CCBC Booklists

CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.

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To See an Owl

by Matthew Cordell

CCBC Review:

“To see an owl is magic.” A girl fascinated by owls draws them, dreams about them, and goes in search of them with her mom, to no avail. She watches programs about owls. She reads about owls. She keeps an owl journal with pictures and facts. She’s also drawn a map of the nearby woods. When her teacher, also a birder, looks at her map, he shows her a spot where he’s seen great horned owls nesting. After school that day, she and her mom head out. “When will I find you? … Hoo-hoo-hoo Hooooo-hooo.” A child’s passion is supported by her mom (who is clearly not as enamored with owls) and a teacher with a shared interest in this picture book that builds to a moment of wonder for the child and a jolt of happiness for readers and listeners. “Magic.” The story unfolds patiently and includes a judiciously repeated refrain: “Perfectly stout. Large, round eyes. Silent, knowing faces. Birds of the night.” The girl and her mother both have long black hair and light-brown skin in the detailed pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations that include pages from the girl’s owl journal. Honor Book, 2026 Charlotte Zolotow Award ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Illustrated by Matthew Cordell

CCBC Age Recommendation: 4-8
Age Range: PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7) Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format: Picture book
Subjects: Birds (Fiction) Mothers Observation Patience Perseverance Teachers/Mentors
Diversity subject: Asian
On CCBC Booklist: Charlotte Zolotow Award (for Outstanding Writing in Picture Books)

Publisher: Random House
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9780593649893
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Cordell

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Please send questions or comments about CCBC booklists to ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu.