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Odd, Weird & Little
Readers who love Andrew Clements, Dan Gutman, Gordon Korman, and Tom Angleberger will find this charming, funny, easy-to-read middle-grade novel from the beloved Patrick Jennings an absolute hoot!When the new kid joins his class, Woodrow agrees with his schoolmates--Toulouse is really weird. He's short - kindergarten short - dresses in a suit like a grandpa, has huge eyes, and barely says a word. But Woodrow isn't exactly Mr. Popularity. The frequent target of the class bully himself, he figures that maybe all Toulouse needs is a chance. And when the two are put together in gym to play volleyball, they make quite the team. Toulouse can serve, set, and spike like a pro. He really knows how to fly around the court. But when the attention and teasing switch back to Woodrow, he learns that the new kid is great at something being a friend.Full of heart and laughs, Odd, Weird, and Little is another winner from the author of the state-list favorite, Guinea Dog.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
December 22, 2013
I think I may be in the minority in my views of Odd. Weird, & Little. The reviews that I've read gush on about how wonderful it is to read a book about being yourself, even when faced with bullies.
I mean sure, that stuff is in there. But here's the thing. The main character is an owl. An owl. And nobody realizes it until the end. They keep wondering - how did he get up in that tree? Why can he turn his head around so far? Why are his eyes so large? I mean - Come on!
So sure - these kids are dealing with bullies. And they end up staying strong. And the bullies don't win. But these characters are frustratingly idiotic. This story might have worked better if Patrick Jennings hadn't revealed Toulouse's Owl Identity on the cover so plainly. If the reader was forced to wonder the same things as the other characters, and the realization of his Owl Identity happened in sync with the characters, but alas -- the reader knows more than the characters, and that makes this book hard to enjoy.
One strength of this book, though, is that it's the only book I've ever read that accurately captures life in a modern elementary classroom. The class does SSR, Writer's Workshop, and Read Aloud. These elements might really connect with an elementary reader. Patrick Jennings must have a line on what elementary school is really like.
Still, this book is exceptionally strange, and I really hate it that the characters take 160 pages to figure out what the reader has known all along.
I mean sure, that stuff is in there. But here's the thing. The main character is an owl. An owl. And nobody realizes it until the end. They keep wondering - how did he get up in that tree? Why can he turn his head around so far? Why are his eyes so large? I mean - Come on!
So sure - these kids are dealing with bullies. And they end up staying strong. And the bullies don't win. But these characters are frustratingly idiotic. This story might have worked better if Patrick Jennings hadn't revealed Toulouse's Owl Identity on the cover so plainly. If the reader was forced to wonder the same things as the other characters, and the realization of his Owl Identity happened in sync with the characters, but alas -- the reader knows more than the characters, and that makes this book hard to enjoy.
One strength of this book, though, is that it's the only book I've ever read that accurately captures life in a modern elementary classroom. The class does SSR, Writer's Workshop, and Read Aloud. These elements might really connect with an elementary reader. Patrick Jennings must have a line on what elementary school is really like.
Still, this book is exceptionally strange, and I really hate it that the characters take 160 pages to figure out what the reader has known all along.
May 6, 2023
This is an odd, weird, and little book, haha! I could see where some little kids might like it, but seemed a little too simplistic in my opinion.
May 11, 2014
Woodrow is a good kid, but he’s shy and has a few minor obsessions, like duck tape ( not duct tape), and making fishing lures, but that’s just enough to label him the weird kid in school. That is, until a new student, Toulouse, from Quebec joins his class. There is definitely something Odd and Weird and Little about Toulouse. He is very small, has huge round eyes, wears an old hat, suit and gloves and carries a briefcase. The two class bullies, Hubcap and Garret now have another target for their abuse. Woodrow thinks Toulouse is weird too, but in a cool kind of way. He aims to make Toulouse his friend even though that means he will just be subject to double the bullying for befriending Toulouse.
This is a very cute little book – and it becomes very obvious who Toulouse really is as the author drops more and more clues –he perches in trees, can turn his head almost 360 degrees, he lives in a treehouse, eats mouse sandwiches, coughs up owl pellets, etc. In addition, each chapter starts with either an O, W, or L word.
