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Otto the Book Bear
Otto lives in a book and is happiest when his story is being read. Otto is no ordinary storybook character: when no one is looking, he comes to life! Otto loves to walk off of his book's pages, but when his book is taken away while Otto is off exploring, the book bear sets off on a grand adventure to find a new home.
Except...it's an awfully big world for such a small bear and Otto misses his warm book. Will Otto ever find the perfect home?
With sweet, timeless illustrations and a story that will have young readers watching their bookshelves in hopes of spotting wandering book creatures, this charming story is sure to delight book lovers everywhere.
Except...it's an awfully big world for such a small bear and Otto misses his warm book. Will Otto ever find the perfect home?
With sweet, timeless illustrations and a story that will have young readers watching their bookshelves in hopes of spotting wandering book creatures, this charming story is sure to delight book lovers everywhere.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2011
13 people are currently reading
1436 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
June 14, 2024
کتاب گوگولی خیلی جذاب درباره یه خرس که توی کتاب قصه زندگی میکنه...
January 31, 2019
اي خداااا. چطور اينقدر ناز آخه؟:((
September 25, 2022
Oh my goodness, I just read the perfect book for book lovers of all ages!!!!!
You'll enjoy this beautifully written & wonderfully illustrated, adorable book!!
"Once upon a time Otto was a book bear." " But Otto also has a special secret." What's Otto's special secret? You may ask... but please read this adorable book and find out the secret he would love to share with you... anytime!! 😃🧸
You'll enjoy this beautifully written & wonderfully illustrated, adorable book!!
"Once upon a time Otto was a book bear." " But Otto also has a special secret." What's Otto's special secret? You may ask... but please read this adorable book and find out the secret he would love to share with you... anytime!! 😃🧸
January 6, 2026
بنظرم ایدهی زنده شدن شخصیت های درون کتابها اونم وقتی که حواسمون نیست، همچنان ایدهی جالبیه. مثل انیمیشن داستان اسباب بازی ها و یا انیمیشنهای مشابه.
و یه نکته دیگه اینکه غیرمستقیم داره بچهها رو تشویق میکنه کتاباشون رو به کتابخونه اهدا کنن و به این صورت، بچههای بیشتری میتونن اون کتاب رو بخونن و اینم موضوع جالب و آموزندهای هست.
و یه نکته دیگه اینکه غیرمستقیم داره بچهها رو تشویق میکنه کتاباشون رو به کتابخونه اهدا کنن و به این صورت، بچههای بیشتری میتونن اون کتاب رو بخونن و اینم موضوع جالب و آموزندهای هست.
July 16, 2023
نقاشیها خیلی خیلی بانمک و قشنگ. داستان شل و ول :دی
February 26, 2012
What I liked about this book: I LOVE this book. In fact, this might be my new favorite picture book. It's about a bear and a book - two of my favorite things. The illustrations are brilliant. They look like a combination of either pen and ink or water color. I wouldn't mind having them framed for my library walls. Young children will love the idea of a book character coming to life at night. The happy ending makes it an all around good read. This is an excellent read aloud. I will be ordering this for my school's library.
What I didn't like about the book: I absolutely LOVED it all.
Recommended for pre-school and older.
AR Book Level: 2.6
What I didn't like about the book: I absolutely LOVED it all.
Recommended for pre-school and older.
AR Book Level: 2.6
September 1, 2014
Friendship, why it matters? Because we do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone..we find it with another.
August 13, 2021
Who wouldn’t love the illustrated characters coming out of their books when it’s dark outside?!
March 12, 2021
I have always suspected that characters could leave their story books at night, and now I have seen proof.
Otto is a lovely book bear, and he leaves his book every night to have adventures. When he inadvertently get left behind in a move, he goes on the adventure of all time.
Otto is a lovely book bear, and he leaves his book every night to have adventures. When he inadvertently get left behind in a move, he goes on the adventure of all time.
May 28, 2012
Otto the Book Bear by Katie Cleminson was one of four books that my daughter and I selected on our second trip to the library. The story centers around Otto who loves for his owners to read his book, but Otto's life is not limited to the pages of his story. Otto has the ability to leave the security of his book and explore the outside world. At first he limits his exploration to his owner's home, but when they move and leave his book behind Otto must go in search of a new life outside the pages of his book and the security of his home. I don't want to spoil what happens on his odyssey, but suffice it to say you will enjoy the journey. The story line was full of adventure. but not too much for two year-old twins to lose interest. The illustrations added to the story, and the ending was quite satisfying. I loved every page of this book and more importantly so did the twins, finally success! A book that both my children and I loved.
January 27, 2016
Otto, a little bear in a book, loves when children read about him, but his secret is that when all is quiet, he comes to life and goes exploring "out" of the book. Unfortunately, his family moves, and takes his book with them. Otto is left behind, and happy bear that he is, goes exploring. The world is a big place for this little bear, and there is a nice surprise for him when he discovers the library, and many other friends who sneak out at night. In black outlining and watercolor, Katie Cleminson's illustrations show the adventures of Otto beautifully.
December 2, 2012
I loved the ending best, of course! Otto finds a reading community:)
February 22, 2012
I have a soft spot for books about books read reading.
July 20, 2016
A cute story for book and bear lovers.
March 26, 2023
نقاشیهای شیرینی داشت...
October 7, 2012
This captivating story, Ottp the Book Bear by Katie Cleminson is all about a bear within a book. He enjoys when his story is being read, but when it's not, he can explore outside of those pages. Unfortunately, his book gets left behind when the family he resides with moves. He decides to set off on a journey, which ends up at the library.
This book would be best suited for K-2 grade students, but I certainly enjoyed it at the age of 20.
Otto and his traveling is a sweet story with ups and downs. Triggering many opportunities for questions, this book is more than just a story of a bear in a book.
As a future librarian, spreading the word of libraries is a very important thing to me. By encouraging children to read books about libraries and books, they could gain a love that they never knew they could possess. It also sends the message of everyone having a place where they belong.
This book would be best suited for K-2 grade students, but I certainly enjoyed it at the age of 20.
Otto and his traveling is a sweet story with ups and downs. Triggering many opportunities for questions, this book is more than just a story of a bear in a book.
As a future librarian, spreading the word of libraries is a very important thing to me. By encouraging children to read books about libraries and books, they could gain a love that they never knew they could possess. It also sends the message of everyone having a place where they belong.
March 23, 2012
This is such a sweet little story about a bear that lives in a book and loses his home, only to find another home (and lots of friends) at a library. The narrative is short, but engagin and the watercolor illustrations are simple, but effective at helping tell the story. This would be a great book to read at library storytime. Even though our girls are starting to grow out of this type of picture storybook, we all really liked it and enjoyed reading it together. (And any story that highlights the library is sure to be a hit with me!)
December 9, 2011
I am so happy this book is finally coming to America because it is completely enchanting. It is the tale of a storybook bear who is his happiest when children are reading his book, but sometimes, when no one is around to read, Otto comes to life and goes on adventures. Alas, during one of his trips, his book was given away. No liking being alone, he sets out to find company and a new home. This is such a magical story about the secret lives of books!
April 20, 2012
With big, clear, soft illustrations and words, Otto will pull readers into his journey and search for a new place to call home.
The world can make us feel so small and alone sometimes, but Otto’s story inspires readers of all ages to keep looking for that place “full of light and hope”.
An adorable, warm hug filled with magic and hope!
4/19/12
The world can make us feel so small and alone sometimes, but Otto’s story inspires readers of all ages to keep looking for that place “full of light and hope”.
An adorable, warm hug filled with magic and hope!
4/19/12
April 5, 2012
Otto the bear lives in a book, but when no one is looking, he crawls out of the story and goes exploring. One day, Otto's book is taken away and he is left behind. Otto bravely packs his bag and heads out in search of a new home.
The only thing cuter than a great big cuddly bear is a teeny-tiny bear with a bright red bag messenger bag.
The only thing cuter than a great big cuddly bear is a teeny-tiny bear with a bright red bag messenger bag.
June 20, 2017
While I'm not a big fan of the art (the reason it's only 4 stars), the story itself and the book as a whole are simply charming. I especially liked the conclusion, which reminded me of The Library Lion. I would not be entirely surprised if this book turns out to be a classic. I, for one, had to add it to my "favorite picture books" shelf.
