Owls in Our Yard!: The Story of Alfie

by Carl Safina

In the spring of 2019, ecologist Carl Safina and his wife, Patricia, took in little Alfie, a bedraggled Eastern Screech Owl chick who quickly became part of their family. With the Safinas’ care and expertise, the little owl grew, learned to hunt on her own and eventually found her own family in a mate and chicks. As time passed, Carl realised that his bond with Alfie was greater than just saving her life—it offered wisdom, joy and magic to him in return.

Carl Safina lends an insightful and expert voice to Alfie’s tale, providing readers with a perspective that is simultaneously informative and deeply personal. With eye-catching, intimate photographs chronicling Alfie’s healing and growth, Owls in Our Yard! is the heartfelt story of an animal/human friendship rooted in trust, care and respect for the natural world.

• ISBN10: 1324053194
• ISBN13: 9781324053194
• Publish Date: 30 July 2024
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: WW Norton & Co
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 48
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Owls in Our Yard! is a touching and well written illustrated book for young readers about an owl he and his family rescued by Carl Safina. Due out 25th June 2024 from W.W. Norton on their Young Readers imprint, it's 48 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is such a beautifully written true story, showing how Alfie, a foundling screech owl, fostered by the author's family, successfully learned how to be an owl, grew up, found a mate, and thrived in the wild. It's written in simple, accessible language and the pictures are clear and in color throughout. 

The author is an ecologist and nature writer, and he speaks knowledgeably and simply about owls, nature, wildlife rehabilitation, and how we can do our parts. The book is written for ~4-8 year olds but all ages will enjoy seeing the tiny fuzzy owlet turn into a beautiful wild grown up owl and raise babies of her own. 

Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, and gift giving. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes