The Way Home: A Graphic Novel (Owly #1) (1)

Wow. What can I say?For Christmas, my brother gave me "The 500 Essential Graphic Novels" as a gift. I eagerly browsed through it. As I flipped the pages, I would read about and jot down titles that interested me.When I was finished, I selected a few to order. "Owly" being among one of the titles. I can honestly say, that I didn't know what to expect when it arrived. But, what I do know, is that when I got to reading it, I was pleasantly surprised. It was everything I could have hoped for and then some!"Owly" is delightful in it's simplicity. There is no dialogue. In it's place, instead, are symbols and pictures. This does not act as a downside at all. Andy Runton's artwork is so expressive and revealing, that despite there being no words - nothing about the story is lost. The characters are so expressive and animated, that, when they display an emotion - it's as if you can FEEL that emotion.The tale is beyond heartwarming and simple. Yet, Runton manages to achieve this without it being even the SLIGHTEST bit corny, cheesy or preachy. Instead it comes of as simple, yet touching, heartfelt and genuine. I am a 21 year old male, so, believe me when I tell you that "Owly" is a book that all ages can appreciate.The artwork, the story, the characters, their expressions - all of it. It's all top notch and will forever, hold a special place in my heart. I can honestly say, that my life is for the better for reading such a wonderful book.I can only hope that Andy Runton continues the rest of this series on par with the caliber of his first book.Please, as another reviewer said - and, I second this - if you are on here, reading the reviews, what are you waiting for? Order this book. It's better emotional therapy than any psychologist or pill can offer you. Within it's pages is a brief lapse of relief from this world and the knowledge of knowing, that things aren't so bad.Beautiful. Simply beautiful. Well done.

As a Children’s Librarian and parent I found the graphic novel series Owly as the genre was taking off in popularity. Now in an all new gorgeously painted full color version from Scholastic, I sent it to my grandson for his 7th birthday. He sent me a zoom invite and we read our copies together! What a wonderful visit for both of us!Reading w my grandson in CA! So easy for him as an emergent reader to decifer and follow the story, with wonderful illustrations and well chosen words. He’s developing reading with expression from Owly, as the emotion and friendship moves him in a way that the pure text of a book might not.A perfect book for children filled with the things they understand to be most important - kindness, caring for others, helping others because it’s the right thing to do, appreciation and gratitude, friendship and family. As with all great children’s books you wouldn’t know it! It’s never heavy handed - it’s a rollicking fun great story!! Actually 3 stories in one book!Andy Runton’s Owly reminds me of the books of author Kate DiCamillo (The Tale of Despereaux) - with characters facing real world problems not of their own making, but because that’s what happens in the world, and how the main character chooses their actions to confront and deal with these challenges, pulling from their innate sense of what’s right & just to help them conquer, grow and survive with joy. No small feat for an author!I heartily recommend this charming and engaging book for kids! Owly has truly won our hearts!

This is an 'all ages comic book' that is shocking in it's simplicity and lack of words. The animals make noises and occasionally there are words shown from a book one of the animals is reading, but that’s about it. Conversations are conveyed through bubbles containing pictures. Emotions are expressed by way of pictures. I found it pretty incredible that so much could be conveyed without words, with only some fairly simplistic depictions.This book is composed of two novellas, each in comic book style. In the first, Owly, the charming main character, is out to help others and make friends. He puts birdseed out for the birds. He frees captured fireflies. He rescues Wormy from nearly drowning in a puddle during a rainstorm and stays up all night making sure he is ok. The next day he helps Wormy find his parents. In the second novella, Owly and Wormy go out of their way to research and find the right food for two hungry hummingbirds. Owly also must learn to let go in this story, as the hummingbirds must migrate south for the summer. Owly’s good deeds do not go unnoticed and those he has helped become his loyal friends, destined to return even if flying far away.These are truly heartwarming, enchanting tales of friendship and kindness. I read this with my 4 year old daughter who summed the book up in one word, “awesome.” I look forward to reading more of Owly in the future.

This is a full color graphic novel!!! I love it! I love this series! We need More full color graphic novels like this, rich in color, with a minimalist approach to words, allowing the graphics to tell the story. And it’s a fun size, small paperback, clear easy to read font. Five stars! PS I’m a grown up. And I love this series. It’s family friendly. Great for ALL ages!

My nephew loved the illustrations in this book! A few of the thought bubbles are hard to interpret but still a great book.