The Owl and the Pussycat 07/30/12

The Owl and the Pussycat illustrated by Anne Mortimer is among Edward Lear's best known nonsense poems. It's also a family favorite, one we recite on a semi-regular basis. It's perfect for a family of owl and cat lovers. The owl and pussycat go on a long sea journey in their pea green boat. After sailing the world for a year and a day they decide to get married.

It includes elements listed as children's preferences in The Essentials of Children's Literature (Lynch-Brown, Tomlinson & Short, 2011, p. 64). Anne Mortimer specializes in cat paintings and her attention to detail brings new life and whimsy to this classic poem. Children can discuss friendships, travel, how cats and owls are in real life and if they'd make a good couple as well as how the poem is structured. They could even be asked to do their own illustrations for the poem.

I read this delightful version the first time for the materials for children ages 5 to 8 course I took.

Five stars

Comments (4)

Comment #1: Monday, July 30, 2012 at 09:55:40

Jen

This looks adorable! I am a big fan of the classic poem, and I am glad to hear there is a Canadian illustrator. It looks adorable.

Comment #2: Monday, July 30, 2012 at 11:54:59

Pussreboots

It is an adorable version of the poem.

Comment #3: Friday, August 03, 2012 at 11:41:12

Judy

5 to 8 huh? Oh well, I'm young at heart. This is my all-time favorite poem!

Comment #4: Sunday, August 05, 2012 at 22:19:14

Pussreboots

The poem with the illustrations together make a picture book aimed at the 5 to 8 set.