a unicorn I would carry around with me. If you like books that show having to grow up alittle but still remain a child this is a good read.
Read
March 31, 2014The book Owen by Kevin Henkes is bout two little mice who have blankets that they take everywhere. The book contains short sentences and simple pictures on the things they like to do and their childhood activities they take their blanket on. Then on day the blanket gets really dirty and the mom takes it to take care of. In the end, due to it being worn down and not wanting to take it to school, she turns it into a little handkerchief that she can take to school and have discretely but not go without. It is a cute simple story that children can relate to as well as a lot have a special item they take with them everywhere, some that they cannot bring to school. It is a good story on growing up, moving on to school, leaving somethings behind but also adapting and being creative so they can still have it with them if need be. This story could be read part way through then have a conversation with the students (younger elementary) on items they may have at home they wish they could bring with or ones they did bring with to school. Then the class could discuss a solution to the problem, coming up with ways that she could still bring her blanket to school without having to bring a big dirty thing to school and it getting in the way of her new experience.
December 27, 2016
This is a fun story that kids can relate to; a lovey blanket that is worn out, but still much loved by the child. Our girls didn't really have an item like this, but they understood it and they really liked the ending. The illustrations are fun and tell the story well.
This book was selected as one of the books for the November 2016- Caldecott Honor discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
This book was selected as one of the books for the November 2016- Caldecott Honor discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
April 15, 2017
Love this book! It's sure to resonate with kids who have a special blanket that they want to take along everywhere... though kids might not all agree with the final "solution" that Owen's family finds.
My kids pointed out that the sneaky, spying neighbor, Ms. Tweezer, was a trouble maker; and she is! But it adds some conflict and humor to the story, so she's a good character to have in the book.
My kids pointed out that the sneaky, spying neighbor, Ms. Tweezer, was a trouble maker; and she is! But it adds some conflict and humor to the story, so she's a good character to have in the book.
January 16, 2011
This book SCARED THE HECK OUT OF ME when I was little, because I had a favorite blanket, and I was terrified that somebody was going to read the book and decide that it would be a good idea to cut MY blanket up into handkerchiefs. NOOOOOOOOO!
November 24, 2012
In a picture book, the child must solve the problem. An adult can't swoop in and solve the problem for the child. This book, although cute and well told, breaks that cardinal rule. Owen doesn't solve the problem of how to give up his beloved blanket. Mom solves the problem for him.
July 13, 2008
This is SO cute! I love the resolution of the problem with Fuzzy, Owen's fuzzy yellow blanket and best friend. The illustrations are colorful and interesting with fun mouse details.
May 11, 2011
I love Kevin Henkes' books. I also have an Owen and he just happens to have a blankie as well, so we could relate.
July 14, 2014
Neither of my kids (nor I, for that matter) ever felt an especially strong bond to a blanket or stuffy, so really, I kind of don't get these stories. All I know about blankets I learned from Linus.
July 18, 2016
This one hits really, REALLY close to home and the struggle is real! And we all have our blankies that we cling to.
December 26, 2017
I'm making my way through Amazon's 100 Best Children's Books to Read in a Lifetime. 23 down.
December 4, 2020
Dang Mrs. Tweezers is a b**** who needs to mind her own business.
Anyway I was a blankie kid and I’m glad Owen didn’t fall for any of that nonsense!
Anyway I was a blankie kid and I’m glad Owen didn’t fall for any of that nonsense!
June 3, 2018
This was an interesting read. It struck me as not just a kid’s book, but as an adult’s book too. This is why.
Owen is a book about growing up, about the loss of innocence. About giving up a blanket. All of us in our lives have had to grow up. JM Barrie’s lost boys in Neverland never grow up, but they are called the lost boys for a reason. Part of life is about growing up, and boys and girls are lost if they don’t do so. This book helps adults remember their childhood, and maybe even remind them that its ok to keep pieces of it with them. This book helps children go through childhood, and helps them cope with getting older and growing up.
The pictures by Henkes are good. I enjoyed how they varied in size, however I wonder if this might be an issue in a classroom setting, in showing the kids the pictures in a read aloud setting, but might not be an issue in smaller groups. I can see why this book was a Caldecott honor book. While the pictures were not photographs, you can see talent in them, and I enjoyed taking the time to look at them.
Rating 4/5 stars. I rated this way because both the plot and the pictures were strong.
Owen is a book about growing up, about the loss of innocence. About giving up a blanket. All of us in our lives have had to grow up. JM Barrie’s lost boys in Neverland never grow up, but they are called the lost boys for a reason. Part of life is about growing up, and boys and girls are lost if they don’t do so. This book helps adults remember their childhood, and maybe even remind them that its ok to keep pieces of it with them. This book helps children go through childhood, and helps them cope with getting older and growing up.
The pictures by Henkes are good. I enjoyed how they varied in size, however I wonder if this might be an issue in a classroom setting, in showing the kids the pictures in a read aloud setting, but might not be an issue in smaller groups. I can see why this book was a Caldecott honor book. While the pictures were not photographs, you can see talent in them, and I enjoyed taking the time to look at them.
Rating 4/5 stars. I rated this way because both the plot and the pictures were strong.
February 23, 2017
This adorable story is about a little boy (mouse) named Owen who is attached to his fuzzy yellow blanket that he has had since he was a baby. Owen does everything with his blanket in hand from playing on the playground to using the restroom. Throughout the story a nosy neighbor named Mrs. Tweezers makes suggestions to Owen's parents of ways to rid Owen of his blanket. She suggests the blanket fairy who is similar to the tooth fairy but obviously collects blankets rather than teeth but that did not work. Mrs. Tweezers also suggested dipping Owen's favorite corner into some vinegar and then just simply telling him "no," neither suggestion worked. Owen's mother has an idea, she turns the blanket into multiple handkerchiefs that Owen can carry with him wherever he goes and Mrs. Tweezers has no complaints because she carries handkerchiefs as well. The illustrations in the book are bright and fun to look at. And the story is one that a lot of children can definitely relate to.
December 7, 2024
Owen loves his well-used and now not so fuzzy yellow blanket. It goes everywhere with him. As he approaches school age, nosy neighbor, Mrs. Tweezers, advises Owen's parents about how to get rid of the blanket. Owen resists their efforts. Read this Caldecot Honor story to see what happens.
June 10, 2020
Owen loves his little Fuzzy yellow security blanket, and it goes everywhere with him! An adventure for parents as well who try to reason with their own toddlers in trying to give up their blankets.
Reviewed by: Debbie Hersh, Circulation, Vernon Area Public Library
Reviewed by: Debbie Hersh, Circulation, Vernon Area Public Library
Displaying 1 - 30 of 765 reviews