Park naturalist and biologist Frances Backhouse, author of other titles in this Orca Wild series, provides the reader with an in-depth look at owls. The content of the main text includes information about owls’ unique features, activity patterns and behaviour, communication, courtship, breeding, and nesting. Hunting methods, diet and digestion, and human and non-human threats and predators are described. Owls’ habitats and contributions to sustaining healthy and balanced ecosystems are explained and their connections to traditional beliefs and teachings of many cultures are incorporated.

Text features provide a wealth of additional information: Detailed captions accompany photos; “Who’s Whoo” textboxes include descriptions of North America’s owl species; “Owl Allies” pages share stories of organizations and individuals active in owl advocacy, protection, and research. The book concludes with examples of what people have done to support and protect owl species, paired with specific sources and resources listed in “Take Action” textboxes.

Other End Matter: Glossary, resources (print, video, online), acknowledgements
Images: Colour photographs, colour illustrations, labelled diagrams
Bibliography: No
Index: Yes

Evaluator: Jennifer W., Literacy Educator And Administrator, BC Books for Schools

Frances Backhouse studied biology in university and worked as a park naturalist and as a biologist before becoming an environmental journalist and author. Her six previous books include Once They Were Hats: In Search of the Mighty Beaver and Children of the Klondike, which won the 2010 City of Victoria Butler Book Prize. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with her partner, Mark Zuehlke, who is also a writer. Frances loves exploring the natural world both close to home and far away, especially when those explorations involve tent-camping. If there’s a beaver habitat nearby, it’s even better.

Frances Backhouse's profile page

“If you aren’t already an owl fan, you’ll find them hard to resist after reading Owls: Who Gives a Hoot?...Written with expertise and up-to-date science, [the book] will attract the young audience already familiar with the Orca Wild series as well as older readers who simply love owls. Highly recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Teachers would find this book to be an excellent addition for a science unit on animals. Readers who love to read about animals will find owls to be fascinating.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“The impressively comprehensive text is chatty and entertaining…Spectacular photos make each spread a visual treat…This illuminating avian introduction is sure to make an owl ally out of anyone.”

Booklist