Published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Summary:  Wildlife rehabilitator Ellen Kalish tells the story of Rockefeller, an owl whose tree home was cut down and taken to Rockefeller Center for Christmas.  Filled with questions about what Christmas is and what is happening to her home, the owl is finally rescued from the tree and taken to Ravensbeard Wildlife Center.  There, Ellen nurses her back to health until she’s finally ready to fly off on her own.  She makes a stop at Rockefeller Center, where she sees happy people holding hands and hugging, celebrating the spirit of the holiday.  She flies back home, eager to tell her animal friends there what she has learned about Christmas.  Includes an author’s note about her career as a wildlife rehabilitator and additional information about Rockefeller’s story.  40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  A charming holiday story that reminded me of one of my favorite Christmas read-alouds, Red and Lulu by Matt Tavares.  Kids will take Rockefeller to heart, and the additional information at the end makes her story even more interesting.

Cons:  There was a little too much anthropomorphism for my taste, considering this is based on a true story.