Odd Bird Out

by Helga Bansch

Robert is different from all other ravens. He is a happy bird. But when he laughs and tells jokes, the other birds don t like it at all. Nor do they like his colorful clothes and they hold their ears when he tries to sing. Unhappy, Robert is forced to leave home. Far away, he sings and dances and tells his terrible jokes, and eventually he finds friends who enjoy him as he is, and even join in. Back home, the black birds discover to their surprise that the world feels a bit empty without Robert. But every now and again, a bird from another place comes to visit, telling stories and terrible jokes, and the black ravens gather and listen.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kyle Kellogg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd Bird Out is a charming little story of Robert, a raven who loves to sing, dance, tell jokes, and dress differently from the other ravens. Since he is different, the other ravens dislike him very much, and force him to leave his home. He goes out and becomes very popular among other birds, and changes his name to Bobby Raver. Meanwhile, the other ravens begin to feel like they're missing something. Soon after, they get a visit from Bobby Raver, who dresses flamboyantly and sings and dances. The other ravens love him and join in on the festivities without ever knowing its actually Robert. This book is a great book to tell to students. It can be used as an anti-bullying book. It can also be used with younger children to discuss colors and develop counting skills. Despite all of the positives that can come with this book, I fear that it might not be received well by some parents, as Robert is portrayed as what many believe is a stereotypical homosexual. While the book doesn't come right out and say this, it implies that he is, which might make certain parents uncomfortable with the book.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good message about being true to yourself.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoever recommended this book, I thank you!

[Anne Lutomia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A colorful book about being different and introducing change.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this story until the ending. Self-worth and self-expression. Sadly, then ending felt like it lost the most important part. That you don't need to hide who you really are.

[Sadie Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about being true to yourself. Robert is a young raven who is not like the other ravens. He is unapologetically exuberant and flamboyant. He likes singing, dancing, and telling stupid jokes. Meanwhile, “proper” ravens wear black, act decorously at all times, and only listen to classical music. One day, the other ravens have had enough and they kick Robert out of the flock. What happens next proves that we all need a little colour in our lives and that there is no better person to be than yourself.

“Odd Bird Out” can be considered on a number of levels. At its most basic it is about not letting peer pressure dictate how you act, but there are deeper messages to be found here about gender roles and identity. Although wardrobe is not explicitly mentioned (other than to say that proper ravens only wear black) many of Robert’s costumes involve colourful dresses and high heels, highlighting a gender non-conformity message without belabouring it. Supported by its unique and colourful art style, the narrative contains far less exposition than many stories of its ilk and the main character is happily defiant, unconcerned with what his peers think. This book is a refreshing change from the usual narratives in children’s books about gender. The sly twist at the end makes the story even more enjoyable.

[Diane D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute book about being different!

Robert the Raven was a s happy as a lark and wanted all the other ravens to be as happy as him. He loved to dress up (not in black like the other ravens). He loved to dance, tell jokes and even sing (even though he wasn't very good at these things).

On concert night he dressed in bold colors, looking somewhat like a parrot. The other ravens asked him to leave. Robert was so sad because of this, he flew far away. When he grew tired he landed in a tree and sang himself to sleep. In the morning he found lots of colorful birds cheering him. The obviously enjoyed having Robert there. Back home, the ravens were surprised that things seemed less happy and the world a bit empty with Robert gone. These birds learned an important lesson, because as new birds arrived they became more patient and tolerant to those who were a bit different.

I was reminded of Jimmy Buffet "Parrot Heads" as I read this book. The colorful illustrations are awesome. An important message as well. RECOMMENDED

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Robert is an odd bird out; he is nothing like the other ravens. He cracks jokes, wears loud colored clothing, and likes to sing off key. (Sound familiar anyone?) Robert leaves the raven crowd and finds that other birds actually do think he is funny. He starts touring and returns to the ravens, who now appreciate him for who he is, but who never truly find out this star's real name.
This translation does not work well. Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester is much better. Tacky's jokes and songs are within the text instead of just saying that he makes jokes like Odd Bird Out does. Also, Robert seemed always to be wearing women's clothing while Tacky sticks to men's even though both birds are referred to as "he."

[Joanne Zienty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Robert is an odd bird. He's a raven who loves and wears outlandish colors. He adores singing and joking. He definitely does not fit in with his staid, plain raven clan. So he's cast out to find his way to a more accepting flock. Which he does, with aplomb. Meanwhile, the ravens find their lives with Robert more boring than usual... until one day...

This picture book has a lot of potential with its message of acceptance and the need to be who you are. However, the ending seemed unsatisfying, without the necessary comeuppance and resolution. It just...ends. Thus, if you are looking for a book to promote the appreciation of differences, I would have to recommend the Tacky the Penguin series by Helen Lester.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to give this five stars even though the pictures aren't my favorite. It is such a great story of not only nature but being yourself and there are PLENTY of educational lessons within this book!

[AbsentLibrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about being different, ignoring the critics and living life with enthusiasm and joy. Great illustrations!