Greta the Great Horned Owl: A True Story of Rescue and Rehabilitation (Wildlife Rescue Stories)

On balance, a heartwarming story of a successful bird rescue with somewhat less-than-successful illustrations.

The third book of the Wildlife Rescue Stories series documents a great horned owl's rehabilitation. Through firsthand photographs and digitally rendered scenes, readers encounter the owl as she hunts at twilight. In a dramatic photo reenactment, Greta collides with an oncoming train: "Her legs and wings are trapped. She struggles but cannot get free." Gove-Berg describes Greta's injuries--a broken leg and wing--both displayed in X-ray images, while compelling photographs show the veterinarians performing surgery and follow-up care. Readers will share in the joy as Greta's rescuers release her: "People watch and whisper as the vet throws Greta into the air. Greta flies up toward the sky. The people cheer!" Back matter featuring a q&a with Gove-Berg provides additional information about great horned owls. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)