Book Review - Otis Dooda

Author: Ellen Potter
Ilustrator: David Heatley
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends (June 4, 2013)
Source: Copy for Review
Audience: Grades 2nd to 4th
Fiction * Humor * Making New Friends


Description from GoodReads:
HARDY-HAR-HAR!

Meet Otis Dooda. Yes, that’s his name. Go on and have a good laugh. He’s heard it all before. He’s been called things like Otis Poopy Stink and Otis Toilet Twinkie. That’s right, yuck it up and get it out of your system. We’ll wait.

All right then. This is the story of Otis and the Dooda family (including their rat named Smoochie) moving to New York City, and the incredibly strange, but true, things that happened to them. It all started with Otis getting cursed by a guy in a potted plant in their apartment building lobby, and then meeting a bunch of their neighbors, including a farting pony named Peaches who was disguised as a dog. And that was just the first day.

My thoughts on this book:
Ellen Potter has ventured into new waters with her latest book, OTIS DOODA.  Her book is more along the lines of what I have come to expect from David Lubar (Weenies Series) or Dan Gutman (My Weird School Daze).  In an effort to create a story for her 8 year old son and his friends, Potter brings us OTIS DOODA, STRANGE BUT TRUE.  

In the beginning, Otis acknowledges the humor behind his last name.  The Dooda family (mom, dad, older brother - Gunther, and Otis) have moved from Hog's Head to the big city.  Their new apartment building comes equipment with a doorman, a potted plant guy, and a whole cast of quirky characters.  After unknowingly insulting the Potted Play Guy, Otis is saddled with a curse about "breaking all of his bones by the next full moon".  Welcome to New York City.

Of course the story doesn't end there.  Otis meets and makes friends with Perry Hooper, Ben and Cat.  Perry's father works as entertainment for children's birthday parties.  The Hoopers, also, have a minature horse named Peaches who they try to disguise as a large dog.  Between the Hoopers, Otis' older brother Gunther, and the Potted Plant Guy, there is never a dull moment.  Each funny encounter, mishap, and antic is certain to make every 7 to 9 year old laugh out loud. 

Accompanying Potter's humorous text is David Heatley's illustrations.  Heatley captures the characters and spirit of the story so perfectly.  

If you know any 7 to 9 year olds, then I suggest picking up a copy of OTIS DOODA to share.

Check out the official book trailer here:

 
Stop by tomorrow for two special blog posts.  Illustrator, David Heatley will share about how he created not only the illustrations for Otis Dooda but a soundtrack too.   Also, Ellen and her son, Ian, share some favorite books.
 

Blog Tour: Guest Post & Giveaway - Toni Buzzeo

Toni Buzzeo's new book - Just Like My Papa (Disney-Hyperion, April 2, 2013) was released in time for Father's Day.  Toni stops by today to talk about the importance of fathers reading with their children.  Thanks Toni for sharing with us.

There’s something so magical, so heart-touching, about a father engaged in nurturing his child. Perhaps it’s because in so many species, the father disappears after conception, not lingering to share in the child rearing duties or joys. And perhaps nothing is more touching to my own heart than seeing a father reading to his little one. Of course, as a school librarian and a children’s author, that would be so! I’m passionate about children and their reading.

Ken reading to Topher 1984 - photo credit Toni Buzzeo

My own son Topher, who once filled one of his two allotted duffel bags for a month-long African safari with books, is proof to me that reading fathers beget young readers. Not only did my husband Ken always have a book or two and several magazines going, but he spent long hours reading book after book to our son. You’ll have predicted, of course, that Topher has grown up to be a devoted adult reader who will soon be reading to his own little ones.

In fact, I especially recommend that fathers read to their children. There are so many reasons to do so! First, of course, is the physical closeness of snuggling up with a book. Second is the modeling of reading in a shared experience with the child. Third is the opportunity to share the world of the stories and informational texts that are read, to engage in conversations about the reading. Fourth, discussion of the shared books will foster critical thinking skills and build vocabulary. All this from the joyful experience of sharing books. What father could resist?

Of course, reading takes time. As any parent who has tried to rush through a bedtime story by skipping pages knows, reading in a hurry is destined for failure. Instead, reading requires a commitment to slow down, sit down, sink in, and give oneself over to the power of story and the shared experience of that story. Yet much like Papa Lion in my new book Just Like My Papa, fathers have other responsibilities that take up their time. What’s the solution?

Papa Lion has actually found a pretty successful solution. First, model the behavior you hope to inspire as often as possible. Young Kito watches his father with an eagle eye as he performs the duties of king and protector of his pride and emulates them to the best of his ability. So fathers, do your own personal reading publicly in your home. Let your children see you reading. Second, whenever possible, take as much time as you can find to settle in for shared reading. Young Kito approaches Papa with an invitation to play and Papa responds patiently and positively to his repeated requests. So fathers, when your child appears with one book, prepare to read several, one right after the other. Third, encourage children, even pre-readers, to spend time alone with books as well. While Papa is busy with his kingly duties, Kito emulates his behavior. So, too, will children of reading fathers!

Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads reading this blog. May your children always admire you as much as Kito admires his father!

Next stop on the blog tour: As They Grow UP - www.astheygrowup.com

Toni Buzzeo - photo credit Sasha Salzberg

Bio: Toni Buzzeo is the author of nineteen picture books for children, including Stay Close to Mama, a companion to Just Like My Papa, the Caldecott Honor winning One Cool Friend, illustrated by David Small, and No T. Rex in the Library, illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa. For sixteen years, she worked as a Maine school librarian. She combines her knowledge of children’s literature with her love of children to write about characters of all stripes (including lions, giraffes, dinosaurs, penguins, loons, and human children) who explore their worlds, their relationships, and themselves in a variety of settings. Toni works both from a writing cottage just past the gardens at her colonial farmhouse in Buxton, Maine and from her sunny winter nest in Sarasota, Florida. Visit her at www.tonibuzzeo.com.




Disney-Hyperion is offering a copy of Just Like My Papa by Toni Buzzeo to one lucky reader.  This giveaway is open to individuals with US or Canadian mailing addresses. a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - 6/3/13

It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey. Jen & Kellee from Teach Mentor Texts have adapted this to focus on Picture Books to Young Adult Books.

As I write this post, I feel like a slacker.  However, I really was reading.  Unfortunately, several of the books were books for award consideration, and I can't talk about them.  Let me just say that it is going to be hard this year to pick my favorite middle grade novel for the award.  So far there are several that I love.

Here is what I read that I can talk about:

Doll Bones by Holly Black (Simon & Schuster, May 7, 2013) - I will be posting a review on Friday, but what I will say - go purchase this book.  It is so brilliantly written. 

Here is what I am reading this week that I can share:

The Wig in the Window by Kristen Kittscher (HarperCollins, June 18, 2013) - I read this back in November but I am re-reading it in preparation for my blog post for Kristen's Blog Tour. This will be out in time for #bookaday

The Water Castle by Megan Frazer Blackmore (Walker Children's, January 8, 2013) - I have heard amazing things about this one.

Notice and Note Strategies for Close Reading by Kylene Beers & Robert E. Probst (Heinemann,  2013) - I just found out that there will be a twitter chat for this book on Thursday, June 6, 2013.

Upcoming New Releases that I am looking forward to reading:

Every Day After by Laura Golden (Delacorte, June 11, 2013)

Ghost Hawk by Susan Cooper (Simon & Schuster, August 27, 2013)

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - Coral Reefs

Author: Seymour Simon
Photo Credits: Various
Publisher: HarperCollins (April 23, 2013)
Read Aloud Level: Grades 2nd to 4th
Independent Reading Level: Grades 4th to 6th
Source: Copy sent for review from Publisher
Nonfiction * Ecology * Marine Biology

Description from HarperCollins:
Hiding on the floor of Earth's tropical oceans are magnificent and colorful coral reefs. You may have seen coral in the local aquarium or heard of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. But did you know that coral reefs . . .

• are actually living beings?
• can grow to be larger than a skyscraper?
• provide a home for a vast number of other underwater creatures?

Award-winning science writer Seymour Simon takes readers under the sea to explore the world of coral reefs, with fascinating facts and stunning full-color photographs. 

Find out how coral reefs grow to become one of the most impressive natural habitats on Earth and how they interact with sea creatures such as fish, sea urchins, sea stars, and more!

My thoughts on this book:
Seymour Simon has created another beautiful nonfiction picture book.  This time his focus is on coral reefs.  Simon takes readers through the underworld environment of coral reef through narrative text and gorgeous photographs.  Readers learn about how coral forms and grow.  There are two main kinds of coral: hard and soft.  Within each kind there are three types of coral.  Simon takes readers further as he shares about where coral reefs are located and "how coral reefs are home to underwater ocean life".  There are three main types of coral reefs and each reef is "like a city with many different kinds of citizens".  Coral reefs are second to rain forests for being the home to many creatures.  Student readers also learn about factors that can damage or destroy coral.  The end of the book includes a glossary, and additional websites for further reading. 

Coral Reefs is part of a collection of nonfiction picture books by Simon on a variety of subjects.  Each book provides readers with informative narrative text and stunning photographs.  Coral Reefs would be an excellent addition to any classroom or school library and an excellent resource for students as they begin exploring the world of coral reefs.      

More information about Seymour Simon:  Website | Facebook | Twitter

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews...

Book Review - ODD DUCK

Author: Cecil Castellucci
Illustrator: Sara Varon
Publisher: :01 First Second
Source: e-galley from NetGalley; Purchased Personal Copy
Audience: For all ages
Keywords: Graphic Novel Hybrid, Friendship,  


Description from publisher page:
Theodora is a perfectly normal duck. She may swim with a teacup balanced on her head and stay north when the rest of the ducks fly south for the winter, but there's nothing so odd about that.  

Chad, on the other hand, is one strange bird. Theodora quite likes him, but she can't overlook his odd habits. It's a good thing Chad has a normal friend like Theodora to set a good example for him.  

But who exactly is the odd duck here? Theodora may not like the answer. 

Sara Varon (Robot Dreams) teams up with Cecil Castellucci (Grandma's Gloves) for a gorgeous, funny, and heartwarming examination of the perils and pleasures of friendship.

My thoughts on the book:
Sometimes I want to just take the easy way out and say to everyone, "You'll love this book.  Go out and buy it." However, that is technically not a review but an endorsement of a book.  And yes, I endorse ODD DUCK as a book worth buying, but I will say more.

ODD DUCK can be slightly hard to describe.  It isn't exactly a picture book, nor is it a graphic novel.  It's really sort of a hybrid graphic novel/early reader/chapter book.  It is also not just for young children.  ODD DUCK can certainly entertain listeners and readers of all ages. There is a lot between the pages that young children will find funny or silly and simply an enjoyable story about two friends who happen to be ducks and a bit odd at that.  Adults who pick this up because they have enjoyed Castellucci's other books or Varon's graphic novels will also find meaning on the pages of this story and will identify with the story of friendship and being unique.  

The story is about a duck named Theodora who lives her life a little differently than the other ducks.

Soon, another duck moves into the neighborhood.  His name is Chad.  Theodora bakes him a cake as a welcoming gift and soon they have developed a special friendship.  But as it happens, sometimes things can come between friends.  Of course, for real friends, there is always a way back to that friendship. 

This past Saturday, I had an opportunity to attend the book event for ODD DUCK at Skylight Books in Los Feliz.  There were special ODD DUCK cupcakes on hand for the event.

Cecil Castellucci was there to share about how ODD DUCK came to be.  She shared that illustrator, Sara Varon felt a special connection with Theodora; whereas, Cecil sees herself a little more like Chad.

Cecil projected the story onto a screen and read it for everyone.  All of the children (and even big "kids") really enjoyed hearing about Theodora and Chad.

I was sitting over by Alethea (@frootjoos), Kristen Kittscher, and Elizabeth Ross.  Kristen was sharing her copy of ODD DUCK so that we had a close up look at Varon's quirky and just right artwork.

There is even an tree in the center of Skylight Books and if you look closely, author, Leslie Margolis was in the audience. 

If you haven't picked up a copy of ODD DUCK, I would encourage you to head over to your local bookstore and pick one up.  Remember to shop Indie whenever possible.

For more information:
Cecil Castellucci - website | facebook | twitter

Sara Varon - website | facebook 

Complete the Rafflecopter below to enter to win a signed copy of ODD DUCK. a Rafflecopter giveaway