The Art of the Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark

Chrissie Peters www.small-brown-dog.blogspot.co.uk

The original book has line illustrations by Joanne Cole.

The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark is a 1968 book written to be read to very young children or read by or alongside older children. The story is about a young barn owl called Plop, who is frightened of the dark. The plot is divided into seven chapters, each covering a night during which Plop learns something new about the dark: dark is exciting, dark is kind, dark is fun, dark is necessary, dark is fascinating, dark is wonderful and dark is beautiful. Plop is gradually persuaded that the dark has its advantages.



From the beginning ‘Plop’ was to be a 1970s ornament, to

evoke childhood nostalgia for the book. He is loosely based

on 70s shapes and colours.


Although Plop is a cartoon character it was important to get aspects of his anatomy right. I looked in detail at the swivelly neck and grasping feet as these are features within the story.


Name: Plop Age: 6 months Species: Barn Owl Distinguishing Features: Heart Shaped Ruff, Very Knackety Knees, Bright Eyes Likes: eating and sleeping Dislikes: the dark, loud noises and being left alone Character: always hungry, Tires easily, excitable, Hyperactive when awake, Anxious, and generally acts like a small boy





The body is UV mapped onto a texture grid. The wood texture was made in Photoshop.



Normal Surprised Sad Tired












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The Art of the Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark