notes reviewed Owl Babies by Martin Waddell
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1 star
Content warning ending
- darker illustrations (nighttime)
- repetitive wording
- fussy, whining owls that make each other more worried
- themes: separation anxiety, fear of being alone, neediness, dependence, insecurity
- instead of promoting independence, confidence
- the mother dismisses her kids' worries and anxieties with the line at the end: "WHAT'S ALL THE FUSS?" their Owl Mother asked. "You knew I'd come back." -- first, tell your kids where you're going and how long you'd be gone. maybe then, the kids would have a fun time hanging out and having positive experiences, and not be so worried + anxious + insecure + negative.