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Owly
Owly & Wormy, Bright Lights and Starry Nights
Out on a stargazing venture in this wordless picture book, Owly and Wormy discover that it’s fine to be frightened—but it’s better to be brave.
Owly and Wormy want to see the stars! So they gather their telescope and their lantern and head out into the dark night, all the way to the edge of their branch. Try as they might, though, they can only see leaves...and branches...and more leaves.
But these two friends are not about to let a little obstacle like foliage stop them. They head back home and stock up for a longer trip. Armed with camping gear, galoshes, and tasty treats—and their wits, of course!—Owly and Wormy set out once again. This time, though, there are even bigger challenges to face. What's that "screee" sound? What's that "click click clicking" sound?! And what happened to their telescope?!? Oh dear! But if they're brave enough, they just might discover that there are nearly as many new friends on the horizon to help them as there are stars in the sky.
Owly and Wormy want to see the stars! So they gather their telescope and their lantern and head out into the dark night, all the way to the edge of their branch. Try as they might, though, they can only see leaves...and branches...and more leaves.
But these two friends are not about to let a little obstacle like foliage stop them. They head back home and stock up for a longer trip. Armed with camping gear, galoshes, and tasty treats—and their wits, of course!—Owly and Wormy set out once again. This time, though, there are even bigger challenges to face. What's that "screee" sound? What's that "click click clicking" sound?! And what happened to their telescope?!? Oh dear! But if they're brave enough, they just might discover that there are nearly as many new friends on the horizon to help them as there are stars in the sky.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published August 28, 2012
About the author
Andy Runton
48 books145 followersAndy is the creator of the breakout all-ages series of graphic novels, Owly, featuring a kind-hearted little owl who's always searching for new friends and adventure. Relying on a mixture of symbols and expressions to tell his silent stories, Andy?s work showcases both his gift for characterization and his love of birds, animals, and the outdoors. His animated and heartwarming style has made him a favorite of both fans and critics alike.
The Owly series has earned him multiple awards in the comics and graphic novel community, including the Howard E. Day Memorial Prize, the Harvey Award, two Ignatz Awards, and the 2006 Eisner Award for "Best Publication for a Younger Audience". He lives in the greater Atlanta area, where he works full-time on Owly comics, books, and graphic novels.
The Owly series has earned him multiple awards in the comics and graphic novel community, including the Howard E. Day Memorial Prize, the Harvey Award, two Ignatz Awards, and the 2006 Eisner Award for "Best Publication for a Younger Audience". He lives in the greater Atlanta area, where he works full-time on Owly comics, books, and graphic novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 10, 2013
When the first Owly book came out years ago, I made sure to get it into the hands of my own reluctant reader. Unburdened by the need to read words, he immediately took to both Owly and Wormy. I’m happy to say that the series has continued to be just as good as that first book. Runton has started to do more picture book versions as well and this is one of those. In this book, Owly and Wormy go on a trek out of the woods and up to a hill where they will be able to view the stars better. Along the way, they get caught in a rainstorm and take refuge in a cave. There are strange and frightening noises and their telescope has disappeared! It will take real bravery and no fear of the dark to figure out what happened.
This wordless picture book relies on its illustrations to succeed. Happily, Owly and Wormy have a warm friendship that is evident from the very first page. Add the dash of darkness, the storm and a really dark cave and you have a real adventure. All of the content is ideal for the youngest independent pre-readers who will enjoy having a graphic novel of their very own.
Runton takes fear of the dark and the unknown and turns it into a chance to make new friends and see new things in this strong addition to a great series. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
This wordless picture book relies on its illustrations to succeed. Happily, Owly and Wormy have a warm friendship that is evident from the very first page. Add the dash of darkness, the storm and a really dark cave and you have a real adventure. All of the content is ideal for the youngest independent pre-readers who will enjoy having a graphic novel of their very own.
Runton takes fear of the dark and the unknown and turns it into a chance to make new friends and see new things in this strong addition to a great series. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
November 6, 2015
I seriously love all the Owly books.
September 4, 2014
The different format from previous Owly books is very cute and welcome. It's a larger book in the format of a children's book, and a single story, whereas previous books in the series have been a condensed collection of stories.
With the new format, there are larger pictures and multiple new colours. The story as well is just as happy, enjoyable, and emotional as past stories, with the common and highly-welcome theme of making new friends. This one also focuses on adaptation to variables during adventuring. For example, Owly and Wormy adventure out for a day's hike, and it begins raining. Luckily, Owly brought raingear! Something I should do more often, living in a rain-heavy region.
Another factor that I enjoyed with this particular Owly book was how consistently cheerful and encouraging Owly was to his understandably-nervous friend Wormy. At one point, Wormy is to guard the camp while Owly sets off to find something they dropped, and Owly references Wormy's knightliness from a previous story involving his exposure to a story of fantasy knights and dragons. Wormy quickly becomes confident from this concept. It has me thinking more often of constructive ways I can encourage and help empower those I care for, and things I can do to adapt to new changes and make our lives easier.
With the new format, there are larger pictures and multiple new colours. The story as well is just as happy, enjoyable, and emotional as past stories, with the common and highly-welcome theme of making new friends. This one also focuses on adaptation to variables during adventuring. For example, Owly and Wormy adventure out for a day's hike, and it begins raining. Luckily, Owly brought raingear! Something I should do more often, living in a rain-heavy region.
Another factor that I enjoyed with this particular Owly book was how consistently cheerful and encouraging Owly was to his understandably-nervous friend Wormy. At one point, Wormy is to guard the camp while Owly sets off to find something they dropped, and Owly references Wormy's knightliness from a previous story involving his exposure to a story of fantasy knights and dragons. Wormy quickly becomes confident from this concept. It has me thinking more often of constructive ways I can encourage and help empower those I care for, and things I can do to adapt to new changes and make our lives easier.
August 22, 2017
Owly books are always great picks for children becoming more independent, but aren't yet ready for reading actual words. Runton does a wonderful job of conveying a story in just the pictures, with a little help from some "picture speech," where the animals convey their problems in simple pictograms.
It was particularly interesting to me to see this book as it's the first Owly book I've seen which is done in color. His comic collections are all black-and-white, and, while still good, the addition of color really leaves and impression.
I also loved the bats thing. I know books about how bats are nice are becoming more common, but it still makes me quite happy to find a positive depiction.
Of course, this is all my personal opinion. I'm really unsure how well a child will like this book, so unless they're really into owls, bats, or, I suppose, worms, best to give it a try from the library BEFORE an outright purchase.
It was particularly interesting to me to see this book as it's the first Owly book I've seen which is done in color. His comic collections are all black-and-white, and, while still good, the addition of color really leaves and impression.
I also loved the bats thing. I know books about how bats are nice are becoming more common, but it still makes me quite happy to find a positive depiction.
Of course, this is all my personal opinion. I'm really unsure how well a child will like this book, so unless they're really into owls, bats, or, I suppose, worms, best to give it a try from the library BEFORE an outright purchase.
December 10, 2014
I really don't care for books with no words....Reading is about literacy..but I guess making up stories that go with the pictures is a good thing. However...trying to make out the story isn't very clear...you have to look very closely to get what they are trying to portray and I just didn't care for it!
November 23, 2012
This book was awesome fun for my (almost) 4 yr old daughter and I. There aren't any words; the characters think and talk through thought bubbles that contain only pictures. It made reading it an adventure. Will definitely be looking for more Owly & Wormy adventures.
September 17, 2013
The illustrations are SO adorable, and it was a cute little wordless story. But honestly, I kind of had a tough time deciphering some of the pictures. If you're letting a child make up a story to go along with the pictures anyway, then that doesn't really matter.
September 14, 2017
Another full-color Owly book. Owly and Wormy want to look at the stars through their new telescope. But things keep getting in the way! They can't see from their home because the leaves are too thick, and another night it's raining. Will they ever get to see the sky?
March 5, 2018
Owly and Wormy Bright Lights and Starry Nights! is a stunning wordless picture book by author/illustrator Andy Runton. Owly and his friend Wormy cannot wait to use their telescope to see the stars. No matter how hard they try, they cannot seem to find anything in the night sky.
Owly decides that in order to see stars, they should go camping. The pair soon get stuck in a rain storm and must take cover in a spooky, dark cave. Strange noises are coming from the back of the cave and Wormy does not want to stick around to see who or what it could be.
Racing from the cave, Owly accidentally drops his telescope in the forest. Will he be able to recover it in time to show Wormy the stars? Have Owly and Wormy truly escaped the cave monster?
This is a stunning book from start to finish. Children will fall in love with Runton's adorable characters. Instead of words, Runton makes use of speech bubbles that communicate Owly and Wormy's thoughts. The story reads like a comic book which children will absolutely enjoy.
I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. I cannot wait to read more of Owly and Wormy's adventures.
Owly decides that in order to see stars, they should go camping. The pair soon get stuck in a rain storm and must take cover in a spooky, dark cave. Strange noises are coming from the back of the cave and Wormy does not want to stick around to see who or what it could be.
Racing from the cave, Owly accidentally drops his telescope in the forest. Will he be able to recover it in time to show Wormy the stars? Have Owly and Wormy truly escaped the cave monster?
This is a stunning book from start to finish. Children will fall in love with Runton's adorable characters. Instead of words, Runton makes use of speech bubbles that communicate Owly and Wormy's thoughts. The story reads like a comic book which children will absolutely enjoy.
I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. I cannot wait to read more of Owly and Wormy's adventures.
February 6, 2018
Graphic novel: Owly & Wormy, Bright Lights and Starry Nights!
Owly and wormy are 2 friends that seek to see the beautiful things the sky has to offer. They are two friends who are afraid but find the courage to expand and explore what is out there. I loved this story because it’s adventurous, but it also gives you the sensation that you can overcome any situation you feel you can’t. I think that it’s a good moral story for children to read. Children need to explore but they also need to know that it’s okay to be afraid. The book is all pictures and a couple of sound effects, so it allows you to create and explore your own ideas. The pictures send a clear message about what the story is about. You will fall in love with the story and will want to go out and explore yourself. I recommend this book!
Owly and wormy are 2 friends that seek to see the beautiful things the sky has to offer. They are two friends who are afraid but find the courage to expand and explore what is out there. I loved this story because it’s adventurous, but it also gives you the sensation that you can overcome any situation you feel you can’t. I think that it’s a good moral story for children to read. Children need to explore but they also need to know that it’s okay to be afraid. The book is all pictures and a couple of sound effects, so it allows you to create and explore your own ideas. The pictures send a clear message about what the story is about. You will fall in love with the story and will want to go out and explore yourself. I recommend this book!
December 7, 2017
I love the illustrations, and Owly and the bats are especially adorable (I'm a sucker for spherical animals, I think).
The book is a wordless picture book, so if that's off-putting to you, then give this one a pass. If you don't mind building a story yourself, it's a pretty cute one. I actually used this in a storytime on day/night (could also be good for bats, stars, owls, etc). I sketched in the bare bones of the story, asking the kids lots of questions to fill in the rest ("what do they see in the telescope? why can't they see any stars?" - that sort of thing). They enjoyed having a chance to chatter and create the details of the story.
The book is a wordless picture book, so if that's off-putting to you, then give this one a pass. If you don't mind building a story yourself, it's a pretty cute one. I actually used this in a storytime on day/night (could also be good for bats, stars, owls, etc). I sketched in the bare bones of the story, asking the kids lots of questions to fill in the rest ("what do they see in the telescope? why can't they see any stars?" - that sort of thing). They enjoyed having a chance to chatter and create the details of the story.
June 20, 2019
Once again, Mr. Runton weaves his magical spell, and invites little ones, into his world!
Owly & Wormy want to see the stars at night! They get everything prepared. But there is one problem! They can't see any stars! What are they to do?
This is a great way, to introduce your readers, to the wonders of astronomy!
Lexi and Victoria enjoyed making up their own story!
They had so much fun, that they read the book three times, and each time created a different story!
Owly & Wormy want to see the stars at night! They get everything prepared. But there is one problem! They can't see any stars! What are they to do?
This is a great way, to introduce your readers, to the wonders of astronomy!
Lexi and Victoria enjoyed making up their own story!
They had so much fun, that they read the book three times, and each time created a different story!
June 22, 2018
I picked this book up because I liked the cover & the title.
It’s a nearly wordless book, but the adorable illustrations show Owly & Wormy’s friendship and camping adventure - through rain and a dark scary cave - all in the search of a perfect spot to view the stars.
Fun for preschoolers & young elementary. Kids enjoyed it.
It’s a nearly wordless book, but the adorable illustrations show Owly & Wormy’s friendship and camping adventure - through rain and a dark scary cave - all in the search of a perfect spot to view the stars.
Fun for preschoolers & young elementary. Kids enjoyed it.
November 6, 2020
For a wordless picture book this is very adorable and I've come to love Owly and Wormy. Their friendship is amazing and they are always encouraging eachother and being very optimistic. You have to make sure to read their "speech" bubbles to make sense of what they would be trying to say, but otherwise very short and sweet story!
October 7, 2023
One of my favorite series of picture books. I love that the illustrations are detailed enough for the parent to tell the story in words their specific kid will take to (because kids are all so different), and the kid(s) can even enjoy the book on their own because the illustrations tell the story so well. Bought this book long before I was even pregnant, because I loved it that much.
June 11, 2017
Charming graphic novel-esque picture book that Miss 2 enjoyed. I like finding books that have a clear narrative without text; it's nice discussing the story with her and identifying how characters are feeling based on the visual elements.
August 23, 2018
WoW! Owly and Wormy in colors. I love it!
I've almost read all Owly's books and I don't have troubles anymore understanding the meaning the author wants to convey. I think Runton did a wonderful job when it came to convey meaning though images.
I love the colors of this book: the blue is amazing!
I've almost read all Owly's books and I don't have troubles anymore understanding the meaning the author wants to convey. I think Runton did a wonderful job when it came to convey meaning though images.
I love the colors of this book: the blue is amazing!
March 17, 2018
Adorable. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
May 3, 2018
See my review for Owly & Wormy, Friends All a Flutter.
October 4, 2018
lily fall reading 2018, children's book, picture book, series, wordless, camping, animals
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2018
I love Owly so much.
March 11, 2019
Love this wordless book!
August 13, 2020
My son absolutely loves this book
August 14, 2020
Super cute and clever with its illustrations and emoji talk. There aren’t any words!
November 17, 2020
The graphics/illustrations were great. Just this particular book 📚 wasn't as good as the others.
October 25, 2022
No word stories are always so good.
May 23, 2023
Obviously it's kind of hard to use a wordless picture book in Storytime - but I still loved this one. It's cute and heartfelt. I loved the illustrations - so bright and full of life and fun!
September 28, 2023
This wordless picture book uses a graphic novel format, and there's frequently so much going on in the pictures that it's confusing. The panels are too busy for this to work well for most audiences.
Want to read
January 12, 2024O
July 6, 2024
These books are okay. I like the illustrative style, but the speech bubbles in the pictures are kind of complicated. I couldn't always follow what was going on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews