Maybe it's sheer nostalgia for Tootsie Pop's wise Mr. Owl, but there's something so endearing and friendly about an illustrated owl. The real bird of prey, with its exorcist-head-swivel action, is admittedly kind of creepy; but for some reason, its drawn incarnations seem utterly playful and downright cordial. The above is courtesy of Kendra K.

Scroll though the extras for some more fun images, including my mom's vintage owl oven mitt, which I've lovingly confiscated.