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Hoot & Olive
Imagine That: A Hoot & Olive Story
Beloved characters Hoot and Olive return in this beautiful picture book about imagination, rainy day adventures, and the spirit of friendship.
Olive is a little girl with a big, bright imagination. Hoot is her stuffed-animal owl…and her best friend. The two love adventures of all sorts. But on the rainiest of days, there is only one thing to do: stay inside and imagine a whole new world.
Just as they’re about to begin their adventure, Hoot makes a shocking discovery—his imagination is broken! Like the best of best friends, Olive comes up with some ideas to help him. But nothing is working: not the head unscrambler, the earmuffs, or the hypnosis. Just as the two are about to give up, Olive remembers the secret ingredient to imagination, and they give it one more try.
Fans of Winnie-the-Pooh and Christopher Robin, George and Martha, and Frog and Toad are certain to fall in love with the next adventure in the Hoot & Olive series.
Olive is a little girl with a big, bright imagination. Hoot is her stuffed-animal owl…and her best friend. The two love adventures of all sorts. But on the rainiest of days, there is only one thing to do: stay inside and imagine a whole new world.
Just as they’re about to begin their adventure, Hoot makes a shocking discovery—his imagination is broken! Like the best of best friends, Olive comes up with some ideas to help him. But nothing is working: not the head unscrambler, the earmuffs, or the hypnosis. Just as the two are about to give up, Olive remembers the secret ingredient to imagination, and they give it one more try.
Fans of Winnie-the-Pooh and Christopher Robin, George and Martha, and Frog and Toad are certain to fall in love with the next adventure in the Hoot & Olive series.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published July 16, 2019
59 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan D. Voss
9 books47 followersI love art, music, and beautiful things. I’ve always been hugely inspired by others who bring this beauty to the world around us. Whether it’s well crafted words in a book or a painting in a gallery, there is something stirring about it all.
I love the work of early illustrators like Arther Rackham, N. C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, and Frank Schoonover. When I tell a story with pictures I want something to be felt. If an image falls flat, I haven’t done my job well. When I illustrate a book, I approach it as though I’m moving a camera around the action. I get to decide where to freeze the frame. It’s a big responsibility to tell a story well. I haven’t figured it all out yet, but I’m loving the journey. Maybe one day, when I grow up, I’ll be good at it. But, no matter where I end up, as I go, I hope that joy and pleasure are found in the words I write and the pictures I make.
If you'd like to know more about me and the work I do, visit me at www.jonathandvoss.com.
I love the work of early illustrators like Arther Rackham, N. C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, and Frank Schoonover. When I tell a story with pictures I want something to be felt. If an image falls flat, I haven’t done my job well. When I illustrate a book, I approach it as though I’m moving a camera around the action. I get to decide where to freeze the frame. It’s a big responsibility to tell a story well. I haven’t figured it all out yet, but I’m loving the journey. Maybe one day, when I grow up, I’ll be good at it. But, no matter where I end up, as I go, I hope that joy and pleasure are found in the words I write and the pictures I make.
If you'd like to know more about me and the work I do, visit me at www.jonathandvoss.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 7, 2022
Really enjoyed this children's picture book about imagination. Was cute, and had beautiful illustrations. If you're wondering why I'm reading a lot of these types of books lately it's because I work in the children's section of a library and I want to be a little more familiar with what we have so I can give better recommendations for the parents. Plus they can just be fun to read sometimes lol
August 3, 2019
This is the second book about Hoot and Olive, and I actually like it even better than the first! While Brave Enough for Two was about bravery and friendship, Imagine That is about imagination and perseverance.
On a rainy day, Olive and Hoot decide to imagine themselves an adventure. The only problem is, Hoot can't seem to do it. His imagination appears to be missing. Olive tries various ways to help him (including, hilariously, equipping him with a colander hat as an imagination antenna). But nothing works, and Hoot gets discouraged... until Olive reminds him that imagination requires a very important component...
The illustrations here are adorable. Olive's attempts to help Hoot with his imagination issues have him looking like a deranged alien moth. Voss also somehow manages to make a simply drawn stuffed animal have amazing facial expressions.
I really like this series! There are only two books so far, but I hope there will be more to come. Hoot and Olive are too cute.
Quotable moment:
On a rainy day, Olive and Hoot decide to imagine themselves an adventure. The only problem is, Hoot can't seem to do it. His imagination appears to be missing. Olive tries various ways to help him (including, hilariously, equipping him with a colander hat as an imagination antenna). But nothing works, and Hoot gets discouraged... until Olive reminds him that imagination requires a very important component...
The illustrations here are adorable. Olive's attempts to help Hoot with his imagination issues have him looking like a deranged alien moth. Voss also somehow manages to make a simply drawn stuffed animal have amazing facial expressions.
I really like this series! There are only two books so far, but I hope there will be more to come. Hoot and Olive are too cute.
Quotable moment:
July 30, 2019
This. this. This.
March 27, 2022
Gus Reads:
A beautiful story about imagination, friendship and believing with all your heart. The watercolour illustrations are lush and dream-like, perfect for a story about make believe!
Olive and Hoot are stuck inside one rainy day but that won't stop them from having fun--they can use their imaginations! Only Hoot's imagination seems to be broken...so Olive does her best to help fix the problem.
A beautiful story about imagination, friendship and believing with all your heart. The watercolour illustrations are lush and dream-like, perfect for a story about make believe!
Olive and Hoot are stuck inside one rainy day but that won't stop them from having fun--they can use their imaginations! Only Hoot's imagination seems to be broken...so Olive does her best to help fix the problem.
January 3, 2020
While I didn’t read the first book in this series, Brave Enough for Two, which is about friendship, Imagine That is so cute that it might have been a good idea to start with the first in this series.
On a rainy day, Olive suggests that they use their imagination to entertain themselves. But there is one big problem. Her friend Hoot can’t seem to locate his imagination.
Olive attempts to help him find it. They both begin searching here and there. She even puts a colander hat on Hoot to use as an antenna. Eventually, Hoot becomes discouraged and is ready to give up.
But when he asks Olive why his heart hurts so much if it’s his imagination that’s broken, Olive comes up with what might be the answer to Hoot’s problem.
While I didn’t fall in love with the illustration of Hoot, the book’s colors are soft and draw the reader into the pictures.
What Concerned Me
I know this is just a matter of personal taste, but I didn’t fall in love with the illustration of Hoot.
What I Liked Most
I liked the soft colors of the illustrations. I’m also partial to a book that is fun yet opens avenues of various conversations. Not only is imagination important to talk about, but perseverance is also a wonderful topic.
More Reviews at https://pickagoodbook.com
On a rainy day, Olive suggests that they use their imagination to entertain themselves. But there is one big problem. Her friend Hoot can’t seem to locate his imagination.
Olive attempts to help him find it. They both begin searching here and there. She even puts a colander hat on Hoot to use as an antenna. Eventually, Hoot becomes discouraged and is ready to give up.
But when he asks Olive why his heart hurts so much if it’s his imagination that’s broken, Olive comes up with what might be the answer to Hoot’s problem.
While I didn’t fall in love with the illustration of Hoot, the book’s colors are soft and draw the reader into the pictures.
What Concerned Me
I know this is just a matter of personal taste, but I didn’t fall in love with the illustration of Hoot.
What I Liked Most
I liked the soft colors of the illustrations. I’m also partial to a book that is fun yet opens avenues of various conversations. Not only is imagination important to talk about, but perseverance is also a wonderful topic.
More Reviews at https://pickagoodbook.com
August 3, 2019
It's woven into every single day. We drift into daydreams of accomplishments to reach for the next hour, day or weeks ahead. We form visions of special spaces to create. We brainstorm with others to make something better. We pretend to be other people at other places in other times to enhance or survive our current circumstances. These pictures in our minds are painted with hope.
Our imaginations are a gift allowing us to create pathways for the impossible to become the probable. Imagine That: A Hoot & Olive Story (Henry Holt and Company, July 16, 2019) written and illustrated by Jonathan D. Voss features two endearing characters we met in Brave Enough for Two (A Hoot & Olive Story (Henry Holt and Company, June 12, 2018). These friends are embarking on another adventure to find something valuable.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
Our imaginations are a gift allowing us to create pathways for the impossible to become the probable. Imagine That: A Hoot & Olive Story (Henry Holt and Company, July 16, 2019) written and illustrated by Jonathan D. Voss features two endearing characters we met in Brave Enough for Two (A Hoot & Olive Story (Henry Holt and Company, June 12, 2018). These friends are embarking on another adventure to find something valuable.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
August 9, 2019
Many youngsters will be able to relate to Hoot and Olive and what happens in this picture book. As the two friends get ready to play, Hoot realizes that he has lost the ability to imagine. Olive tries everything she can possibly think of to help her friend. Both of them become sad and frustrated when nothing works. Eventually, though, they land upon the idea of having Hoot use his heart. To their delight, it works, and they are able to play all sorts of imaginative games once again. This story is told quietly and gently, and readers will be caught up in concern for Hoot as he simply cannot touch his imagination any more. The illustrations, created with watercolor and pen and ink, are soft and just as appealing as the story and the firm friendship these two share.
August 22, 2019
This is the second in what appears to be an ongoing picture book series featuring Olive and her best friend, the stuffed owl Hoot. Many picture books are lovely, visually appealing, and emotionally engaging. This is all of that, and is especially deft at a blend of detail and delicacy in both images and text. The homage to imagination is layered with the deep issue of a friend in need, one who is sruggling with any form of negative emotion : sadness, lethargy, worry, or loss. The impulse to "fix" is universal, especially among young people, and this story is especially successful in revealing the power of caring, of intervening, and of reassuring.
It's a book that comforts, encourages, and inspires.
It's a book that comforts, encourages, and inspires.
November 17, 2019
I rate this book 4 stars. It follows the story of Hoot and Olive who are trying to entertain themselves on a rainy Day. Hoot is having trouble “finding” his imagination and Olive is assisting him with methods to recover it. The back and forth is sweet between them, and when he finally does recover his imagination, then the fantasy really begins. This story would work great for my second graders when I introduce free choice writing prompts at work station time. I am always hearing writers say that they can’t think of an idea and that is the hold up of their story. The main character of this story does not give into that theory and introduces the notion of small seed stories, which if you are familiar with Lucy Calkins also feeds well into that.
April 13, 2019
It was an amazing experience to read this book with my 8 yr old daughter! The story and illustrations brought me back to my childhood, when we used our imagination to create adventures in my parents' attic full of fun junk, the creek behind our house, or just in the yard with sticks and plenty of friends. This book sparked such nostalgia for me and my daughter adored it also! Even she commented on how beautiful the illustrations are. JDV has stunning talent. This second book about Hoot & Olive, and their wonderful friendship, is even better than his first book!
July 21, 2019
Hoot & Olive gave me a "Winnie the Pooh" feel in their first adventure together, and that vibe definitely continues in this sequel. With sweet messages of friendship and imagination, families will enjoy this endearing duo and their gentle shenanigans. In a world where our attention is often scattered by technology, Hoot & Olive encourage children to use their creativity and to appreciate everyday wonders - lessons many families will appreciate.
August 20, 2019
On a rainy day when Olive suggests that her and Hoot have an imagination adventure they soon discover that Hoot has lost his imagination. They search high and low, and do all that they can to find it, but with no luck. But then Hoot realized what was hampering his imagination, and that's when it began to grow.
December 6, 2018
Hoot and Olive are back, and Olive is prepared to use her imagination to create an adventure on a rainy day-- but Hoot is having some trouble when it comes to make-believe. A sweet and quiet story of thought and friendship, perfect for Winnie the Pooh fans.
April 19, 2019
We were really excited to learn about the second adventure of Hoot and Olive. It has such a lovely message paired with such amazing imagery. My daughter and I really enjoyed this book and are big fans. We look forward to the next great adventure!!
July 21, 2019
Voss has done it again! This rainy day adventure with Hoot and Olive will leave you smiling! The heartfelt sentiments and beautifully rich illustrations make my heart dance. This book is making me long for a new school year so I can share Hoot and Olive with my students, again!
July 30, 2022
Lovely story about a girl and her toy owl reviving imagination with all their heart. The watercolor with pen and ink artwork was imaginative, full of detail and definitely helped carry the story along.
I think this would make a fantastic read-aloud for a rainy day.
I think this would make a fantastic read-aloud for a rainy day.
June 25, 2019
My family really enjoyed this second Hoot and Olive story!
July 31, 2019
Hoot & Olive win again. This book is so sweet. Theirs hearts, their compassion, their imaginations. I really hope there’s more Hoot & Olive on the horizon.
August 1, 2019
Olive has to do the imagining for both her and Hoot on a rainy day.
August 3, 2019
Public library copy.
Excellent children's book with wonderful watercolor portraits and an uplifting , positive tale.
Excellent children's book with wonderful watercolor portraits and an uplifting , positive tale.
August 7, 2019
this book was perfect <3
August 8, 2019
Enchanting illustrations but the text was a bit weak. The illustrations, however, entice readers to keep going.
August 20, 2019
Second book about Olive and her stuffed owl, Hoot.
Charming story about finding lost imaginations and seeking from the heart. Together they go on amazing adventures once Hoot finds his imagination.
Charming story about finding lost imaginations and seeking from the heart. Together they go on amazing adventures once Hoot finds his imagination.
September 10, 2019
What a sweet story about imagination and friendship.
September 26, 2019
Hoot and Olive are best friends with big imaginations. But Hoot has lost his imagination. Olive has to help him get it back.
Very sweet and tender book about friendship.
Very sweet and tender book about friendship.
September 28, 2019
The 2nd installment of Hoot & Olive. A gem of a book about friendship, imagination, and figuring out what's most important. Their relationship reminds me of Christopher Robin & Pooh. A fave of 2019!
October 1, 2019
Sweet with a Winnie-the-Pooh feel
October 23, 2019
Jonathan Voss's illustrations are gorgeous and his stories are wonderful. I hope he creates many, many more beautiful books.
January 29, 2020
Olive and her friend Hoot set out to imagine a bunch of adventures but Hoot (who is very Pooh-esque) doesn't know how to imagine.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews