Book Review Mini-Critique
Below you will find ratings (scale of 1-5) with general descriptions for the major parts of your book followed by your Readers’ Favorite review. Although this is just a Mini-Critique, we hope it will give you an insight into how readers may view the different components of your book.
These are the opinions of your reviewer, and although they are not a literary professional, they are an avid reader of books just like yours.
Title: The Great Little Owls
Subtitle: Ollie and Molly’s Journey
Author: Bob Michaelson
Genre: Children – Animals
Appearance: 5 The appearance of a book can make a significant impact on the experience of a reader, whose enjoyment is often enhanced by an enticing cover, an intriguing table of contents, interesting chapter headings, and when possible, eye-catching illustrations.
Plot: 5 The characters of a book should be well defined with strengths and flaws, and while they do not have to be likable, the reader does have to be able to form a connection with them. The tone should be consistent, the theme should be clear, and the plot should be original or told from a unique perspective. For informative books -those without plot and characters–this rating refers primarily to your concept and how well you presented it.
| Development: 5 | Development refers to how effectively you told your story or discussed your topic. The dialogue should be realistic, the descriptions should be vivid, and the material should be concise |
and coherent. Organization is also a key factor, especially for informative books — those without plot and characters. The order in
| which you tell your story or explain your topic and how smoothly it flows can have a huge impact on the reader’s understanding and enjoyment of the material. | |
| Formatting: 5 | Formatting is the single most overlooked area by authors. The way in which you describe scenes, display dialogue, and shift point of |
view can make or break your story. In addition, excessive grammatical errors and typos can give your book an amateurish
| feel and even put off readers completely. | |
| Marketability: 4 | Marketability refers to how effectively you wrote your book for your target audience. Authors may include content that is above or below the understanding of their target reader, or include concepts, |
opinions or language that can accidentally confuse or alienate some readers. Although by its nature this rating is very subjective, a very
|
Overall Opinion: 5 |
low rating here and poor reviews may indicate an issue with your book in this area.
The overall starred rating takes into account all these elements and describes the overall reading experience of your reviewer. This is the official Readers’ Favorite review rating for your book. |
Review: Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite
In The Great Little Owls: Ollie and Molly’s Journey, Bob Michaelson invites young readers into a delightful world where the charm of burrowing owls meets the challenges of nature and man. This endearing tale follows the adventures of Ollie and Molly, two courageous burrowing owls who navigate the highs and lows of life in the wild. From the outset, Michaelson captures the imagination with vivid storytelling that combines warmth, resilience, and the importance of community. Through Ollie’s and Molly’s eyes, young readers learn about perseverance and the rewards of overcoming obstacles.
Bob Michaelson penned a narrative beautifully complemented by stunningly colorful illustrations that bring the owls’ world to life. Each page is a visual treat, depicting the natural beauty of Ollie and Molly’s habitat and their expressive faces. The artwork enhances the storytelling and is a captivating medium for young imaginations. Readers will meet Ollie and Molly’s friend, Mr. Anderson, and a few foes as well. Michaelson includes photos of the real Ollie and Molly as a bonus. The Great Little Owls is a perfect storybook for children aged 5 to 9, striking a balance between entertainment and education. It’s a captivating story and a valuable tool for teaching young minds about the importance of courage, teamwork, perseverance, wildlife, and nature. Michaelson carefully handles the realities of wildlife threats so children can learn without fear. He is a powerful storyteller who knows exactly how to write for a young audience. The Great Little Owls is the perfect book for classroom storytime, and teachers and parents will find it a great way to teach young ones about burrowing owls.
