Little Owl Rescue (Little Animal Rescue)

Gr 1-3--A young girl's imagination comes alive as she visualizes saving an owlet from harm and danger. Callie and her childhood friend Gabriel attend the annual fair. While there, Gabriel dares her to go on the ride that swings way up into the air. As she is taken higher and higher, she sees a bright light and realizes she is no longer in her hometown, but in some Texas farmland. Callie is taken into a magical world where her sole purpose is to rescue an animal who may be hurt or in danger. As Callie adjusts to her new surroundings, she witnesses an owlet who seems to have been abandoned by her mother. Callie takes responsibility for the owlet, whom she names Cookie, and they go on an adventure together to find Cookie's mother and the rest of her family. The girl applies her owl and animal knowledge to care for Cookie, protecting her from dangers like a raccoon and a farm machine shredder. Delahaye introduces a younger audience to the importance of trees and forests to the animal community. This story has large appeal for fans of Kallie George's "Magical Animal Adoption Agency" series, where the protagonist is also a passionate lover of animals. VERDICT A great addition to any children's library collection, particularly those serving aspiring vets and animal lovers.--Annmarie Braithwaite