At just 149 pages and set with larger type, this is a quick and easy read. In fact, it seems a little too quick and easy for its target middle school audience. Toulouse’s identity is obvious from the cover of the book alone. The writing is simple but focused, and moves the story along without much fuss. Something that stood out for me was that the author, Patrick Jennings, really seems to “get” middle schools students – he has an eye for their behavior, and an ear for their dialogue, and there are some really funny moments with middle school teachers, especially Mr. Weldon, the music teacher.
It’s hard to pick a genre for this book. Besides the realistic fiction, there is humor and a fantasy element. A strange mix but it works. I think it would be enjoyed by boys and girls alike from grades 5 and up.
.
!
This is a very cute little book – and it becomes very obvious who Toulouse really is as the author drops more and more clues –he perches in trees, can turn his head almost 360 degrees, he lives in a treehouse, eats mouse sandwiches, coughs up owl pellets, etc. In addition, each chapter starts with either an O, W, or L word.
At just 149 pages and set with larger type, this is a quick and easy read. In fact, it seems a little too quick and easy for its target middle school audience. Toulouse’s identity is obvious from the cover of the book alone. The writing is simple but focused, and moves the story along without much fuss. Something that stood out for me was that the author, Patrick Jennings, really seems to “get” middle schools students – he has an eye for their behavior, and an ear for their dialogue, and there are some really funny moments with middle school teachers, especially Mr. Weldon, the music teacher.
It’s hard to pick a genre for this book. Besides the realistic fiction, there is humor and a fantasy element. A strange mix but it works. I think it would be enjoyed by boys and girls alike from grades 5 and up.
.
!
August 19, 2013
Odd, Weird, and Little is such a lovely book and is one of the best I've read for children. It's the first I've read by author Patrick Jennings and is about a little owl called Toulouse Hulot. Toulouse joins a new school after moving from Quebec, much to the fascination of his classmates. He wears a suit and tie, glasses, carries a briefcase and is one of the cutest book characters I've ever come across.
Woodrow is the only person in Toulouse's class who really gives him the time of day, and the two quickly become friends, despite all Toulouse's oddities. Themes of bullying and individuality are both at the forefront of this book, and learning to be happy with yourself as you are, no matter how strange people might think you are.
Odd, Weird, and Little is an important book for children of all ages, thanks to its themes and issues explored. It's also one of the cutest books I've read, and that's all down to Toulouse and his small owl body. Aww. I want one of him for myself! Actually, what I want to do is read the book again, so I think I'll go and do that. It's a quick read but such a brilliant one - do check it out if you get a chance!
4.5/5
Woodrow is the only person in Toulouse's class who really gives him the time of day, and the two quickly become friends, despite all Toulouse's oddities. Themes of bullying and individuality are both at the forefront of this book, and learning to be happy with yourself as you are, no matter how strange people might think you are.
Odd, Weird, and Little is an important book for children of all ages, thanks to its themes and issues explored. It's also one of the cutest books I've read, and that's all down to Toulouse and his small owl body. Aww. I want one of him for myself! Actually, what I want to do is read the book again, so I think I'll go and do that. It's a quick read but such a brilliant one - do check it out if you get a chance!
4.5/5
July 18, 2014
I love Patrick Jenningsand this book is no exception! I can imagine an author study with this book and several other Patrick Jennings books that can be paired with non fiction books about animals which can lead to some great research writing. There are many talk worthy points in this book for 4th graders and the cross curricular possibilities are endless. I think Mrs. Richards is going to have to get us some copies of this book as well!
March 28, 2014
OWL is a silly book with an important message about acceptance of others and one's self. I read Juvenile books regularly, but this pushed me to suspend my adult reality more than the typical J book. It is really far-fetched and quite silly. Just the right amount of each to keep kids reading. With the larger print and 149 pages, OWL would be a great choice for readers moving from early reader books into longer chapter books.
