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Die kleine Weihnachtseule

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Ist das Weihnachten?


Was genau macht Weihnachten aus? Das fragen sich die kleine Eule und ihre Freunde jedes Jahr aufs Neue. Diese wunderschöne, originelle Weihnachtsgeschichte, basierend auf der wahren Geschichte von Ellen Kalish und der kleinen Eule Namens Rockefeller, wird mit traumhaften, stimmungsvollen Illustrationen von Ramona Kaulizki nacherzählt und bringt weihnachtliche Stimmung in alle Herzen. Mit wunderschöner Botschaft!

Nach einer wahren Geschichte ...


Eines Tages wird der riesige Baum, das Zuhause der kleinen Eule, gefällt und fährt mitsamt der Eule in eine riesige Stadt: New York! Dort wird der Baum als Weihnachtsbaum aufgestellt. Zum Glück findet jemand die kleine Eule und bringt sie zur Wildtierpflegerin Ellen. Diese kümmert sich herzallerliebst um das kleine Käuzchen und lässt es munter am Weihnachtsabend wieder frei. Nachdem die kleine Eule von diesem Abenteuer zu ihren Freunden zurükkehrt, hat sie endlich eine Vorstellung davon, was Weihnachten ist: Hilfsbereitschaft, Mitgefühl, Freundlichkeit, Zuhause und gute Freunde.

40 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2021

3 people are currently reading
528 people want to read

About the author

Gideon Sterer

21 books29 followers

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5 stars
465 (44%)
4 stars
388 (37%)
3 stars
170 (16%)
2 stars
11 (1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,142 reviews146 followers
November 14, 2022
This is a sweet story that is based on a true story. In the book, a little owl is in his home (tree) when it is cut down, loaded on a truck, and taken to the Rockefeller Center in NYC to be decorated for Christmas. He is stuck in the tree and cannot eat or drink for several days, until he is discovered once the tree is put in place. He was taken to a bird rehab center to recover and get back to health and then released. The story is told from the viewpoint of the owl and his friends in the forest. They keep hearing about Christmas but really don't know what it is all about. The true story that the book is based on is told in the back of the book. It is a nice book that I purchased for our grandchildren, and one that I feel that they will enjoy.
Profile Image for Cheryl .
1,100 reviews153 followers
February 1, 2024
This wonderful children’s book tells the story of a little owl whose home was in a large pine tree in upstate New York. It’s based on the true story of the little owl who was named Rockefeller.

On a cold winter morning, men arrived and cut down the tree in which she was living! The pine tree had been chosen to stand in Rockefeller Center in New York City during the Christmas season. Trapped on a branch inside the tree, the little owl was transported along with the pine tree to New York City.

Beautifully illustrated, this book was written by the director of the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center. The Christmas owl, who had been named Rockefeller, was taken to Ravensbeard for rehabilitation after she was discovered in the tree. Ellen Kalish's note at the end of the book is well worth reading. This heartwarming story will appeal to children and adults as well!
Profile Image for Jennelle.
99 reviews181 followers
November 3, 2023
This is the story of the little owl who got stuck in a tree that was brought to Rockefeller center to be a Christmas tree. This was cowritten by Ellen Kalish. The woman who took care of the real owl who was found inside the Rockefeller Christmas tree. A heartwarming story that tells of compassion and the care of animals that sometimes need our help. There is a note from Ellen talking about her life with animals and being a wildlife rehabilitator and also a little write up telling the true story. Very cute and charming picture book.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
4,785 reviews
December 6, 2021
Just when I thought we couldn't possibly need another picture book about the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, I see that cute little owl on the cover and can't resist... What I didn't realize is that it's not just a Christmas story, but a story about wildlife rehabilitation, specifically bird rescue. I think it succeeds at both .

The Christmas aspect is nice, if nothing particularly "new" -- the animals in the woods don't really understand what Christmas is, but when the little owl is accidentally trapped in the tree that will become the Rockefeller Center tree, he experiences Christmas in the big city. His initial fear and dislike of humans is understandable, but I am glad the book shows how Christmas (and caring for others) can make people just a little more loving and joyful, and he learns about the "spirit of Christmas" and shares that with his woodland friends when he returns after his rehabilitation.

The rehabilitation aspect was a welcome surprise. I really appreciate that as my sister and dad used to volunteer at a baby bird rescue center and I joined them there a few times. I was impressed by the work these dedicated volunteers do to help injured and orphaned wild birds. The back matter explains more about this true story, though unfortunately I could not read all of it as the affixed library cover obscured half of it.

