Rhonda Ooi (text) and Mel Corrigan (illustrator), I am NOT an OWL!, Woodslane Press, April 2025, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781922800916
Alexander knows everything about nocturnal animals. And he knows that they are asleep when he is awake. So, he resists his mother’s suggestions for a daytime nap, using explaining that he is not one of the nocturnal animals he names: owls, flying foxes, possums, wombats, Tasmanian devils. A text box gives brief information on each of the animals at the relevant page.
Australian animals are at the heart of this book, as is the emotional connection with the small child who knows everything. I have a small gripe. Alexander is shown as a young pre-schooler but his language is that of an older child. Would he still need a daytime nap? Does he finally succumb to sleep? Apart from that, the book creates a magical imaginary world, supported by patient Mum. Corrigan’s digital illustrations, using coloured pencils and watercolours, are beautiful. She’s given Alexander costumes which reflect the animal he is referring to.
It’s sure to be a book enjoyed by many young readers and their carers.
Reviewed by Maureen Mann