Review: Hootie the Cutie

Hootie the owl lives in an enchanted forest. She doesn’t like being the smallest: she wants everyone to know how brave she is, but there’s a hitch. Her father tries to protect her from so many things, with the words ‘No, Hootie, this is not for you.’

But one day, the forest is aflutter with fear and there is only one owl small enough to investigate. Can Hootie the Cutie become Hootie the Brave? It’s as much about parents letting go as it is about finding strength deep inside to face the unknown.

Hootie the Cutie is sweet and heart warming. It hides several layers of truth beneath its gentle text. Giuseppe Poli also does something a little magical in his illustrations. I have never seen characters in shades of brown that look so soft and even the darkest of pages seem to vibrate with a warmth and light.

This seemingly simple tale of courage and fear is as much a story for parents (if not more) than it is for children.

Title: Hootie the Cutie
Author: Michelle Worthington
Illustrator: Giuseppe Poli
Publisher: New Frontier Publishing $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: March 2014
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781921928000
For ages: 3+ years
Type: Picture Book