The Owl and the Woodpecker, Brian Wildsmith

Brian Wildsmith's paintings in The Owl and the Woodpecker are so good I don't know where to begin. I think it should be noted first though, that Wildsmith's colorful illustrations are a visual feast. They are layered, full of textures, patterns and designs. His depictions of wildlife and nature are full of color and personality. The trees are not left out either and are a riot of jazzy colors. 

The story is about a woodpecker and an owl who are at odds with each other because of different sleeping schedules and noise issues. They eventually come up with a solution to solve their problem. It is well written, has a good moral and of course, a happy ending.

The Owl and the Woodpecker

Illustrated by Brian Wildsmith 

Franklin Watts, 1972

Some interesting facts about Brian Wildsmith who celebrated his 80th birthday this year: His first children's book, published in 1962 won the Kate Greenaway Medal, Britain's equivalent of the Caldecott Medal. He was also a runner up for the same medal for The Owl and the Woodpecker. In 1994 the Brian Wildsmith Museum of Art was established in Izukogen, Japan (near Tokyo) where 800 of his paintings are on loan to the museum. Wow!