Alan Brown (13) (1945–)

"Hoot and Holler" by Alan Brown is one of my favorite children's books to read. I like reading this book for three reasons. First, I find the illustrations to be captivating. The owls on each page are big and bright, filled with colors of white and yellow. Second, there is so much emotion behind the text. While reading, you get a sense of how the owls are feeling and the loneliness they felt when they were apart (ex: "Now Holler will never know that I loved playing with him, thought Hoot. Now Hoot will never know how happy I was with him, though Holler"). Third, the message behind the book honestly brings me joy. In order for the owls to find each other they must be brave and never give up trying (Ex: Holler flew right to the top of the tallest tree and called out very bravely and very strongly, Hoo-oot! I love you-hoo")! Holler and Hoot is a children's book about two owls that become separated by a gust of wind. When the wise owl told Holler he needed to be brave and loud in order for Hoot to hear them, this finally worked! The message behind the story is about friendship. Sometimes we get separated by those we love but we just need to find a way to reconnect and allow the friendship to grow.… (mer)