Spookie

Spookie is part of the “Simply Small Series” in which each title tells a simple story that features a member of the animal kingdom that encounters a challenge that needs to be overcome. In this case, a young bat must deal with fear. As the above except explains, Spookie, a bat, loves to fly all night; however, when a storm begins, the thunder and lightning frighten the little bat who seeks to hide from the storm in a tree. As Spookie flaps in to land, that action causes a little owl to take flight.

”Wait,” says Spookie.
“Please don’t go!"

When the owl asks why it shouldn’t, Spookie admits, “Because I’m scared.” The owl acknowledges its own fear, and the pair decide to hide together in a hollow in the tree as the storm continues. When the storm is over, the nocturnal pair, now new friends, fly together under the starry skies.

Opal’s simple cartoon-like artwork, with its bold, black outlines, is most appropriate for the intended target audience who will delight in the uncluttered double-page spreads. Though the story is about Spookie’s dealing with fear (and acquiring a friend), Opal imbeds some subtle learnings about bats, including the fact that bats “flap” while owls “flutter”. And many children will likely ask the adult reader why Spookie is shown upside down while the owl is right-side up. Since Opal’s text does not attach a gender to either of the two little flyers, Spookie is equally accessible to both girls and boys. Additionally, the book’s small size makes it appropriate not only for small hands but also for sliding into a diaper bag during outings.