Little Owl's Egg by Debi Gliori (review)

In this British import, Little Owl's mommy has laid another egg, and Little Owl is not happy about it. "I'm your baby owl," he tells her. "You don't need a new one." Quite right, Mommy agrees; perhaps they'll have a baby worm, or a penguin, or a crocodile. None of those sound good to Little Owl, either. Maybe an elephant or a dragon? (Mommy's not so keen on those ideas.) Actually, they conclude together, a new baby owl is the best thing that could be in the egg after all. Little Owl is adorably expressive, whether he's squinching his eyes and stomping his feet in a tantrum or recoiling in horror at the thought of having a slimy worm share his nest. Woodland scenes in earthy brown and cool greens and blues are interspersed with spot illustrations of Little Owl on a white background as he imagines possibilities and works through his anger, fear, and finally excitement about getting a new sibling. Kids will relate to Little Owl's feelings of apprehension about his family changing and giggle over his exaggerated imaginings of what might hatch from the egg. Parents will appreciate this title as a humorous and positive entry preparation for kids awaiting the arrival of a new baby. SS