![]() I have difficulty evaluating the setting of the story in terms of Newbery criteria because the setting was varied throughout. The plot and the characters were distinct and distinguished. Though, as Amanda mentioned, the plot was somewhat predictable, some of the twists and turns, particularly the ending, were delightful surprises. I read this aloud with my Newbery age range son and we both enjoyed it. I will say it didn’t always read aloud easily because the headings of the emails were cumbersome to read, though they were also necessary to be clear about who was speaking/receiving the correspondence. ![]() ![]() felt current and in the authentic voice of real kids. I agree with everyone who has commented on the epistolary format of this novel being a great choice. I liked how the authors chose to put them in two very distinctive camps with such lush descriptions of the surroundings. The summer camp settings were also written in such a way as to make them seem very real. As an adult, I could see why they would think that was romantic and also how it could go horribly wrong. I loved that idea that their fathers were going to go on a 10 week long motorcycle trip to China after having a long distance relationship for so long. I also thought that Bett and Avery and their fathers were very well written so as to be distinctive and realistic. Sometimes books that use a format like this (or a diary format) stretch the reader’s credulity a bit with all the exposition but I think using emails and voicemails and even emails from side characters really helps to flesh out the story without having the give the girls more insight than they would actually have. I think way in which the epistolary format is used in this book is really exceptional. Marlow Devlin is encouraging and wants his daughter to enjoy life. Sam Bloom is Papa who loves his daughter to the moon and is warm and reassuring to a worried daughter. Even the parenting styles of their fathers are different. She comes from New York, is interested in science and medicine, and has periodic insomnia: so her nickname is night owl. Avery Bloom is quieter and spends her time worrying. Her writing includes capital letters and + symbols to express herself. She comes from California, loves to surf, and is interested in sharks: so her nickname is dogfish. Each character is distinct although not always completely fleshed out.Įven in the first few emails sent back and forth, the two main characters are distinct. These letters are written by many people, not just the main characters. It tells what everyone is feeling without characters all being aware of what was happening. I think this is a different way to organize and present the story, a stylistic choice that works well with this story. The whole book is made up of emails, voice mails, and letters between the characters. Share this as part of a unit or storytime devoted to Pizzoli, as part of an owl-, mouse-, or noise-themed storytime, or enjoy it on its own goofy terms.To Night Owl from Dogfish is unique among the candidates we are considering in format. The little gray mouse is a cutie, and kids will enjoy spotting it on each page. Pale turquoise Owl in his bubblegum-pink bathrobe cuts a comical figure as his increasing discombobulation sends his feathers flying and his eyebrows slanting in anger. Pizzoli’s artwork, rendered in candy pastel and neutral tones with retro detailing, is tidily and thoughtfully composed. While the attractive illustrations and possibilities for dramatic delivery lend this to reading aloud, the clear sans serif font and simple vocabulary give it read-alone potential as well, especially for readers who are one step up from Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie series. He said, ‘Good night, noise.’ And they went to sleep.” The pithy and accessible writing and the story’s amusing absurdity make this read like a classic Arnold Lobel story, and Owl certainly bears a resemblance in personality, if not appearance, to Lobel’s lovable curmudgeon, Toad. ![]() It is only then that Owl notices what the viewer has been privy to all along-the source of the noise is a squeaking mouse: “Owl smiled. ![]() He checks the front door and clears off the shelves of his cupboard before succumbing to utter frustration as he pulls up floorboards, removes the roof, and knocks down his walls in an attempt to get to the bottom of the matter. When a recurring squeaky noise prevents Owl from sleeping, he grows increasingly agitated as he searches for the source of the sound. ![]()
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