May 16, 2016
This was so cute!! I love Toulouse so much--even if he is odd, weird, and little. It's heartwarming to watch Woodrow become his friend, find his courage, and stick up for what is right. It might sound petty, but I'm really disappointed in the cover--it gives away what should be an amazing plot twist for kids, and takes away the shock of discovery. Still a great read for upper-elementary students.
March 7, 2022
Woodrow is reluctant to befriend new student Toulouse – after all, why put a larger target on his back when he is already bullied? Toulouse plays accordion, excels at volleyball, appears at great heights mysteriously, and gets spooked whenever someone says, “Cats.” He’s also a fastidious dresser and never appears in public without gloves or his bowler hat. Toulouse is weird . . . and as the two become friends, Woodrow gradually becomes more at ease with his own quirkiness.
If you’ve seen the cover, though, you know immediately that there must be something going on with an owl. That something is that Toulouse is an owl. Much as three children can masquerade as an adult if they stack themselves under a trench coat, wearing a hat keeps everyone from discovering Toulouse’s secret, even as he steals the class fish and coughs up an owl pellet.
There were motives that were never explained. What is up with Toulouse’s partial command of French? Why does he play accordion? Is he fashioned after a poor cliche? Why is he attending school?
I found the secondary characters very one-dimensional and irritating, and the story overall a little too on the nose. Some of the setups toward “Hey, he’s going to act bird-like now” were a bit forced – Garrett and Hubcap ridiculing readers by calling them “worms,” for instance, which captures the attention of Toulouse, because worms.
As another reviewer noted, having the reveal up front sort of dilutes any “discovery” of Toulouse’s real self. Even for a children's book, this was pretty weak. Maybe some kids will get a kick out of this one. Good for second or third grade.
If you’ve seen the cover, though, you know immediately that there must be something going on with an owl. That something is that Toulouse is an owl. Much as three children can masquerade as an adult if they stack themselves under a trench coat, wearing a hat keeps everyone from discovering Toulouse’s secret, even as he steals the class fish and coughs up an owl pellet.
There were motives that were never explained. What is up with Toulouse’s partial command of French? Why does he play accordion? Is he fashioned after a poor cliche? Why is he attending school?
I found the secondary characters very one-dimensional and irritating, and the story overall a little too on the nose. Some of the setups toward “Hey, he’s going to act bird-like now” were a bit forced – Garrett and Hubcap ridiculing readers by calling them “worms,” for instance, which captures the attention of Toulouse, because worms.
As another reviewer noted, having the reveal up front sort of dilutes any “discovery” of Toulouse’s real self. Even for a children's book, this was pretty weak. Maybe some kids will get a kick out of this one. Good for second or third grade.
May 14, 2017
Fun, quick story with a big message - just be happy with who you are. A short, odd looking new student enters Woodrow's class. He befriends the new student, even though the class bullies make fun of him. Woodrow learns it is easier to stand up to the bullies when you have a friend by your side.
Would make a great read aloud as there is plenty to discuss with this story.
Would make a great read aloud as there is plenty to discuss with this story.
November 22, 2023
—3.5 stars
“Trying to be something you aren't is such a drag. …. Why can't you do what you want to do, be what you want to be?”
Cute and quick read. A bit of a twist potentially for kids, but it was quite obvious as an adult. But, I’m not the audience. Good lesson on friendship and bullying too.
My kids loved it too.
“Trying to be something you aren't is such a drag. …. Why can't you do what you want to do, be what you want to be?”
Cute and quick read. A bit of a twist potentially for kids, but it was quite obvious as an adult. But, I’m not the audience. Good lesson on friendship and bullying too.
My kids loved it too.
January 20, 2024
It really don’t know how to feel about this book. It’s absolutely bizarre. And yet… It kind of made me grin. I have absolutely no idea how middle grade readers will feel about it… because I still don’t know how I even feel about it. :-)
Themes: friendship, bullying, judgment, owning your weird, and… lots of other things?!? Again, so many feelings!
Themes: friendship, bullying, judgment, owning your weird, and… lots of other things?!? Again, so many feelings!
