Old Hushwing

The eponymous Old Hushwing is a barn owl, and in a preamble to the story Alan Brown explains that this is a country name for the species. This note which also explains the genesis of the tale gives it an authenticity which matches the telling and the illustrations. Billy lives with his parents in a rural valley. Both text and illustration convey the impression that Billy is a gentle, solitary boy, delighting in the countryside and in keeping Old Hushwing's presence in the barn his own special secret. But a new baby in the offing means that the barn is to be converted to a bedroom for Billy, and as a result Old Hushwing's home is disturbed. Even though the builders make a special place for the owl high up in the barn he seems to have vanished for good. As time passes Billy is kept busy helping his mother look after baby Hannah and he only remembers Old Hushwing in his dreams. It is not until the bright spring sunshine prompts him to climb the tree near the owl house that he sees Old Hushwing has returned with Mrs Hushwing. The realism of Rinaldi's commanding illustrations are tempered by the use of soft focus to create a gentle tone suited to the narrative.