The cover illustration was not an empty promise. I really enjoyed the artwork here, especially the adorable Rockefeller. I have a soft spot for owls, and saw-whet owls are among my favorites.

This is not the only book about Rockefeller, though it's the first I've read. Others include Little Owl in the Big City, Rocky The Christmas Owl, and, amazingly, yet another published just this year, The Little Owl & the Big Tree, which I'm hoping to get from the library soon.

ETA: I've now read the other book published this year, The Little Owl & the Big Tree and didn't like it nearly as much as this one. It is extremely short, has little detail on the rehabilitation aspect, and very little Christmas-y feel. So, if you can only get one, I would most definitely recommend The Christmas Owl: Based on the True Story of a Little Owl Named Rockefeller.
Profile Image for Trish.
2,395 reviews3,749 followers
December 24, 2022
I bought this book a while ago when spending a bookshopping day with my sister. I had known the story of Rocky from when it actually happened but it was kinda nice seeing it being made into a book. PLus, I love owls so how could I resist!

The story, for those who don't know, is that of a saw-whet owl who lived in a big and beautiful Norway spruce ... the tree was so big and beautiful, in fact, that it was cut down for the Rockefeller Center in NYC as their annual Christmas Tree.
For some reason I'll never understand, the crews either don't have to check for wildlife living in the tree (totally unthinkable here) or didn't check thoroughly enough. Be that as it may, the little owl was trapped when the tree branches were roped together for the transport and had to spend days without food and water.
Then, when the tree was installed in front of the Rockefeller Center, one of the workers found the little owl and ... took it home with him? His wife was the one calling the wildlife center where Rocky (yes, it is short for Rockefeller) was nursed back to health before being released back into the wild shortly after.

So the story did have a happy ending, thank goodness. And I get why this book focuses on that, to be honest. I mean, it's a Christmas book. For children.
Still, my adult brain can't wrap my mind around the fact that trees older than myself are cut down every year(!) just to be overladen with decorations for a few days before being discarded. Not to mention that I don't want to know how many animals might have been killed for that in the past. No, I'm not a fan of this NYC tradition and maybe the Rockefeller's should come up with an alternative (smaller/younger trees that are far more easily grown, for example). Just saying.

Anyway, the book has an uplifting story about what Christmas means and Rocky's perspective certainly is a good one for that. Moreover, the illustrations are adorable, not just cute:



What I also very much liked was the fact that we get a map to see the distance Rocky traveled AND a word from the woman who nursed Rocky back to health as well as the full true story.



So yes, a very nice book for young and old readers about a true event, slightly changed to make it a bit more well-rounded, I guess. I'm just glad the real-life Rocky made it. Merry Christmas!
Profile Image for Mid-Continent Public Library.
591 reviews213 followers
Read
December 30, 2021
Moving to a new home and environment can feel strange. You may miss your friends and the environment that you were used to living in whether it were the slowness of the countryside or the business of the city. I remember moving even into a new house and trying to remember where the staircase was located at first.
What happens when your home (a tree) is suddenly moved and you find yourself (an owl) in a strange place? Rockefeller the Owl, discovers that his home can feel strange when moved to a new environment. Rockefeller suffers an injury and has to heal before he can fly back to where his home used to be with the other woodland creatures. He flies and finds his tree. Where will he decide to live? *Reviewed by Melinda from Edgerton*
Profile Image for Megan Wagner.
557 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2021
I like the rehabilitation aspect of the story, but I honestly kind of hate the whole Rockefeller tree thing... and this was a good example of why such a tree should be left where it is. There's just something really sad about cutting down such a massive tree.
Profile Image for Steffi.
3,280 reviews183 followers
October 11, 2022
"Die kleine Weihnachtseule" ist ein zauberhaftes Kinderbuch für die Weihnachtszeit.

Die Geschichte erzählt von einer kleinen Eule, die mit ihrem Baum auf der Eisbahn vor dem Rockefeller Center in New York landet und sich die ganze Zeit fragt was eigentlich Weihnachten ist. Es hat sehr viel Spaß gemacht die kleine Eule auf ihrer Reise zu begleiten und sich gleichzeitig die Frage zu stellen was Weihnachten ist.

Die Illustrationen haben mich komplett begeistert. Es gibt viele Details zu entdecken und die Zeichnungen sind wundervoll gelungen. Für mich in Kombination mit der Geschichte rundum gelungen.

