Saving Mr Hoot by Helen Stephens

Mr Hoot lives in a huge tree beside Ben's window. Ben has formed a special bond with this creature of the night - a beautiful huge owl. Oddly, though, no one in his family can see Mr Hoot. This becomes a huge problem when men arrive to chop down the tree. Ben needs to act and he needs to act quickly.

Helen Stephens, author of How to hide a Lion, says:

"I've always loved owls ... Saving Mr Hoot was inspired by an owl who lived in some lovely big old trees on my street. I used to love hearing him hooting at night. Sadly some grown-ups chopped down the trees, so that they could put up brighter street lights. After that, I never saw my owl again. Those bright lights must have frightened him away. This book is dedicated to that owl, and to all the wildlife that lives in our towns."

The illustrations in this book, by Helen Stephens, are very special and your young reading companion is sure to love the gold foil used on the front cover. 

With cute watercolour illustrations in Helen Stephens’s distinctively nostalgic style, the picture book showcases a diverse community – including Ben’s own dual-heritage family. Book Trust

You might like to pair this book with a very new Australia wordless book by Freya Blackwood - The Boy and the Elephant.

I would also grab a copy of Owl Moon after reading Saving Mr Hoot - Owl Moon is one of my most favourite owl books ever!