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Cooper Art Gallery, © Eloise Ross

In Tim Hopgood's much-loved picture book, WOW! Said the Owl, a little owl decides to stay awake in the day and is wowed by the bright colours that she encounters for the first time in the nature around her.

We hope that big owls and little owls will experience lots of WOW! moments of your own as you hear the story, see Tim Hopgood creating his artwork and join in with some of these activities.

Sadly, because of the pandemic restrictions it hasn't been possible for Beverley Art Gallery to host the hands-on, sensory exhibition designed for under 5s and their families, but we hope you'll enjoy finding out more about the curious little owl in the story. You'll find lots of videos and craft ideas on this page to accompany the WOW! Said the Owl story. Scroll down, and remember to share your Wow! projects with us on Facebook @BeverleyArtGallery and Twitter @BevArtGallery.

Hear the story

Ideal for little owls
aged under 3

Read by the author.
Ideal for little owls aged 3-5

Tim Hopgood's Drawings

All the pictures in WOW! Said the Owl began as simple hand-drawn shapes which Tim then layered and coloured digitally.

Watch how Tim draws owls and other shapes from the book.

What gave Tim the idea?

This little wooden owl toy (measuring a little bigger than a grown up's hand) was made by Tim Hopgood's Grandad, Ernie.

It was the main inspiration for the owl in the story. A pull string at the bottom of the toy was used to make the wings move up and down.

Things to make

In the book, the owl watches the beautiful red butterflies.

Can you colour and decorate your own butterfly like the one in the story? Or would you like to be an owl?

Watch the films with artist Griselda Goldsbrough.

Get Musical

Make music with musician Kathy Seabrook, enjoying themes from the story and East Riding Museums collections.

Sing songs, shake your shakers, listen to musical instruments and enjoy actions all about birds, nature and colours.

Colours in the story

Can you remember what happened in the story?

What colours did the little owl see when she stayed up all day?

Watch this film to go back over the story with Tim. You could use the things you have made to help you remember.

Learning pack

Enjoy more fun things with Wow! Said the Owl by downloading the learning pack. Like all the activities on this page, these are great to do with your little owls at home, in your Nursery or Early Years setting, as a child-minder, or with your class at school.

Download the learning pack (PDF)

More fun for under fives

The fun doesn't stop here. East Riding Museums has lots more activities especially for families with under 5s. Explore more on the under 5s or family friendly page.

Under 5s Family Friendly

Wow! said the owl