Booklist calls TO SEE AN OWL by Matthew Cordell a “pleasurable exploration of the magic that the world reveals to those who approach it with patience”

Janie longs to see an owl. She has devoured books on them, sketched pictures of them, and even dreamed about them, but she’s never managed to spot one in the wild. She finds a kindred spirit in her new teacher, Mr. Koji, who feeds his students with tales and photos of his most memorable subjects, including his particularly [Ed: Also in last sentence. especially for either?] beloved owls. “To see an owl is magic,” he attests, deepening Janie’s resolve. She knows that it may be a difficult task, but Mr. Koji preps her as best he can with detailed suggestion of what to look and listen for, and her patient mother ferries Janie from beach to prairie to dark woods in an attempt to make Janie’s dream come true. Months of unsuccessful excursions slip by, but one last suggestion from Mr. Koji has Janie heading out for another try. Could this be the fateful outing? The stunning story is a splendid celebration of the wonder of nature, but it also showcases different forms of dedication, whether it’s Janie to her elusive owls or Mama to her determined daughter. There’s both appreciation of the natural world and an acceptance of its secrets, and Cordell's appealing pen-and-ink and watercolor [pen, ink, and watercolor] artwork brings everything to life beautifully. A particularly pleasurable exploration of the magic that the world reveals to those who approach it with patience.

— Emily Graham