February 28, 2019
This book is.... wow. I mean, it’s about a new classmate who is literally an owl, and only this author could have sold that. But he does, and brilliantly, and what results is one of the sweetest little tales of individuality and friendship that I’ve ever read. Well done. Highly recommended.
June 24, 2019
I think that this will be a great lit book for my 3rd and 4th graders. It is funny enough (I snickered allowed) and just weird enough to invoke discussion. Woodrow, the main character and book’s narrator, has a realistic “voice”.
June 6, 2020
This was the chosen book for the One Book One School program at my son's elementary school. A cute, sweet book about tolerance, standing up for yourself and your friends, and acceptance. Toulouse is the new kid, and he's...different. Wonderfully different.
June 18, 2017
A heartwarming story about bullying and finding someone to whom you can show your inner Odd, Weird, and Little.
November 23, 2018
I just fell in love with Toulouse and all of his quirks. I don't really get why the author chose to give an owl human-like traits, but it was a fun story to read overall.
February 26, 2019
effectiveness restructuring contributing circumventing unobstructed regurgitating nightmarish strengthened confusingly connectivity untethered recurrent rejecting authenticity good book
June 5, 2019
Lots of clues as to what the new kid Toulouse really is, but really the point of the book is how Woodrow finally finds a way to stand up to the class bullies, and that it is okay to be different.
September 10, 2021
Very sweet beginning of the year read aloud. My students loved it!
October 21, 2021
Honestly, I enjoyed reading this book as a part of a middle school. Would read again just for the nostalgia factor.
August 21, 2023
The title made me get it but it was a bit young, even for me.
February 1, 2015
Fun Magical Realism, (Really), for Middle Graders
This is a very deeply cool little book, and much more than a school daze comedy. Woodrow is a decent kid - bright, insightful, good hearted and level headed. He is generally acknowledged to be the weirdest kid in his class, (which feels middle schoolish), but mostly just because he's shy and has a few minor obsessions, (like always carrying around duck - don't call it "duct" - tape). That, however, is enough to earn him the attention of the class bullies and the disdain of the girls and the popular kids. But then, a new kid, Toulouse, joins the class. Toulouse is so deeply idiosyncratic and unique, so weird, that Woodrow realizes that Toulouse will be the weird kid and the lightening rod for abuse. The problem is that Woodrow wants a friend, would be a good friend, and finds himself getting close to the otherwise isolated Toulouse. As Woodrow notes, in a classic example of middle school logic, that means that instead of escaping attention Woodrow will just get double attention for befriending Toulouse and being doubly weird. The plot of the book, if you want to call it that, follows Woodrow and Toulouse and their adventures as their friendship grows. But the book is much more than just that.
Here's the special part. While Woodrow belongs to the honorable tradition of bright, rueful outsider middle school narrators, Toulouse is an appealing one of a kind character, the likes of which I have never before encountered. He most resembles a middle school version of Chauncey Gardiner, the ethereal, enigmatic center of Jerzy Kosinski's novel "Being There". Toulouse is smart, accomplished, old fashioned and somehow both firmly grounded and surreal. He is, almost literally, odd, weird and little. He is both firmly present and yet also oddly distant and almost otherwordly. As a result parts of this book play out as realistic school humor while other parts feel like a fable, or an elegant feather-light allegory about difference and acceptance.
The writing is literate, accomplished, restrained and focused. The author can do raucous classroom humor, subtle deadpan humor, and delicate observational and descriptive passages that would put writers of adult oriented literature to shame.
Blurbs for this book mention Andrew Clements, Dan Gutman, Gordon Korman and Tom Angleberger. That's fair in the sense that they are all accomplished in this genre, and "Odd, Weird & Little" is at least equally as accomplished. But it also expands the boundaries by introducing a character like Toulouse and something that approaches middle school magical realism. How's that for an achievement?
