About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the arrival of a new neighbor, classmate, or sibling and is struggling with feelings of wariness or hesitation toward someone different. It is a perfect tool for children who are still developing their verbal skills but are highly sensitive to social cues and facial expressions. Through a wordless narrative, the story follows a family of owls and a family of bats sharing a single branch. While the adults are initially suspicious of one another, a sudden storm forces them to cooperate, proving that common ground is often found in shared experiences. This gentle, humorous tale is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, offering a safe space to discuss curiosity, empathy, and the beauty of making new friends. It is a masterclass in visual storytelling that models how to move from 'us versus them' to 'all of us together.'
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with 'othering' and xenophobia through a metaphorical lens. The approach is entirely secular and non-verbal. The resolution is hopeful and demonstrates that proximity and shared crisis can lead to genuine connection.
