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Owls in the Family
Farley Mowat's funniest book tells the adventures of Wol and Weeps, two owls from Saskatchewan who shape up a whole neighbourhood, turn a house topsy-turvy, and outsmart Mutt, the dog hero of The Dog Who Wouldn't Be. Wol brings dead skunks to the family dinner table and terrorizes the minister, the postman, and the French teacher. Weeps is a comical bird, afraid of everything except Mutt, and he never does learn how to fly. Here is the heartwarming story of how a boy named Billy finds Wol and Weeps and unwittingly adds two new members to the family.
91 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1961
90 people are currently reading
3424 people want to read
About the author
Farley Mowat
116 books646 followersFarley McGill Mowat was a conservationist and one of Canada's most widely-read authors.
Many of his most popular works have been memoirs of his childhood, his war service, and his work as a naturalist. His works have been translated into 52 languages and he has sold more than 14 million books.
Mowat studied biology at the University of Toronto. During a field trip to the Arctic, Mowat became outraged at the plight of the Ihalmiut, a Caribou Inuit band, which he attributed to misunderstanding by whites. His outrage led him to publish his first novel, People of the Deer (1952). This book made Mowat into a literary celebrity and was largely responsible for the shift in the Canadian government's Inuit policy: the government began shipping meat and dry goods to a people they previously denied existed.
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society ship RV Farley Mowat was named in honour of him, and he frequently visited it to assist its mission.
Many of his most popular works have been memoirs of his childhood, his war service, and his work as a naturalist. His works have been translated into 52 languages and he has sold more than 14 million books.
Mowat studied biology at the University of Toronto. During a field trip to the Arctic, Mowat became outraged at the plight of the Ihalmiut, a Caribou Inuit band, which he attributed to misunderstanding by whites. His outrage led him to publish his first novel, People of the Deer (1952). This book made Mowat into a literary celebrity and was largely responsible for the shift in the Canadian government's Inuit policy: the government began shipping meat and dry goods to a people they previously denied existed.
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society ship RV Farley Mowat was named in honour of him, and he frequently visited it to assist its mission.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 582 reviews
December 19, 2011
I don't know how true these memories are, but they are my memories, so they are true enough for this. Around 34 or 35 years ago, I went into my elementary school library and talked to Mrs. Dogleash (surely Mrs. Dalgliesh, like the famous Liverpool footballer and manager, but we always thought of her as Dogleash). I needed a book. She gave me Owls in the Family.
I remember the orange-gold shag carpet of my bedroom where I sat and read in the evening. I remember a flashlight and my crocheted blanket -- the one that sent out sparks in the dark if I rubbed it against my hair -- as I read past my bedtime. I remember riding my bike up the hill, deeper into our community, to get my Mom smokes (back when Canadian neighbourhoods embedded their little strip malls rather than top loading them at the entrance to their communities). I remember what was left of the prairies if I rode my bike in the other direction, passing cattle and a little slough on some nameless ranch.
And as I nostalgically reread Farley Mowat's Owls in the Family, I found myself remembering the entire story as though I had only read it last week. I would start a chapter and know exactly what Wol and Weeps -- the titular owls -- would be getting up to.
I imagine at least part of this is because I can still contextualize it all, since I lived my own version, sans exotic pets, in my own Canadian childhood. Mowat's Saskatchewan was not all that different from my Alberta. And all of the things Billy (Mowat's youthful self) did, riding his bike through the prairies, drinking from open water sources (mine was the river near our house), getting himself in danger without infantilizing laws and regulations of hyper-protection, these were all things I had done myself, in my own way. So maybe the memory of Billy Mowat's adventures were, thus, burned more deeply in my synapses.
I dunno why, but I had to explore the reasons for my memory a bit here. What I do know is that this book was as excellent today as it was when I read it all those years ago, and I hope my son, who's standing over my shoulder as I type this, will enjoy it as much as I have -- even if our oceanside existence and our socially driven infantilization mean that he will never have the connections with Owls in the Family that I had, I hope his imagination will find wonder in a book that is all about exploration of oneself in the bigger world all around. Maybe his owls can be the crabs of Red Bum Point.
I remember the orange-gold shag carpet of my bedroom where I sat and read in the evening. I remember a flashlight and my crocheted blanket -- the one that sent out sparks in the dark if I rubbed it against my hair -- as I read past my bedtime. I remember riding my bike up the hill, deeper into our community, to get my Mom smokes (back when Canadian neighbourhoods embedded their little strip malls rather than top loading them at the entrance to their communities). I remember what was left of the prairies if I rode my bike in the other direction, passing cattle and a little slough on some nameless ranch.
And as I nostalgically reread Farley Mowat's Owls in the Family, I found myself remembering the entire story as though I had only read it last week. I would start a chapter and know exactly what Wol and Weeps -- the titular owls -- would be getting up to.
I imagine at least part of this is because I can still contextualize it all, since I lived my own version, sans exotic pets, in my own Canadian childhood. Mowat's Saskatchewan was not all that different from my Alberta. And all of the things Billy (Mowat's youthful self) did, riding his bike through the prairies, drinking from open water sources (mine was the river near our house), getting himself in danger without infantilizing laws and regulations of hyper-protection, these were all things I had done myself, in my own way. So maybe the memory of Billy Mowat's adventures were, thus, burned more deeply in my synapses.
I dunno why, but I had to explore the reasons for my memory a bit here. What I do know is that this book was as excellent today as it was when I read it all those years ago, and I hope my son, who's standing over my shoulder as I type this, will enjoy it as much as I have -- even if our oceanside existence and our socially driven infantilization mean that he will never have the connections with Owls in the Family that I had, I hope his imagination will find wonder in a book that is all about exploration of oneself in the bigger world all around. Maybe his owls can be the crabs of Red Bum Point.
November 8, 2019
Such an enjoyable read! Billy's escapades with his pet owls are touching and amusing, especially Chapter 5 when Wol interacts with Mutt, the family dog. Hilarious! One of my favourite read-alouds!
September 3, 2019
A sweet little book about a young boy in Saskatoon raising two owls. One he purposefully set out to capture and raise, and the other he gets by accident when he finds some bullies torturing it. Wol and Weeps are two very different owls, but both of them have loads of personality, and my kids loved hearing about them.
It must also be noted that, though in the beginning some owls and other birds do die, they aren't anyone's pets, and it isn't the fault of the humans. WOL AND WEEPS DO NOT DIE.
It must also be noted that, though in the beginning some owls and other birds do die, they aren't anyone's pets, and it isn't the fault of the humans. WOL AND WEEPS DO NOT DIE.
December 22, 2018
Mowat's Owl story is, in my memory, a quick read sequel to Mutt's story. Decades after first reading it, the memory of the hilarious scene with the garage mechanic, the owls and goggled dog in the Mowat family car's rumble seat still brings a smile ... If you have an interest in owls, I suggest adding this to your TBR.
The Dog Who Wouldn't Be
The Dog Who Wouldn't Be
July 14, 2018
This one - broke my heart. A story of two Eagle owls (they're Big can fly off with a cat/dog), brought up by a boy in a north Canadian town. When the family have to move to the city, they take the owls a long way into the wild to release them more than 200 km away and guess what, one flies back to his home.
That's not the only heartbreak, one of the owls is rescued from "boys" torturing it - and the other stronger one literally takes the shocked baby under his wing.
Farley Mowat, animal lover, conservationist, story-teller of the great unknown - and boy - back when kids didn't have tv, mobiles, video games etc.
That's not the only heartbreak, one of the owls is rescued from "boys" torturing it - and the other stronger one literally takes the shocked baby under his wing.
Farley Mowat, animal lover, conservationist, story-teller of the great unknown - and boy - back when kids didn't have tv, mobiles, video games etc.
November 12, 2009
I remembered loving this book from when I was a kid! My sister's favorite animals were owls, so we were in awe of Farley's family who had two pet owls. After looking around for this book in the library, I finally ordered it off Amazon. It was so worth it! It was a quick read of 3 sittings and all three of my kids loved it and we all laughed and laughed. I've liked most of Farley Mowatt's books, but I've never read his most famous book: Never Cry Wolf. Someday I'll get to that.
