PERFECT PRESENTS!

The presence of presents cements a friendship.

In this story, a New Zealand import by way of Germany, a tall, potbellied, anthropomorphic horned owl relaxes in an armchair, expecting a visitor. In walks the cheery arrival: a short, slender, yellow-and-black creature resembling a salamander and wheeling a blue shopping cart. The visitor pulls out a cake, declaring, “I made it myself!” and hands it over. The owl promptly swallows it whole. This gift is followed by a colorful “freshly picked!” floral bouquet that also makes its way down the owl’s gullet. Unsurprisingly, a third offering—a gaily wrapped, bow-bedecked box—also gets inhaled whole. After each presentation, the owl expresses their appreciation with a rub of their rotund abdomen. When the owl raises the benefactor to their mouth, readers might well surmise things won’t end well. Surprise, surprise, however: The owl presents a present of their own and a gracious, punning compliment. This short comic, told in very spare language, conveys a sweet, simple message that children should easily comprehend and, hopefully, emulate: Kindness begets kindness. The lively, humorous illustrations, set in two panels per page, are endearingly expressive. The book is a lively conversation sparker, and adults should encourage discussion about the protagonists’ relationship, why the visitor bestowed these gifts, and what presents children would give the owl.

This cute story is like a present and a friendship—to be enjoyed and shared.