Sova’s mom is a scientist who studies saw whet owls. From the time she’s a little girl, Sova asks if she can come along when her mom monitors owl migration each October. Each time her mom explains, “A scientist must learn to wait.” Now Sova is finally old enough to stay up late and go along. Although the night she’s been longing for has finally arrived, Sova discovers that even more waiting is required when their first two checks of the net her mom set up yield nothing but dry autumn leaves. Her mom has explained there’s never a guarantee she’ll catch an owl; still, Sova’s disappointment is palpable. But on their final check of the net, there’s one small saw whet. Sova watches as her mom measures, records data, and bands the young owl before they release it back into the night. There’s a perfect balance of storytelling, information, and suspense in this lengthy picture book narrative. Sova’s engaging voice is full of curiosity, while the information her mom shares in response to her daughter’s questions provides a plethora of facts about saw whet owls. The illustrations show the warm relationship between Sova and her mom, both brown-skinned, and charmingly capture Sova’s fascination with the owls she’s clearly loved since early childhood. (Ages 4-8)

An inspiring introduction to capture-and-release research, this mother-daughter story about owl conservation will spark curiosity in young nature, bird, and science lovers.

Sova’s mother is a scientist who studies birds and their migratory patterns. Each night she goes into the woods to conduct research, and finally Sova is old enough to join her. Securing headlamps, Sova and her mother head into the woods to capture, measure, and release saw-whet owls. Through the quiet night, Sova learns about the patience, persistence, and excitement that comes with conservation efforts and scientific research.

This heartwarming mother-daughter story is the perfect primer to conservation, science, and amazing owls!