Yolen, J. (1987). Owl Moon. [New York]: Scholastic.

Exposition:

The main character tells about going out in the snowy night with her father to look for owls.

Conflict:

It was difficult to stay quiet during the long walk in the cold dark forest.

Rising Action:

As they reach the deep woods, Pa begins to hoot to call the owls, but none appear.

Climax:

As they reach a clearing deep in the woods, they finally hear an owl hoot in return. The owl comes closer, and the girl and her Pa shine a flashlight and see the owl in a tree.

Falling Action:

The girl and Pa start to head home, and they are finally able to talk, but they choose not to.

Resolution:

 As they walk home, the girl thinks about the special night, and what it means to go owling.

Illustrations:

John Schoenherr’s beautifully simple illustrations show the simple setting of a winter forest. The relaxed and simple text is enhanced by the details included in the pictures. Particularly special in the illustrations are the simple plants and animals that we glimpse in many of the pictures.