November 21, 2018
I just love this book. It goes back in a time when boys could roam and explore. This boy captures two owls and they live at home with him! It is quite hilarious! I also love that it is a true story
December 21, 2022
We really enjoyed this book, but my youngest was very upset by the last chapter, when they moved to the city and left the owls with a friend.
March 25, 2017
I struggled between three and four stars on this one. It's an interesting tale, but for the most part, it's one of those children's books where each chapter is a separate adventure, and that's generally not my cup of tea. I ultimately went with four stars regardless since this book is just so readable and entertaining too.
September 21, 2025
A heartwarming, laugh-out-loud read aloud.
September 1, 2018
Wonderful story about kids being the way kids were meant to be! Having adventures outside, off on their own, discovering what it is to live! And it had not one, but two, owls in the story all based on real life! I really enjoyed my Finer Books Club "vacation" book! And to top it all off, it had illustrations!
October 17, 2025
This is a fabulous Canadian variation on the boy and his dog genre. It is a novel about a boy and his owls. I loved this book when I was 9 years old. Now at 69 have just finished reading it with my 11 year old grandson who loved it as much as I did.
October 11, 2018
Read-aloud. Now we wish we had an owl for a pet.
September 8, 2020
Excellent story about youth, animals, kindness. Must read for kids especially.
July 20, 2025
Owls in the Family is a fun, quick-paced story about a boy, his friends, and the owls they raise. This was an easy evening read for our family.
Easily a 3rd grade reading level.
Easily a 3rd grade reading level.
April 17, 2023
Really fun book to read aloud to the family, everyone young and old enjoyed it. If you’re reading with very young or sensitive ones, please note the recounting of a man who hung himself on a tree to avoid being caught by Mounties in ch 8; it is easily skipped over. Also, in chapter 4 some boys are mistreating an owl, but to purpose, because our protagonist cleverly rescues him, thereby becoming the keeper of TWO owls. Other than that, very enjoyable, we will definitely be reading more Mowat.
October 7, 2013
Another book my young son loved - he read it, I read it to him. Many readings. The five stars are for his enjoyment but it was a good story.
February 23, 2017
This is so much fun to read about his owls. If you like them do read it. It is easily read in one day and a few laughs.
September 14, 2024
5 stars for a good story, always a favorite read-aloud for third and fourth grade students.
April 6, 2016
I read this book to my son, who is 8, for a book report he needed to do for school. I'd heard the book recommended often throughout my years of homeschooling, but never gotten around to actually reading it. I'm so glad I did! We both thoroughly enjoyed it. My son, in particular, enjoyed reading about boys who love the outdoors, like he does (although he has much less accessibility to wild space than they did). The book tells how Billy, the main character, and his friends Bruce and Murray, come across a great horned owlet that's been orphaned by a storm, and they bring him home to Billy's house. Billy then raises him, and another owl they end up rescuing, and the book tells of their adventures together. My son and I laughed and laughed at the crazy things Wol, the first owl, would do. The boys and their antics were nearly as entertaining to me. It's a very short chapter book. It has 11 chapters, but only 89 pages, and enough pictures to grab my son's attention.
The book was written about Mr. Mowat's real life experience, I believe, and we really enjoyed it. We learned a lot about the behavior of the owls, even though they were raised by humans. Of course, today, one does not simply bring home an owlet and raise it. My teen girls listened in often while we were reading, and they enjoyed the story as well. I'd recommend it for elementary kids who need a chapter book to read, boys who enjoy the outdoors and wildlife, and for anyone as a family read-aloud.
The book was written about Mr. Mowat's real life experience, I believe, and we really enjoyed it. We learned a lot about the behavior of the owls, even though they were raised by humans. Of course, today, one does not simply bring home an owlet and raise it. My teen girls listened in often while we were reading, and they enjoyed the story as well. I'd recommend it for elementary kids who need a chapter book to read, boys who enjoy the outdoors and wildlife, and for anyone as a family read-aloud.
January 14, 2023
A perfect read for the entire family!