So, an intriguing change of pace that offers special rewards to adventurous readers. Definitely worth a look.Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book
This is a very deeply cool little book, and much more than a school daze comedy. Woodrow is a decent kid - bright, insightful, good hearted and level headed. He is generally acknowledged to be the weirdest kid in his class, (which feels middle schoolish), but mostly just because he's shy and has a few minor obsessions, (like always carrying around duck - don't call it "duct" - tape). That, however, is enough to earn him the attention of the class bullies and the disdain of the girls and the popular kids. But then, a new kid, Toulouse, joins the class. Toulouse is so deeply idiosyncratic and unique, so weird, that Woodrow realizes that Toulouse will be the weird kid and the lightening rod for abuse. The problem is that Woodrow wants a friend, would be a good friend, and finds himself getting close to the otherwise isolated Toulouse. As Woodrow notes, in a classic example of middle school logic, that means that instead of escaping attention Woodrow will just get double attention for befriending Toulouse and being doubly weird. The plot of the book, if you want to call it that, follows Woodrow and Toulouse and their adventures as their friendship grows. But the book is much more than just that.
Here's the special part. While Woodrow belongs to the honorable tradition of bright, rueful outsider middle school narrators, Toulouse is an appealing one of a kind character, the likes of which I have never before encountered. He most resembles a middle school version of Chauncey Gardiner, the ethereal, enigmatic center of Jerzy Kosinski's novel "Being There". Toulouse is smart, accomplished, old fashioned and somehow both firmly grounded and surreal. He is, almost literally, odd, weird and little. He is both firmly present and yet also oddly distant and almost otherwordly. As a result parts of this book play out as realistic school humor while other parts feel like a fable, or an elegant feather-light allegory about difference and acceptance.
The writing is literate, accomplished, restrained and focused. The author can do raucous classroom humor, subtle deadpan humor, and delicate observational and descriptive passages that would put writers of adult oriented literature to shame.
Blurbs for this book mention Andrew Clements, Dan Gutman, Gordon Korman and Tom Angleberger. That's fair in the sense that they are all accomplished in this genre, and "Odd, Weird & Little" is at least equally as accomplished. But it also expands the boundaries by introducing a character like Toulouse and something that approaches middle school magical realism. How's that for an achievement?
So, an intriguing change of pace that offers special rewards to adventurous readers. Definitely worth a look.Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book
July 5, 2017
“Maybe weird is normal”
He walks into the room carrying a briefcase and wearing a suit and tie, gloves and a bowler hat. He's so much smaller than all the other students. The teacher introduces him as Toulouse Hulot from Quebec. French is his first language, but he's learning English. By recess, everyone is talking about the new "weird" kid. He might even be "weirder than Woodrow." Up till now, Woodrow has been the target of most of the bullying. At first he's reluctant to befriend Toulouse. After all, "Weird plus weird might make us double weird.” But as Woodrow sees the bullies pick on someone else, it stirs feelings of injustice within. “It’s mean to try to knock somebody down just because they’re flying higher than you.” So, he decides to become Toulouse's friend and he is surprised how good it feels. “Toulouse is my friend now and somehow that makes me feel stronger, more comfortable in my oddness.” And, of course, the bullies come after both of them. But, again, Woodrow discovers that “It’s harder for Garrett and Hubcap to scare me when I’m not facing them alone.”
What a great read. A lot of good discussion here as the main character begins to finally stand up for himself. Odd to the extreme by human standards, it's no surprise to the reader that there is a reason Toulouse acts the way he does. When Woodrow's suspicions are finally confirmed, he chooses not to make a big deal about it. "I feel proud that Toulouse showed me who he is." The fact that there is something extremely different about Toulouse makes it an easy discussion about tolerance of someone's differences. But mostly, the book is about finding your inner strength. “Things are different because I’m different. I feel braver. Stronger. I’m not going to let Garrett push me around, or put me down, anymore.”
He walks into the room carrying a briefcase and wearing a suit and tie, gloves and a bowler hat. He's so much smaller than all the other students. The teacher introduces him as Toulouse Hulot from Quebec. French is his first language, but he's learning English. By recess, everyone is talking about the new "weird" kid. He might even be "weirder than Woodrow." Up till now, Woodrow has been the target of most of the bullying. At first he's reluctant to befriend Toulouse. After all, "Weird plus weird might make us double weird.” But as Woodrow sees the bullies pick on someone else, it stirs feelings of injustice within. “It’s mean to try to knock somebody down just because they’re flying higher than you.” So, he decides to become Toulouse's friend and he is surprised how good it feels. “Toulouse is my friend now and somehow that makes me feel stronger, more comfortable in my oddness.” And, of course, the bullies come after both of them. But, again, Woodrow discovers that “It’s harder for Garrett and Hubcap to scare me when I’m not facing them alone.”
What a great read. A lot of good discussion here as the main character begins to finally stand up for himself. Odd to the extreme by human standards, it's no surprise to the reader that there is a reason Toulouse acts the way he does. When Woodrow's suspicions are finally confirmed, he chooses not to make a big deal about it. "I feel proud that Toulouse showed me who he is." The fact that there is something extremely different about Toulouse makes it an easy discussion about tolerance of someone's differences. But mostly, the book is about finding your inner strength. “Things are different because I’m different. I feel braver. Stronger. I’m not going to let Garrett push me around, or put me down, anymore.”
March 8, 2014
Odd, Weird & Little by Patrick Jennings is a children's novel that is currently scheduled for release on January 28 2014. Toulouse is the new kid, and he is a little odd. He is very short, always wears a hat, and does not talk much. Woodrow is not exactly popular, but he decides that giving the new kid a chance is more important than becoming more of a target to the schoolyard bullies. The two make a good pair, they enjoy fishing and make a great volleyball team. The story is simple and sweet, with fun moments.
Odd, Weird & Little is a charming children's chapter book about being yourself, bullying, and acceptance. Toulouse is an odd kid, and Woodrow is not the most accepted kid in his grade either. However, their teasing by others and some shared interests connect the pair quickly. I loved that Woodrow has his reservations about befriending someone that was libel to make him a bigger target to bullies, but saw something in Toulouse that made him extend his friendship and defy the fear of the bullies. I liked that message about bullying was subtle and flowed well with the mystery of just why Toulouse was as different as he appears. While moments of the story seemed a little simple, it all come together in a way that really worked for me. The story itself was just like the title, something a bit odd, weird, and little.
I would recommend Odd, Weird & Little for elementary school and middle grade readers. The book is one that even the most popular kids might get something out of. The story is charming, sometimes funny, but also heartfelt. It is a short read, and well worth the time.
Odd, Weird & Little is a charming children's chapter book about being yourself, bullying, and acceptance. Toulouse is an odd kid, and Woodrow is not the most accepted kid in his grade either. However, their teasing by others and some shared interests connect the pair quickly. I loved that Woodrow has his reservations about befriending someone that was libel to make him a bigger target to bullies, but saw something in Toulouse that made him extend his friendship and defy the fear of the bullies. I liked that message about bullying was subtle and flowed well with the mystery of just why Toulouse was as different as he appears. While moments of the story seemed a little simple, it all come together in a way that really worked for me. The story itself was just like the title, something a bit odd, weird, and little.
I would recommend Odd, Weird & Little for elementary school and middle grade readers. The book is one that even the most popular kids might get something out of. The story is charming, sometimes funny, but also heartfelt. It is a short read, and well worth the time.
April 29, 2014
Everyone thinks Woodrow is weird, especially the school bullies Garrett and Hubcap. That is until a new kid comes to school. Toulouse is short, dresses in a suit, has huge eyes, and barely speaks. Woodrow sees a kindred spirit in Toulouse and soon they form a fast friendship, but even he can't shake the feeling that there is something more than a little strange with his new friend.
A cute little book that could be considered part of the new bully movement in books. Woodrow is a cute kid who is struggling to find who he is, fighting desperately to be true to himself and yet be liked. Toulouse is the mystery, but he is also Woodrow's only hope for if there is someone else who is strange at his school maybe it is okay for him to be a little strange or at the very least, someone to take the bullies attention off himself.