December 27, 2012
This is the sweetest story! I love Otto and I want to take him home with me!
April 18, 2012
I'll bet this will be a Building Block award nominee. Otto is happy until his family moves away and he gets left alone. My friend, Jenny, will love this one!
January 7, 2017
Super cute story of a little bear that leaves his book and explores.
July 19, 2018
This is such a cute story. My son's favourite page however is the one with the cats. Keeps going back to it and saying Meauw!
September 10, 2024
Toddler (abbreviate) and preschool
May 28, 2015
Booklist January 1, 2012 (Vol. 108, No. 9)
Preschool-Kindergarten. Otto the bear lives in a book, and he is happiest when performing his literary role for the young readers of the house. But when his story is placed back on the shelf, the adventuresome bear, in a whimsical stroke of metafiction, likes to climb out of its pages and go exploring. The trouble starts when the family moves away and inadvertently leaves Otto’s book behind. In a refreshing twist on this familiar trope, resilient Otto packs his book bag and heads out to find himself a new home. After a tough time in the bustling, indifferent city, the ursine little fellow stumbles upon a place “full of light and hope. You guessed it—the library. Spacious white backgrounds put the book’s winsome art deservedly front and center and highlight its distinctive black outlines and soft washes of color and shading. The unadorned text fits nicely with Cleminson’s varied compositions. A charming, gentle celebration of books and libraries.
Horn Book Guide Fall 2012
Otto the book bear is able to leave the pages of his home and explore. But when his book disappears (the family moves), Otto is thrown into the cold world to find another place to live. He finds a home in the library--and warm companionship with other book characters. The endearing illustrations successfully convey the storys emotional ups and downs.
Kirkus Reviews starred December 1, 2011
Otto usually lives as an illustration of a book, but when no one is looking, he comes to life. All is usually well when Otto explores the house--he can read other books, poke about the house and even type out a story on the typewriter. But when the bookshelf is cleared and the books placed in boxes ominously marked "ship to," little Otto is separated from his book and must go out into the world alone. Drawing with ink-filled pipettes and watercolor against extensive white space, Cleminson's emotional illustrations show just how lonely and tiny Otto is out in the world. On the inside, he is a comfortable, confident size, but out in the world, he is nearly lost in urban hubbub. Young readers will enjoy locating the tiny Otto and will identify with his fear and worry, especially when he is forced to take refuge in the darkness of a coffee cup, alongside an apple core. It's only when he finds himself with books again, in the library, that Otto feels truly at home, with other "book creatures just like him." Book creatures of all ages will love Otto and will enjoy wondering if any other of their books' characters have a secret life. A delight. (Picture book. 4-8)
Library Media Connection May/June 2012
This is an imaginative tale of Otto, a 'book bear', who has a special secret-when no one is looking, he leaves the pages of his book, explores the house, and has all sorts of adventures. But he gets left behind when the family moves, and many books are given away. After wandering lonely in the city, he discovers a library, moves into the "place of light and hope," and soon he finds a friend-another book bear! Living in the library with other book characters and with many children who love reading is just what Otto enjoys; there is a happy ending to this magical story that celebrates books and reading. The illustrations are simple black outlined drawings with rather muted colors and plenty of white space to set them off. They nicely support the text of this appealing picture book. There are a few instances of British spellings. Barbara Feehrer, Educational Reviewer, Bedford, Massachusetts. RECOMMENDED.
Publishers Weekly October 31, 2011
This is the metastory of Otto, a bear who lives in a book that sits on a shelf in a home library. "[H]e was at his happiest when children read his book," writes Cleminson (Magic Box), but he also delights in those times when he magically (and secretly) escapes the confines of the book to explore the house and even work on some writing of his own. Otto doesn't become the size of a real bear, however: he remains book-sized. And that's a serious drawback when circumstances force him out into the big, bustling world. But a happy ending awaits the indomitable Otto, one that should gladden the hearts of anyone who's a fan of the public library-or as Cleminson so beautifully describes it, "a place that looked full of light and hope." Cleminson is one of the latest in a long line of British storytellers who excel at being brisk and businesslike on the outside and deeply empathic on the inside. Her drawings, which combine a bold ink line with subtle yet radiant color, are as pointed and poignant as her prose. Ages 3-7. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
School Library Journal February 1, 2012
PreS-Gr 2-Otto resides in a picture book, and he is happiest when it is being read. But when no one is looking, the bear comes alive and enjoys exploring the house. Then his family moves away and the book is left behind, so he ventures outside to search the city for a new home. Tiny among the giant people on the street and missing his warm book, he feels downhearted until he sees a grand building full of light and hope-a library. There, he is befriended by other book creatures and, best of all, finds new readers. The thickly inked illustrations surrounded by lots of white space have an uncluttered, simple look that is appropriate for young readers. Although no specific time is indicated, the appearance of a gramophone, dial phone, and manual typewriters places the story in a bygone era. Otto does not change size when he steps out of his book, but his small stature is not an issue when he is comfortably at home. However, the outside world seems daunting and lonely, giving the story an emotional impact. A sweet tale.-Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Preschool-Kindergarten. Otto the bear lives in a book, and he is happiest when performing his literary role for the young readers of the house. But when his story is placed back on the shelf, the adventuresome bear, in a whimsical stroke of metafiction, likes to climb out of its pages and go exploring. The trouble starts when the family moves away and inadvertently leaves Otto’s book behind. In a refreshing twist on this familiar trope, resilient Otto packs his book bag and heads out to find himself a new home. After a tough time in the bustling, indifferent city, the ursine little fellow stumbles upon a place “full of light and hope. You guessed it—the library. Spacious white backgrounds put the book’s winsome art deservedly front and center and highlight its distinctive black outlines and soft washes of color and shading. The unadorned text fits nicely with Cleminson’s varied compositions. A charming, gentle celebration of books and libraries.
Horn Book Guide Fall 2012
Otto the book bear is able to leave the pages of his home and explore. But when his book disappears (the family moves), Otto is thrown into the cold world to find another place to live. He finds a home in the library--and warm companionship with other book characters. The endearing illustrations successfully convey the storys emotional ups and downs.
Kirkus Reviews starred December 1, 2011
Otto usually lives as an illustration of a book, but when no one is looking, he comes to life. All is usually well when Otto explores the house--he can read other books, poke about the house and even type out a story on the typewriter. But when the bookshelf is cleared and the books placed in boxes ominously marked "ship to," little Otto is separated from his book and must go out into the world alone. Drawing with ink-filled pipettes and watercolor against extensive white space, Cleminson's emotional illustrations show just how lonely and tiny Otto is out in the world. On the inside, he is a comfortable, confident size, but out in the world, he is nearly lost in urban hubbub. Young readers will enjoy locating the tiny Otto and will identify with his fear and worry, especially when he is forced to take refuge in the darkness of a coffee cup, alongside an apple core. It's only when he finds himself with books again, in the library, that Otto feels truly at home, with other "book creatures just like him." Book creatures of all ages will love Otto and will enjoy wondering if any other of their books' characters have a secret life. A delight. (Picture book. 4-8)
Library Media Connection May/June 2012
This is an imaginative tale of Otto, a 'book bear', who has a special secret-when no one is looking, he leaves the pages of his book, explores the house, and has all sorts of adventures. But he gets left behind when the family moves, and many books are given away. After wandering lonely in the city, he discovers a library, moves into the "place of light and hope," and soon he finds a friend-another book bear! Living in the library with other book characters and with many children who love reading is just what Otto enjoys; there is a happy ending to this magical story that celebrates books and reading. The illustrations are simple black outlined drawings with rather muted colors and plenty of white space to set them off. They nicely support the text of this appealing picture book. There are a few instances of British spellings. Barbara Feehrer, Educational Reviewer, Bedford, Massachusetts. RECOMMENDED.
Publishers Weekly October 31, 2011
This is the metastory of Otto, a bear who lives in a book that sits on a shelf in a home library. "[H]e was at his happiest when children read his book," writes Cleminson (Magic Box), but he also delights in those times when he magically (and secretly) escapes the confines of the book to explore the house and even work on some writing of his own. Otto doesn't become the size of a real bear, however: he remains book-sized. And that's a serious drawback when circumstances force him out into the big, bustling world. But a happy ending awaits the indomitable Otto, one that should gladden the hearts of anyone who's a fan of the public library-or as Cleminson so beautifully describes it, "a place that looked full of light and hope." Cleminson is one of the latest in a long line of British storytellers who excel at being brisk and businesslike on the outside and deeply empathic on the inside. Her drawings, which combine a bold ink line with subtle yet radiant color, are as pointed and poignant as her prose. Ages 3-7. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
School Library Journal February 1, 2012
PreS-Gr 2-Otto resides in a picture book, and he is happiest when it is being read. But when no one is looking, the bear comes alive and enjoys exploring the house. Then his family moves away and the book is left behind, so he ventures outside to search the city for a new home. Tiny among the giant people on the street and missing his warm book, he feels downhearted until he sees a grand building full of light and hope-a library. There, he is befriended by other book creatures and, best of all, finds new readers. The thickly inked illustrations surrounded by lots of white space have an uncluttered, simple look that is appropriate for young readers. Although no specific time is indicated, the appearance of a gramophone, dial phone, and manual typewriters places the story in a bygone era. Otto does not change size when he steps out of his book, but his small stature is not an issue when he is comfortably at home. However, the outside world seems daunting and lonely, giving the story an emotional impact. A sweet tale.-Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2025
Bought this from a charity shop at the coast and it made me very emotional 🥹. It's a story about feeling lost, small, not belonging but also of perseverance and finding your place in the world. Definitely worth reading - kids and adults! lovely illustrations make it extra lovely!
October 23, 2017
Otto is a bear who lives in a book in a house and has a secret. He can come to life and leave his book when no one is looking. Otto loves to leave his book and explore the house but one day, when Otto is outside of his book, he gets left behind when his people move out of their house. Otto makes a plan, grabs his bag, and sets off to find his book. The outside world is cold, big, and scary and Otto is sad until he sees a bright building. He goes inside and finds hundreds of warm books. Otto even finds another book bear named Ernest there. Ernest shows Otto all the magical creatures from these books that come alive when the library closes. Otto has found a new home and is happiest of all because so many more children read his book now.
This book’s audience is perfect for a child just starting kindergarten because the story is easy to read and it appeals to younger children. It appeals to this age group because the magical nature of a book’s characters coming alive is perfect for a young imagination. I would implement this book into my display because it shows that magic happens within books and encourages the notion that when no one’s looking, that books come alive.
Cleminson, K. (2012). Otto the book bear. New York: Hyperion Books
This book’s audience is perfect for a child just starting kindergarten because the story is easy to read and it appeals to younger children. It appeals to this age group because the magical nature of a book’s characters coming alive is perfect for a young imagination. I would implement this book into my display because it shows that magic happens within books and encourages the notion that when no one’s looking, that books come alive.
Cleminson, K. (2012). Otto the book bear. New York: Hyperion Books
May 15, 2014
Otto the Bear is the favourite storybook character of the family. Little do they know that, in the dead of night or whenever they are away, Otto crawls out of his book and comes to life! From exploring his favourite parts of the house, writing stories on the family typewriter to playing with the children’s toys, Otto is fascinated by his family. That is, until the family move away and forget to take Otto with them!
This is a wonderful book that really engages children in reading. The device of a book character coming to life, in this case a miniature book bear, draws children in to the magic and fantasy of make believe worlds. Otto, alone in the big world, is a character young children can empathise with – without the security of home and the family he needs to negotiate his way through new challenges and obstacles.
This book could work really well for a creative writing exercise in Year 2, possibly even Year 1. Children could be asked to imagine their favourite book character coming to life and create a narrative around it – what would they get up to if they became real, for example.
Having read this to Year 1’s, it works perfectly as a way of advocating and ‘selling’ the excitement of reading to young and emerging readers.
This is a wonderful book that really engages children in reading. The device of a book character coming to life, in this case a miniature book bear, draws children in to the magic and fantasy of make believe worlds. Otto, alone in the big world, is a character young children can empathise with – without the security of home and the family he needs to negotiate his way through new challenges and obstacles.
This book could work really well for a creative writing exercise in Year 2, possibly even Year 1. Children could be asked to imagine their favourite book character coming to life and create a narrative around it – what would they get up to if they became real, for example.
Having read this to Year 1’s, it works perfectly as a way of advocating and ‘selling’ the excitement of reading to young and emerging readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews