Owl Babies

Story

Three little owlets wake up to find their mother is not there. They sit in their hole and wait until she returns but it is dark outside and they are scared. They are brave and when she returns they are so happy to have her back!

Why we chose it

A much-loved picture book for its simply told story, the joy of its ending and Patrick Benson’s stunning illustrations.

Martin Waddell loved listening to stories as a child and grew up to tell stories that small children love.

Where it came from

Martin Waddell was inspired to write this story when he was in the supermarket buying some dog food. While he was there, he saw a lost young child, repeating the phrase “I want my mummy”. It was then that he knew he had a story. He hopes he has reassured each child who reads this story that their fears are reasonable, and that their loved ones will always be there for them.

Where it went next

Owl Babies has become one of Waddell’s best loved and most popular books.

Associated stories

Waddell has written a number of picture books including Farmer Duck illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, The Big Big Sea illustrated by Jennifer Eachus, The Pig in the Pond and The Happy Hedgehog Band illustrated by Jill Barton and Once There Were Giants illustrated by Penny Dale

For a long time Waddell wanted to be a professional footballer. His series of books about Napper are set in the world of junior football.

Waddell has also written for older children under the pen name Catherine Sefton

Patrick Benson has worked with a number of authors. His books include It’s a Dog’s Life with Michael Morpurgo Night Sky Dragons with Mal Peet and Elizabeth Graham and the illustrations for the 1994 edition of the The Wind in the Willows.