Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Faust
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A fascinating "who's who" of owls adapted to city life.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
How wild birds adapt to life in New York City is the subject of THE URBAN OWLS. Flaco is introduced first. He is a Eurasian Eagle Owl, famous for escaping the Central Park Zoo and living free in Manhattan. He became a media sensation. Then comes a succession of four other species of owls. Some become permanent residents of New York while others are just temporary. Almost all are named, for example, Barry the Barred Owl. Each has a backstory, for example, Rocky the Saw-whet Owl once lived in the woods before her tree was cut down and brought to Rockefeller Center at Christmastime. Her good fortune: Some kind people helped return her home. Throughout, engaging questions are posed. Example: The Snowy Owl flies in but doesn't stick around New York long enough to be given a name by an adoring public. Readers are asked, "What would you name her?" The book concludes with an important reminder: Even in the city, "look for our neighbors the owls." The back matter includes additional facts about Flaco and other famous New York City owls, tips on how to observe and protect urban birds, and suggestions for further research.
Is It Any Good?
This fascinating and informative nonfiction picture book shows that owls live not only in the countryside but also in New York City. With their adaptability on full display, five different owl species star in The Urban Owls. In their time, each spark great interest from residents of New York and beyond. It is fascinating to learn where they come from, how they manage traffic, noise, and skyscrapers, and what in their lives parallels our own. Flaco, a Eurasian Eagle Owl, escapes the Central Park Zoo and chooses freedom. Geraldine, a Great Horned Owl, carries on despite a permanent injury. Some owls come from far away, not unlike the people of New York. Dramatic art shows these amazing owls in an urban setting. Sprinkled with questions for readers to consider, the charming prose blends facts and fun, all to nurture appreciation of amazing urban owls.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the urban environment in The Urban Owls. Do you live in the country, city, or suburbs? Are there wild animals where you live? If so, which ones? Are you able to observe them?
Have you ever seen an owl in the wild? What did you know about owls before reading this book? What did you learn from the book?
Animals are adapted to their environments, and many can adapt to changing circumstances. Have you ever had to adapt to changes in your life? If so, what?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Kristen Adam
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals ) , STEM ( Nature )
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown and Company
- Publication date : February 18, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : March 26, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate