

They love to verbalize the story, which reinforces the concept that ink on a page can be translated into ideas and words. Owly provides an opportunity for young children to ‘read’ the pictures in order and follow the story. Sequential art (wordless comics) like Owly can take learning to the next level, asking kids to follow a sequence of illustrations that form a story. It can be represented by a photograph of an owl, a stylized or ‘cartoon’ illustration of an owl, or letters forming the word ‘owl.’ Most children begin to make this transition from concrete to abstract through picture books, with a single illustration on each page. For example, an owl is a bird that flies at night and hoots. Young children are just beginning to learn that concrete objects can be represented in different ways. The remarkable thing about Owly is that these stories appeal just as much to adults as they do to children, and even the youngest can “read” the stories. Runton’s simple, black and white drawings are full of expression and emotion, and every tale conveys the value of compassion, bravery, tenacity, and, most of all, kindness. In these mostly wordless comics, the characters “speak” in symbols and pictures. You can read several short Owly stories for free at author Andy Runton’s site. While Wormy is able to win shy Rocky over quickly, it turns out that flying squirrels are afraid of owls! Will Wormy’s new friend be able to accept Owly? Can Rocky help Owly overcome his childhood fear and finally fly? In Owly tales, a little bravery and a lot of friendship can fix just about anything. In Flying Lessons, Owly and Wormy glimpse a mysterious new neighbor, a flying squirrel, and are eager to become friends.

Cartoonist Andy Runton’s Owly stories star a kind-hearted (vegetarian) owl who, along with his best friend Wormy, has sweet adventures and makes lots of new forest friends.