It’s late spring and it’s the perfect time to hunt for baby owls. Because naturally, that’s what a boy does to prepare for a fun-filled summer. And that’s precisely the kind of summer that happens.
A couple of boys, two dogs, two owls and some laugh out loud scenarios (like with Mr. Miller, the maid, the minister, and the pet parade!) - you couldn’t ask for a more entertaining read!
Ages: 5+
#Canada #Saskatchewan
Cleanliness: “shucks”, “heck” and the like are used. Boys take off their clothes to go swimming. Boys “fight” and wrestle but more to get out energy than being actually mad. Their are a couple of bullies in town that are mean to an owl.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
It’s late spring and it’s the perfect time to hunt for baby owls. Because naturally, that’s what a boy does to prepare for a fun-filled summer. And that’s precisely the kind of summer that happens.
A couple of boys, two dogs, two owls and some laugh out loud scenarios (like with Mr. Miller, the maid, the minister, and the pet parade!) - you couldn’t ask for a more entertaining read!
Ages: 5+
#Canada #Saskatchewan
Cleanliness: “shucks”, “heck” and the like are used. Boys take off their clothes to go swimming. Boys “fight” and wrestle but more to get out energy than being actually mad. Their are a couple of bullies in town that are mean to an owl.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
August 1, 2021
Squirt and I loved reading something set here in Canada. Man, childhood was wild back in Mowat's day. Part of me was sad as we read this, wishing Squirt could have these kind of experiences - the freedom to explore nature, to range miles away from home, to find fun in observing and being in nature - all unsupervised like I was able to be as a kid. I would have loved to provide a setting like that for my son, but at least I can read to him about it.
Awesome book. The owls are funny. Squirt had no trouble paying attention.
Awesome book. The owls are funny. Squirt had no trouble paying attention.
June 12, 2020
This is a very entertaining read! I really enjoyed that it is set in Saskatoon and surrounding area. It was interesting to learn what it used to be like here. The stories of a young boy and his pet owls are very funny and also teach a lot about owls!
April 9, 2022
Farley Mowat was a wonderful writer but some of the cruelty described is hard to read. Luckily, there are only a few instances of this and, generally, we get a light-hearted account of how boys grew up in rural Canada, rich with wildlife. But I felt sorry for the crows!
January 16, 2020
This is a delightful book that was enjoyed by both my kids and me.
January 29, 2023
yes, this is a children's book. yes, i finished it in 30min. yes, it was absolute perfection. yes, i need a pet owl. yes, joanna told me to read it. yes, i need my own copy of this.
March 3, 2025
Throwback to the best of the childhood reads.
January 21, 2021
A must-read for all families!
If you or someone you know loves animal stories, I’d highly recommend that you check this book out! It’s been a favorite of mine for a long time, and when I recently re-read it, I remembered just how much of a favorite it is for me.
Billy and his friends love animals, and when they decide to get owls for pets, they don’t expect to have as many as they end up with! The owls they do end up with are quite the characters. You won’t want to miss the story of Wol and Mutt! That is quite possibly my most favorite part of the story, but there are funny bits all the way through. A highly recommended story, overall. I really enjoyed it!
If you or someone you know loves animal stories, I’d highly recommend that you check this book out! It’s been a favorite of mine for a long time, and when I recently re-read it, I remembered just how much of a favorite it is for me.
Billy and his friends love animals, and when they decide to get owls for pets, they don’t expect to have as many as they end up with! The owls they do end up with are quite the characters. You won’t want to miss the story of Wol and Mutt! That is quite possibly my most favorite part of the story, but there are funny bits all the way through. A highly recommended story, overall. I really enjoyed it!
November 29, 2024
This is the first novel I’ve read aloud to my 2 and half year old daughter. She loves owls, and was engaged during the readings. After each chapter we’d chat about what happened and I was surprised at how much she was retaining. I remember reading, or having this book read to me, as a child. It was great to revisit, and it did not disappoint.
September 13, 2016
9/10 - So good! One of our favorite readalouds of the summer. Full review here: http://www.sunlitpages.com/2016/09/re...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 582 reviews