Graphic Novel # 4 - Owly: The Way Home and the Bittersweet Summer by Andy Runton

Mary's Thoughts:

Owly: The Way Home and The Bittersweet Summer is a two part,  nearly wordless graphic novel about an owl and his worm friend. In the first part of the book, Owly meets Worm for the first time and helps him find his way home. In part two of the book, Owly and Worm join forces to come to the rescue of a couple of hummingbirds and develop a deep friendship with them. The hummingbird friends fly away when winter approaches. Will Owly and Worm ever see their friends again?

I found it difficult to get used to reading a wordless graphic novel with a series of pictures on each page. I enjoy the combination of words and illustrations in a graphic novel much better. I also have a better reaction to a wordless picture book that has one illustration on each page. I think the reason a wordless graphic novel is difficult for me to follow is because it contains  sequential art in a series of panels on each page with no words to keep me focused.

Although a wordless graphic novel is hard for me to follow, I do not assume this will hold true for my students. I have not had the opportunity to introduce the Owly series to my students, but I am looking forward to seeing how they respond to these books. 


Pixie's Thoughts:

Woof! This book has everything I enjoy in books. This was an easy-to-read book with lots of animals, adventure, and food! The only thing I missed was that it didn't have any dogs in it! I was very engaged in the story line about the hummingbirds. I couldn't wait to find out if Owly and Worm would ever see them again!






Classroom Application:

• This book would be a good choice struggling readers who want something to read for relaxation and enjoyment. 
• Students could choose a page they enjoy and write words to go with the pictures. 
• Teachers can use this book to teach graphic novel-related vocabulary. 
• This book would be good to use to introduce lit circles at the beginning of the year, since everyone would be able to comprehend much of the book and would be able to participate in the discussion. All students would be able to experience success in contributing something to the conversation. 

Andy Rnnton's Author Website