TL;DR
If you have a child between the ages of 5 and 8 who is currently "allergic" to books without pictures, Owl Diaries is your new best friend. It is the ultimate "bridge" series that turns reluctant readers into kids who stay up late with a flashlight. The Apple TV+ adaptation, Eva the Owlet, is high-quality, low-stress viewing that avoids the "brain rot" trap of loud, fast-paced YouTube content.
- Best for: Ages 5–8 (K–2nd Grade)
- The Vibe: Wholesome, creative, slightly punny, and emotionally relatable.
- Media to check out:
- Owl Diaries by Rebecca Elliott (The OG series)
- Eva the Owlet (Apple TV+) (The animated series)
- Diary of a Pug (The perfect follow-up)
If you haven’t tripped over one of these thin, glossy paperbacks in your living room yet, here is the scoop: Owl Diaries is part of Scholastic’s "Branches" line. These books are specifically engineered to help kids transition from "I’m learning to read" to "I am a reader."
The series follows Eva Wingdale, a creative and slightly over-ambitious owl who lives in Treetopolis. The books are written in a diary format—think Diary of a Wimpy Kid but for the younger, more earnest set. Every page is in full color, filled with speech bubbles, checklists, and doodles.
It’s not a "chapter book" in the traditional, intimidating sense of black-and-white text blocks. It’s a hybrid. And for a kid who is used to the visual stimulation of Toca Life World or YouTube Kids, this format is exactly what they need to stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
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There’s a specific magic to Eva Wingdale. She isn’t a superhero; she’s just a kid (well, an owl) who wants to plan a big festival, or gets jealous of her friend, or worries about a school project.
- The Visual Rewards: Kids get a hit of dopamine every time they flip a page because the art is vibrant and the text is manageable. They can finish a whole book in one sitting, which provides a massive confidence boost.
- The Puns: If your kid is in that phase where they think "owl-standing" and "hoot-tastic" are the height of comedy, they are the target demographic.
- Low-Stakes Drama: The "conflict" in these books usually involves things like Sue Clawson (the "mean girl" owl) being a bit of a pill, or a craft project going wrong. It mirrors the actual social stakes of a 1st-grade classroom.
Let’s talk about the show. Apple TV+ has been quietly becoming the gold standard for kids' programming that doesn't make parents want to pull their hair out. Eva the Owlet is a gorgeous 3D animated adaptation that stays very true to the spirit of the books.
Unlike a lot of the high-octane "brain rot" you’ll find on YouTube (looking at you, Skibidi Toilet), this show has a calm pacing. It focuses on creative problem-solving and emotional intelligence. Eva often talks directly to her diary, which helps kids verbalize their own feelings.
If you’re trying to find a show that won’t overstimulate your child before bed, this is a solid choice. It’s the "cozy game" equivalent of a TV show.
Check out our guide on how to find "Low-Stimulation" shows for kids
As kids hit the 6-to-8-year-old range, their social world starts getting... complicated. This is the age where "best friends" change daily and cliques start to form.
In Owl Diaries, Sue Clawson serves as the primary antagonist. She’s not "evil," she’s just competitive and occasionally unkind. For an intentional parent, these books are actually a great opening to talk about:
- Competition vs. Comparison: Why does Sue feel the need to be the best?
- Conflict Resolution: How Eva handles Sue without becoming a "mean owl" herself.
- Inclusion: Eva is a "big ideas" owl, but sometimes she forgets to listen to her friends' ideas.
It’s basically a starter kit for navigating the "Ohio" (weird/bad) social vibes they might encounter on the playground.
While the series is very safe, here’s how to handle it based on where your kid is at:
Grades K-1 (Ages 5-6)
At this age, you’ll likely be reading these with them. Use the speech bubbles to do different voices. It’s a great way to practice tracking text from left to right without the stress of a "reading lesson." If they love the world, let them watch Eva the Owlet as a reward for finishing a book.
Grades 2-3 (Ages 7-8)
This is the sweet spot for independent reading. If they’ve moved past Eva, don’t push it, but if they are struggling with reading stamina, this series is a lifesaver. At this age, they might also start asking for Roblox. You can actually bridge the two—there are plenty of "owl" or "animal" roleplaying games in Roblox that feel like an extension of Treetopolis.
Learn more about setting up a safe Roblox experience for your 7-year-old
There isn't much to "fear" here. There’s no violence, no inappropriate language, and no hidden agendas. However, a few things to keep in mind:
- Gender Appeal: While Eva is a girl and the aesthetic is very "pink and purple," the stories are universal. Don't be afraid to hand these to a boy who likes animals and journals.
- The "Diary" Influence: Don't be surprised if your kid suddenly wants a diary with a lock. This is actually a great "analog" win. Encouraging them to write about their day is a fantastic digital wellness move.
- Consumerism: Like any popular series, there is merchandise. But compared to the "buy this now" energy of Ryan's World, the Owl Diaries ecosystem is relatively tame.
If your child has inhaled all 20+ books in the series (yes, there are that many), they might be ready for a slightly bigger challenge. Here are the logical next steps:
Also part of the Scholastic Branches line. It has the same diary format but follows a very dramatic pug named Bub. It’s hilarious and has a similar "low-stakes drama" vibe.
If they like the humor and the illustrations but want something a bit "edgier" (in a 2nd-grade way), The Bad Guys is the way to go. It’s more of a traditional graphic novel.
If you want to move them away from the "diary" format and into more traditional fantasy, Dragon Masters is the gold standard for this age group. It’s still part of the Branches line, so it’s still very accessible.
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Owl Diaries is one of those rare properties that actually lives up to the hype. It isn't trying to be high art, and it isn't trying to sell your kid a subscription service. It’s just trying to make reading fun.
In a world where we are constantly worried about "brain rot" and the "TikTok-ification" of our kids' attention spans, Eva Wingdale is a breath of fresh air. She’s creative, she’s kind, and she’s a much better role model than most of what’s trending on the "For You" page.
If you’re looking to build a healthy digital and literal library for your early reader, putting an Owl Diaries book in their hands and Eva the Owlet on their iPad is a win-win.
Next Steps:
- Grab the first book: Eva's Treetop Festival.
- Screen a show: Watch the first episode of Eva the Owlet together on Apple TV+.
- Get a journal: Buy a cheap notebook and encourage your child to start their own "diary" with drawings and words.
Check out our full guide to the best "Bridge" books for 1st-3rd graders