Owen is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 600 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
"Owen" by Kevin Henkes is a delightful children's book that tells the story of a young mouse named Owen and his beloved blanket, Fuzzy. Owen takes his blanket everywhere, from breakfast to the park, and even to school. As he grows older, Owen's parents worry that he will face judgment from others for still clinging to his blanket. They attempt various strategies to wean Owen off his attachment, but nothing seems to work. Eventually, Owen's resourceful mother comes up with a clever solution that allows Owen to keep his blanket while also adapting to the expectations of the outside world. The book celebrates the importance of comfort objects and the power of understanding and acceptance. Kevin Henkes's charming illustrations bring the story to life, capturing Owen's emotions and the warmth of his family. "Owen" is a heartwarming tale that reminds readers of all ages about the special bond between a child and their treasured possessions.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Discuss the books plot and examine the problem and solution.
- Teach a lesson on making connections to enhance comprehension.
- Teach students how contractions are used.
- Introduce and act out action verbs.
- Teach students about the importance of having a growth mindset using examples from the book.
- Use this book to discuss compromising.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30 writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
- Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
- Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
- Jessica by Kevin Henkes
- A Weekend with Wendell by Kevin Henkes
- Chester's Way by Kevin Henkes
- Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