Das Buch ist ideal zum Vorlesen für kleine Kinder, es gibt wenig Text, aber dafür ganz tolle bunte Illustrationen.
Profile Image for christine.
346 reviews
November 13, 2022
Such an adorably sweet story with stunning illustrations, I really enjoyed every moment of this! I teared up a little throughout and while reading the inspiration behind the story, which is included in the back of the book. I remember seeing pictures of Rocky the owl on social media a couple years ago, and I’m so happy that she got time to shine in a book!
Profile Image for Lisa.
282 reviews16 followers
December 14, 2024
I especially loved the beautiful illustrations! 🦉
Profile Image for Diana.
874 reviews9 followers
December 11, 2025
This was such a cute story! Buddy read with Jus and we enjoyed the illustrations 🤍

2025 Pippi Post Reader Roulette - Pick a Book Based on a True Story
Profile Image for Laura.
1,520 reviews253 followers
December 28, 2021

By chance, my pile of picture books this week contained two books about the same true story. A story about a cutie named Rockefeller.

The Christmas Owl is about a famous little owl that traveled all the way to New York with her tree, her home. Owl’s tree was picked to be Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree. An honor for the tree, for sure, but now our little owl was far from the wild she called home. How was she going to get home? With help that’s how.

Truth be told, I found this story a bit sad. It’s a tale of an animal and her home taken from the woods. I know, I know….it can all be spun in a different way. After my second reading, my heart saw the story as more of an adventure for our owl. A search! I loved how the author stirred in a search for the true meaning of Christmas.

A kind hearted read that showcases the spirit of Christmas in the caring and helping of others.

Check it out at your local Library.
Profile Image for Coleccionista de finales tristes.
683 reviews46 followers
December 6, 2021
Una historia corta, bonita donde la protagonista es Rocky (el búho que encontraron en el árbol 🌲 del Rockefeller Center el año pasado)

Al final nos da información sobre Ravensbeard (rescate de aves)

Es un libro para niños pequeños sin embargo estoy segura que lo disfrutarán más los adultos
Profile Image for buecherimregal.
109 reviews2 followers
October 14, 2022
In this book we meet a little owl and her friends the moose, the skunk, the rabbit and the squirrel in the forest. They're all wondering what that "Christmas" is that seems to amaze everyone every year.
Through unfortunate circumstances, the little owl ends up as a stowaway in her tree at the New York Times Square, where everything shines with Christmas lights. Will she find her way home again and will she and her friends solve the great mystery of Christmas?
❄️
This little story addresses so many important topics that are made very easy and safe for a child to understand. The topics range from friendship, dealing with animals and species protection to mindfulness of the world and its inhabitants. This beautiful story is accompanied by truly wonderful illustrations ranging from rural snow flurries to urban jungles full of lights.
As I read it, my heart really swelled. A strong recommendation to everyone who also loves the Christmas atmosphere.

Deutsch:
In diesem Buch treffen wir im Wald eine kleine Eule und ihre Freunde den Elch, das Stinkttier, den Hasen und das Eichhörnchen. Sie alle fragen sich, was denn dieses "Weihnachten" ist, das jedes Jahr alle in Staunen zu versetzen scheint.
Durch unglückliche Umstände gelangt die kleine Eule als blinder Passagier auf ihrem Baum an den New York Timesquare, wo alles in Lichtern weihnachtlich erstrahlt. Wird sie wieder Nachhause finden und wird sie mit ihren Freunden das große Rätsel rund um Weihnachten lösen?
❄️
Diese kleine Geschichte widmet sich so vielen wichtigen Themen, die einem Kind sehr leicht und sicher zugänglich gemacht werden. Die Themen reichen von Freundschaft, über Umgang mit Tieren und Artenschutz bis hin zur Achtsamkeit der Welt und ihren Bewohnern gegenüber. Begleitet wird diese schöne Geschichte mit wirklich wundervollen Illustrationen, die vom ländlichen Schneegestöber bis hin zum Großstadtdschungel voller Lichter reichen.
Beim Vorlesen ging mir richtig das Herz auf. Eine starke Empfehlung an alle, die auch die weihnachtliche Atmosphäre lieben.
Profile Image for Lowin1000.
587 reviews7 followers
Read
December 1, 2022
Kinderbuch Rezension


F:Mögt ihr Eulen? 


So kleine Eulen mag ich gern, große machen wir irgendwie Angst. Schön, dass Rocky eine niedliche kleine Eule ist. 


, , Die kleine Weihnachtseule", verfasst von Ellen Kalish und Gideon Sterer. 


Das Cover ist wahnsinnig schön illustriert von Ramona Kaulitzki.Mir gefallen die Farben der Schriftzug und einfach diese süße Eule namens Rocky. Die Innengestaltung sieht genauso fabelhaft aus! 


Es geht hier um Rocky, die auf der Suche nach der Antwort ist, was genau Weihnachten bedeutet. Daraufhin wird Rockys zuhause abgeholzt und der Baum wird vor dem Rockefeller Center in New York aufgestellt und Rocky ist dort im Baum und wird in ein Wildtierzentrum gebracht. Dort lernt sie Ellen kennen. Und Ellen zeigt ihr, dass Menschen auch helfen können, statt nur zu zerstören. 


Was hier das ganze versüßt, dass es nach einer wahren Gegebenheit passiert ist und dass Ellen im Buch auch gleichzeitig die Autorin des Buches ist. 


Am Ende lernt man diese kennen und wie sich das Ereignis zugetragen hat. 


Eine sehr süße Geschichte, die jetzt einfach zeigt, dass es Menschen gibt, die sich um Wildtiere kümmern, aber es wird jetzt nicht auf das Thema Bäume vernichten eingegangen. 


Die Altersempfehlung ist ab vier Jahre, aber es kann auch eher vorgelesen werden mit drei Jahren 


Eine klare Empfehlung für Eulenbewunder*innen und die an das Weihnachtswunder glauben. 


Vielen Dank für das Bereitstellen des Leseexemplars an den Verlag! 


Alles Gute, eure Jassy! 
1,047 reviews9 followers
October 18, 2022
2020 ist eine kleine Eule mit dem Weihnachtsbaum für das Rockefeller Center nach New York gebracht worden. Da sie ein nachtaktives Tier ist, hat sie niemand beim Fällen der Tanne bemerkt. Beim Aufstellen entdeckte sie ein Arbeiter. Die Eule war halb verhungert und verdurstet. Sie wurde in einer Wildtierstation aufgepäppelt und wieder in Freiheit entlassen. Es war eine wunderschöne Weihnachtsgeschichte.
Die Autorin hat diese Geschichte einen wunderschönen Rahmen gegeben. Die realen Fotos sind in liebevolle Bilder verwandelt und damit wird Rockys Geschichte geschmückt.
Gleichzeitig wird ein Gefühl von Weihnachten vermittelt das so gar nichts mit Geschenken zu tun hat.
Die tierischen Freunde von Rocky wissen nichts von Weihnachten. Sie erleben nur jedes Jahr ein ähnliches Ritual. Die Eule erlebt in der Auffangstation viel Zuwendung und Hilfe. Sie wird gefüttert, gepflegt und artgerecht gehalten. Das ist für sie Weihnachten, davon erzählt sie beim Heimkommen ihren Freunden.
Die Atmosphäre in diesem Buch hat wirklich den Geist der Weihnacht.
Eine Bildergeschichte für kleinere Kinder. Für die größeren Zuhörer:innen wird am Ende des Buchs die Arbeit in einer Wildauffangstation erklärt und darauf hingewiesen wie man mit aufgefundenen wilden Tieren umgeht. Die Erklärungen sind freundlich und einfach gehalten. Es gibt Hinweise wie wo man selber vielleicht mithelfen kann.
201 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2022
When I picked this book up for a Christmas present, I thought it would be a cute gift for an owl-loving two-year-old. My second read of it, though, was the ideal reading experience: holding the book for the gift recipient as she turned every page, pointed at the owl, and said, “it’s an owl!” Every picture of an owl was a surprise and delight, and as this book is indeed called The Christmas Owl, there were a LOT of pictures of the owl. Other stars included “house!” and “Christmas tree!” My heart grew three sizes, A+ experience, would recommend for all pre-literate owl lovers.
55 reviews
December 5, 2024
Allison,

Solid book, what could be better than a true story about an owl who is saved, nurtured back to health and returned to his friends. Oh that’s right, make sure it includes a theme about the true meaning of Christmas. Although one listener during story time thought the owl was being stolen and traded on the black market, she soon realized this is a damn children’s book and that would be insanity.

Story Time Metrics
- Story Time Attendees: 5 (7 if you include pets)
- Attendees Attention Span: 4/10 (one listener started chanting about going on a bear hunt mid-story, v confusing)

Oy with the poodles already!
Profile Image for Adam.
615 reviews
December 21, 2021
Awww. So adorable.
Although it did make me kinda dislike the idea of tree cutting for Christmas more. But other than that, it was good.
Profile Image for Stephanie .
689 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2022
Lovely story through the eyes of an owl and the magic and love of Christmas.
Profile Image for BookVolchitsa.
812 reviews62 followers
December 9, 2022
Una storia dolcissima e dei disegni super cute.
Un avventura natalizia da leggere con i piccoli di casa.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews

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