Hoot - Hardcover

Jane Hissey

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0679883878 ISBN 13: 9780679883876

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers, 1997

Synopsis

Who-o-o's that in the nursery?  It's Hoot, a welcome addition to Jane Hissey's charming stuffed menagerie. When Little Bear is frightened by a strange noise, he and the other animals get up to investigate. What they find is a new nocturnal friend--the shining star of this delightful new picture book about a small stuffed owl in need of a rest!  

About this title

Reviews

PreSchool-Grade 2. A story that offers one explanation for where missing socks go. All of the stuffed animals are asleep except Little Bear, who is frightened by a strange noise. He wakes the others, and they all try to find the source of the mysterious "hoot." It turns out to be an owl whose nest, made from the missing socks, has fallen to the bedroom floor. The other animals offer to replace it with an equally warm, snugly cap and help him get it to the top of the wardrobe. After an owl's lunch (midnight snack to the others), all return to their beds. By morning, Hoot has reunited the socks with their mates and sleeps comfortably in his new nest. The essence of this story is texture. Everything in it is soft, warm, and cuddly, including the animals, the bed, the nest, even the socks. The animals are made of fleece and velveteen, and the illustrator's fine crayon drawings emphasize these textures, right down to the knitting on the stocking cap and the ends of yarn on its pompom. While the story takes place at night, the tones are surprisingly light; shadows are not dark, but pale, and are not likely to frighten anyone. A reassuring romp, a lullaby for the insomniac who wonders what happens to toys?and socks?while their owners sleep.?Ruth K. MacDonald, Bay Path College, Longmeadow, MA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Hissey (Ruff, 1994, etc.), a return to the reassuring realm of her familiar stuffed-toy characters, a new low-key adventure, and the usual tonic of warmth. Parallels to the bedtime fears of children occur in the beginning of the story, as Little Bear hears thumps and whooshing noises in the night. He wakes up Rabbit, and soon Bramwell Bear and Old Bear are among those investigating. They learn that Hoot, a toy owl who lives on top of the bureau, is attempting to retrieve his nest of stray socks. The toys fix him up with a better nest (a knit hat) and Little Bear gets to fly around the room on Hoot's back before Old Bear reminds them all that they need their sleep. The world is set to rights in a story told with old-fashioned formality and politesse, perfectly suited to young children's interests, though on the dull side for older ones. Once again, Hissey's illustrations are prodigious, exquisitely showing off the toys' varied textures and the muted colors of the bedtime setting. (Picture book. 4-7) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Ages 4-6. Hissey brings stuffed animals to life in this appealing toy story. Upon hearing strange noises in the middle of the night, Little Bear is scared. He wakes his four friends to help solve the mystery, and they discover they have another, nocturnal roommate, Hoot the owl. Hoot has different habits: while the other toys are awake during the day, Hoot is sleeping. Hoot is usually quieter during the night, but her nest, built out of stray socks, has fallen. Little Bear helps Hoot find an easier-to-manage nest, and Hoot puts the stray socks back with their mates; then the animals share lunch, owl-style, in the middle of the night. This is a charming tale about teamwork, cooperation, and consideration. The illustrations are textured and detailed, with soft, comforting, and inviting tones. A warm story with endearing stuffed characters. Kathleen Squires

Edition details

• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0679883878
• ISBN 13: 9780679883876
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32