Our three little owls start their adventure on Christmas Day, by each laying a shiny white egg on top of the wardrobe where they live. But they're not sticking around to see what happens next. No, they're off on a year-long journey around the world.
They go fishing — and catch a quite remarkable fish who wears clothes (including shoes) and writes speeches in Hindi and Greek — and dancing, stop off for a nap in August, and visit countries as far afield as Australia and Peru.
Then, just before Christmas, the fish catches sight of the owls returning, bringing with them a jumbo-sized basket of treats to create the ultimate Christmas feast. And, 'with a bop and a bip and a bip and a bop', the story comes to a very merry stop!
Originally written by Italian painter, set designer, illustrator and author Emanuele Luzzati, the manuscript for this story, then titled Filastrocca di Natale, was found amid Luzzati's papers after his death in 2007. Acclaimed illustrator Quentin Blake was asked if he would take on the work of illustrating the manuscript, while John Yeoman provided the words for this English version. The result is a delightful, fun-filled rhyming romp that's perfect for reading after Christmas lunch!
Title: Three Little Owls
Authors: Emanuele Luzzati and John Yeoman
Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Tate Publishing, $24.95 RRP
Publication Date: October 2013
Format: Hardcover with jacket
ISBN: 9781849760805
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
