Children aged 4-7 years old will find plenty to discuss in this story of sameness and difference. A family of owls are disturbed when a family of bats come to share the other side of their tree branch. At first the two families have nothing in common and do not want to accommodate each other’s needs. However, when a large storm wreaks havoc on the tree, the importance of solidarity and social cohesion becomes clear to owls and bats alike. This picturebook provides a gentle way to introduce younger children to themes of cooperation, belonging, diversity and tolerance between different groups of people. The simple, subtle illustrations depict the initially begrudging but ultimately affirming relationship between the two groups. In particular, the attention to detail in the faces of the animals will provoke emotional enquiry from young readers. The use of frame-breaking adds a touch of bona fide drama to the moment of crisis that leads to the narrative’s resolution.
