Name: The Owl and the Pussycat
ISBN: 9780060272289

Edward Lear

In this beautifully illustrated edition of the beloved nonsense poem by Edward Lear, Anne Mortimer takes the reader on the delightful voyage of the Owl and the Pussycat as they sail across the sea and travel into lush jungles, all by the light of the moon. Filled with rich detail and breathtaking artwork, this is a glowing tribute to the power of true love.

The Owl and the Pussycat

Sarah Sammis

The Owl and the Pussycat illustrated by Anne Mortimer is among Edward Lear's best known nonsense poems. It's also a family favorite, one we recite on a semi-regular basis. It's perfect for a family of owl and cat lovers. The owl and pussycat go on a long sea journey in their pea green boat. After sailing the world for a year and a day they decide to get married.

It includes elements listed as children's preferences in The Essentials of Children's Literature (Lynch-Brown, Tomlinson & Short, 2011, p. 64). Anne Mortimer specializes in cat paintings and her attention to detail brings new life and whimsy to this classic poem. Children can discuss friendships, travel, how cats and owls are in real life and if they'd make a good couple as well as how the poem is structured. They could even be asked to do their own illustrations for the poem.

I read this delightful version the first time for the materials for children ages 5 to 8 course I took.