I read and have read (and watched too many movies, television shows, plays) too many mysteries and gangster themed items. Or so it felt when I picked up Owl Capone by Christy Ewers and Rob Sayegh Jr. My first thought was Owl Capone? OH boy! This is going to be scary. What does he actually serve in his sandwich shop? Is he going to make you a sandwich you can’t refuse?
And yes, there are a lot of spins of the “Capone” innuendo, with some puns (the new wrap is served cold) on the side. Things are funny and not just for the kids, but for the adults, too. The humor is both family friendly and some over the kids’ heads for the more (physically) mature. It also has a story about a man, or I should say Owl, who is kind and who has his kindness taken advantage of. I picked up Ratatouille, gangster, and friends and family vibes. The message is clear: trust is good, but you can trust too much; and of course, kindness is not a weakness.
The illustrations are cute, silly, and have a few jokes for the adults. It is not busy, but not empty either. And while they are fun, maybe they won’t knock your cement shoes off, but they will be pleasant and keep things on a more upbeat path. Read via an online reader copy, this book is due mid-to late September 2026.
The ending does wrap things up nicely, leaving few open situations. However, I have two questions. The first is about the new sandwich wrap Owl is now serving. Especially since it is the first non-vegetarian one. And second, what happened to his ex-partner who is missing?
