Notes from the Nest: a Recap of Owlkids’ 50th Anniversary Party!
Welcome back to Notes from the Nest! A blog series where we look at the past to highlight 50 years of great books.
Today, we’re only looking slightly into the past to May 6, 2026, to recap our incredible 50th anniversary party!
In 1976, the Young Naturalist Foundation launched OWL magazine (an acronym for “Outdoors and Wildlife”) for kids 8‒12. OWL was designed to develop a love of the environment and scientific discovery in its readers. In the five decades since, the company became Owlkids, expanding its vision and mandate, and launching two other children’s magazines—Chickadee in 1978 and Chirp in 1997—and a book division. Since 1976, Owlkids has kept kids front and centre, creating content that engages, informs, and inspires a love of reading and learning.
Last month, our team was joined by our amazing creators, former editors, and friends of Owlkids. We heard inspiring speeches from Dr. Joseph MacInnis, who was featured on the front cover of OWL in 1976, OWL‘s first editor Annabel Slaight, and current publisher Angela Keenlyside. We shared memories from the last 50 years, and looked ahead to the next 50.
Let’s take a peek at photos from the party–see if you can spot any familiar faces!
Thank you for celebrating 50 years of Owlkids with us! Keep an eye out for our next blog featuring throwback books from the 2000s.
— Notes from the Nest
