Saving Mr Hoot

by Helen Stephens

 

This is the picture book for every little one's shelf, about how sometimes the smallest people make the biggest difference. A beautiful owl lives in the tree outside Ben’s house. Ben calls him Mr Hoot. When grown-ups want to chop down Mr Hoot’s tree, Ben has to act fast to save him. This warm, funny and inspiring story shows how we can all protect the wildlife that lives all around us.

With characteristic warmth and humour, Helen Stephens’ exquisite new picture book celebrates the precious wildlife that lives all around us, and shows how even the smallest of us can help to protect it.

Hugely a warmly funny environmental book with heart – will inspire children to look out for, love and protect their local wildlife

Striking cover design with gold foil – a perfect gift book

Helen Stephens is an Instagram star with nearly 20,000 followers. She also launched her own online illustration course, The Good Ship Illustration

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Animals

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2021

About the author

Helen Stephens is the illustrator of a number of books for children. She is best known for her How to Hide a Lion series, which was adapted for the stage by the Polka Theatre. She has illustrated stories for some of her favorite authors, including Roger McGough, Michael Morpurgo, Sophie Hannah, Holly Webb, and Cecile Aubry. Helen Stephens lives on the windy coast of Northumberland, England, with her family.

Reviews

[Alice Bianchi-Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen Stephens is a warm author/illustrator whose message of small acts of courage can make a big difference is as timely as it is welcome. She brings to life the character of Mr Hoot, the owl Ben befriends and whose tree Ben single-handedly protects from tree fellers. Mr Hoot is both charming and elusive - none of the grownups ever see him, which is why they believe Mr Hoot to be Ben's imaginary friend. In true childlike way, Helen Stephens has captured Ben's obsession with Mr Hoot. Ben has tacked drawings of Mr Hoot everywhere: in his bedroom and on the kitchen fridge. Mr Hoot is presented in inviting, toasty yellows and oranges, his fluffy feathers seem forever ruffled by the wind and his eyes always orbit towards or wink at Ben to underline their growing bond. Helen Stephens' author's note is a touching testament to the power to redeem ourselves that lies within us. There is always another opportunity in life to do what is right. May we all be as brave and outspoken as Ben and make it our mission to protect wildlife wherever we live.

[Amy Lake · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story explores issues such as tree felling and the importance of conservation for protecting wildlife. I think that the book was engaging, and I enjoyed the humour at the beginning when the owl was portrayed as a figure of Ben’s imagination. I thought that the themes of conservation were introduced in a clever way, and noted that the tree feller was a woman, challenging societal expectation. The book allowed for extension work, with opportunities for counting the owls and learning which other animals are dependent on this environment. It also introduced the theme of nocturnal animals, which is a good learning point for younger children. Overall this book had a positive theme and outcome, and was very engaging for young children. I think that this book is suitable for early years onto Year 1, and children ages 3-5 year olds would engage with the story and aesthetic of the book.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

the children really loved this one, had a great time listening to it and were really engaged

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story with cute owl pictures.

[Harriet Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

female written , diverse characters and a female chainsaw user in the book but not overly spoken about. happy ending :)

[Niamh Hitchman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations with bold colours
'Hoo, Hoo, Hoooo'-great way for children to be engaged and involved in the book.
Representation- diversity of character, Lady chainsaw rather than a man
Lots of lessons -deforestation, saving wildlife
Female author