New book features Birds of Prey connection

Posted on January 11, 2024 by Sunny South News

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The book “An Owl Without A Name” is flying into people’s hearts and into the realm of popularity.

“This book is about an injured owl taken to a rehabilitation center,” said Jenna Greene, author of “An Owl Without A Name”. “He’s out of his element, lost, alone, and confused and believes that finding a proper name for himself will turn the world right again. While making friends—and enemies—at the Birds of Prey Center, he searches for a name that suits him.”

Greene says that just over a year ago, her family found an injured juvenile Great Horned owl and to help untangle him from their acreage fence, they called the Alberta Birds of Prey Center, which is in Coaldale 15 minutes from where they live. 

“A man named Colin (Weir) came and helped the injured bird and shared information with us before taking him to be rehabilitated.,” said Greene. “The event for us was short, but after I wondered what the poor owl thought, being suddenly stranded, then taken to a foreign setting. It made me wonder what his thoughts were. I knew a bit about owls in general, but I needed to find out more about them. I researched types of owls, their habits, and other facts to incorporate into the story.” 

That, Greene says, is where the idea for “An Owl Without A Name” came from.

“There’s been a lot of interest in the book, especially since it’s my first novel for young readers,” said Greene. “People love the main character and want to journey with him. They’ve loved learning about different types of owls and other birds of prey.”

Green says that the book is available at Chapters, at independent bookstores such as Analog Books in Lethbridge, and online. “An Owl Without A Name”, Greene says, is her 10th published book and she has written seven previous Young Adult novels: The Reborn Marks series, the Imagine series, and “Heroine”, as well as two picture books: “Winston, and the Well-Dressed Wombat” and “Bachtavia Bat and the Search for a Hat”. 

“There has been great support from family and friends, former and current students, and readers of my other books at book signings, book launches and other events,” said Greene. “I have another YA fantasy under contract that is going through editing phases and other works in progress. I don’t think I’ll ever stop writing.”

Greene says that this is her first book written for an audience of readers from age 7-12.

“I have stories in my head,” said Greene. “I think everyone does, actually, but having the time, patience, energy, and strength to write and edit, edit, edit that story is a different skill. But I’m determined. I enjoy telling stories about people encountering strife and (eventually) overcoming it. That’s a great premise to celebrate with the world.”

In addition to storytelling, Greene says she is an elementary school teacher, daydreamer, and mother to a four-year-old daughter. She also encourages people to read her book, which was published by Heritage House Publishing, and visit the Alberta Birds of Prey Center in Coaldale to learn and support rescue efforts of owls and other birds of prey.

“This is a book about identity, and there is no greater quest than determining who we are. But readers will learn that people—and owls—are complex and can’t ever be defined in just one way.”