Owls : Our Most Enchanting Bird

In his own particular style and in similar vein to his previous publications Matt Sewell has here produced an entertaining book, this time about owls from around the world, which will appeal to just about anyone, including young and seasoned birdwatchers. With its simple, stylised, quirky and yet beautifully observed colour illustrations, it is most definitely not intended to be an identification guide.
The owls may not look like the real thing, but the pen-portraits give a vivid description of the character of each one – capturing it’s essence in a few sentences by using appropriately chosen adjectives, in an easy, humorous, chatty tone. The “Witch’s tapestry of dusty moth’s wing, flaked pages from an alchemist’s compendium, lichen and moss, intricately woven together with spider’s webs and Swallow spit” conjures up an impression of the plumage of the Collared Scops Owl perfectly. And just imagine the Spotted Eagle-owl “which looks like it’s made out of delicate, crisp layers of Viennetta ice cream and 90 per cent dark chocolate drops” - brilliant!
This would be a lovely gift for anyone who has an interest in owls.

Book reviewed by Carole Sewell