Title: Elf Dog and Owl Head
Genre: fiction, fantasy
Targeted Age: 3rd - 6th grade
Plot Summary: While the Covid-19 virus isolates Clay's life from his friends and interactions outside of his home, a magical elf dog, named Elphinore, finds herself unexpectedly in the mortal world. As they spend time together in the nearby woods, the barrier between Clay's reality and the magical realm opens, and the two worlds interact providing joy, adventure and risks for all.
Justification for book choice: This book is a 2023 Newbery Medal Honor Book. I remember entering it in a book list for my local library during my summer practicum. It was also being promoted at one of the library conventions I attended this year and I received a complimentary copy of it. Fantasy and interactions between mortal and magical worlds is very popular right now and I believed it was a benefit to read.
Evaluation: The setting for Elf Dog and Owl Head of life during a pandemic is very relevant for the generation of kids that have lived through the Covid-19 disruptions. The feeling of isolation and being trapped at home resonates with nearly everyone who reads this story. This is also true for both Clay and for the elf dog, Elphinore. For a fantasy book, it does a good job of introducing enough about the early characters to draw readers into the story. The world building aspect of the new characters they meet in the woods, is weaker and feels a little unfinished. I was left wishing for more connection to them. The length and language will match with older elementary or middle school but older readers will be left wanting for more details. Overall, this book pointed out that places of adventure are all around us, and it is often our perspective that can make the difference.
Citation: Anderson, M.T. (2023). Elf Dog and Owl Head (J. Wu, Illus.) Candlewick Press.