That said, I am not particularly fond of books that give away the "twist" on the book cover. I was actually quite annoyed by it, because only a moron would not get the obvious clues just from the cover. Kids aren't that dumb. Now, perhaps the intention was that the reader is supposed to know more about the story than the main character, but the fact that this is revealed on the cover takes all the mystery out of it. This basically means that this is just a story about bullies. Honestly, if they release this in paperback, I highly suggest they change the cover as it would help the story immensely.
Review originally posted here at Children's Atheneum.
A cute little book that could be considered part of the new bully movement in books. Woodrow is a cute kid who is struggling to find who he is, fighting desperately to be true to himself and yet be liked. Toulouse is the mystery, but he is also Woodrow's only hope for if there is someone else who is strange at his school maybe it is okay for him to be a little strange or at the very least, someone to take the bullies attention off himself.
That said, I am not particularly fond of books that give away the "twist" on the book cover. I was actually quite annoyed by it, because only a moron would not get the obvious clues just from the cover. Kids aren't that dumb. Now, perhaps the intention was that the reader is supposed to know more about the story than the main character, but the fact that this is revealed on the cover takes all the mystery out of it. This basically means that this is just a story about bullies. Honestly, if they release this in paperback, I highly suggest they change the cover as it would help the story immensely.
Review originally posted here at Children's Atheneum.
December 3, 2021
Imagine being a 5th grader with the name Woodrow Schwette. And orange hair and an overbite. And no interest or ability with sports. Woodrow accepts being outside even the outermost circle of students; he likes his family, reading, and making things with duck (not duct, as we learn) tape. When a new student arrives at school, Woodrow is surprised to see a kid even quirkier than him. Toulouse (?!) Houlout (!?) speaks French (sort of) is wearing a black suit, round glasses, a hat(!), and is carrying a briefcase (!!?). Woodrow thinks, "no doubt about it: he's weird. But in a weirdly cool way." Birds of a feather and all that; Woodrow and Toulouse become friends and oddity ensues.
Author Patrick Jennings respects his characters; even the bullies -- often the most stereotypical characters in a school story -- have their own quirks and individualities. Woodrow and his family are lovely, interesting people. As a reader, I enjoyed spending time with them. And Toulouse is, well, strangely compelling. Woodrow's voice as the narrator is earnest and a little bit droll.
The story opens up some questions and never closes them: How did such an unusual student such as Toulouse end up in an average American school? Does Mr. Longwood know a bit more about Toulouse's background than he lets on? Woodrow figures out part of the secret, but he swears that "no one will ever find out from [him]." The abrupt and ambiguous ending gives me hope that a sequel is one the way. Perhaps I will have a chance to spend a bit more time with Woodrow and learn more about Toulouse.
Author Patrick Jennings respects his characters; even the bullies -- often the most stereotypical characters in a school story -- have their own quirks and individualities. Woodrow and his family are lovely, interesting people. As a reader, I enjoyed spending time with them. And Toulouse is, well, strangely compelling. Woodrow's voice as the narrator is earnest and a little bit droll.
The story opens up some questions and never closes them: How did such an unusual student such as Toulouse end up in an average American school? Does Mr. Longwood know a bit more about Toulouse's background than he lets on? Woodrow figures out part of the secret, but he swears that "no one will ever find out from [him]." The abrupt and ambiguous ending gives me hope that a sequel is one the way. Perhaps I will have a chance to spend a bit more time with Woodrow and learn more about Toulouse.
Read
February 13, 2015Opening: Today we are going to read Odd, Weird & Little by Patrick Jennings. Let’s take a look at the cover. Can you guess what this book is going to be about? [children respond]
I am going to read you the table of contents and you try and predict what might be happen in this book. [children respond]
Think about the stories we have been reading: Bully by Laura Seeger, Juice Box Bully by Bob Sornson and Bully by Patricia Polacco. As we read Odd, Weird & Little I want you to listen to how this story relates to the other stories we have been reading.
Opening Moves: Prompt predictions based on the title, draw attention to the readers tools: index. ask children to make connections based on a previously read text
Rationale: For my final piece in the bullying text set I wanted to find something that was silly but still had undertones of bullying. The three picture books I selected really emphasized the bullying theme right from the title and I liked that this piece really makes students think about the content and listen for the bullying message throughout the piece. I thought that the rhythm made this an easy read and therefore a great selection for either read aloud or independent reading. The author did a great job of building realistic relationships and situations which are built around a funny story. I liked that this piece had an unusual twist in that we did not know Toulouse was an owl until the end of the book (though many will probably figure it out sooner) I felt like this story line made it so much more than just another book about bullying.
I am going to read you the table of contents and you try and predict what might be happen in this book. [children respond]
Think about the stories we have been reading: Bully by Laura Seeger, Juice Box Bully by Bob Sornson and Bully by Patricia Polacco. As we read Odd, Weird & Little I want you to listen to how this story relates to the other stories we have been reading.
Opening Moves: Prompt predictions based on the title, draw attention to the readers tools: index. ask children to make connections based on a previously read text
Rationale: For my final piece in the bullying text set I wanted to find something that was silly but still had undertones of bullying. The three picture books I selected really emphasized the bullying theme right from the title and I liked that this piece really makes students think about the content and listen for the bullying message throughout the piece. I thought that the rhythm made this an easy read and therefore a great selection for either read aloud or independent reading. The author did a great job of building realistic relationships and situations which are built around a funny story. I liked that this piece had an unusual twist in that we did not know Toulouse was an owl until the end of the book (though many will probably figure it out sooner) I felt like this story line made it so much more than just another book about bullying.
April 10, 2014
I wish that the cover didn't give away the entire "surprise" ending that the "new kid" at school is actually an owl. Since the cover both illustrates an owl and emphasizes the "OWL" letters of the title, I couldn't get that imagery out of my head, and consequently, whenever Toulouse did anything bird-like, it was obvious to me. I wish the cover showed Toulouse as he's described: in a three piece suit, gloves, and hat at all times thus hiding some of his owl-like features. Then perhaps I could have bought into the confusion of Woodrow as he assumed Toulouse was a child like him, and enjoyed his shock when he finally came to the correct conclusion.
But even overlooking that, I wasn't sure how I felt about the story as a whole. Woodrow had been bullied his whole life and had no friends until Toulouse came along, who was even weirder and thus became the object of the bullies' attention instead. Teachers are, of course, never around to witness the bullying, and times Woodrow stands up to them he gets in trouble instead. When he and Toulouse finally get the bullies caught, all they get is 5 days without recess and they threaten to "get them" when the punishment is over. I just felt the bullies never really got any punishment at all, nor did Toulouse and Woodrow get out of their unfortunate social situation. But at least they have each other as best friends?
But even overlooking that, I wasn't sure how I felt about the story as a whole. Woodrow had been bullied his whole life and had no friends until Toulouse came along, who was even weirder and thus became the object of the bullies' attention instead. Teachers are, of course, never around to witness the bullying, and times Woodrow stands up to them he gets in trouble instead. When he and Toulouse finally get the bullies caught, all they get is 5 days without recess and they threaten to "get them" when the punishment is over. I just felt the bullies never really got any punishment at all, nor did Toulouse and Woodrow get out of their unfortunate social situation. But at least they have each other as best friends?
Read
June 14, 2015This was a fun boy friendship story (it seems that a lot of friendship stories are about girls, certainly the ones with drama). Woodrow is kind of an odd kid and when another odd kid shows up who shares some of his interests, like fishing, he’s thrilled. Over the course of the book the new friendship gives Woodrow the courage to stand up to the kids who pick on him and embrace his different hobbies (making stuff with duct tape!).
I think Jennings did a really good job of showing classroom and kid dynamics. Woodrow is his own person, but he’s not exactly comfortable in his own skin yet. This is particularly due to a couple boys in his class, Garrett and Hubcap. But the kids aren’t overdone mean bullies. They’re jerks, but the teasing is pretty light and not particularly original. There are a few girls in his class that aren’t exactly nice, but they aren’t mean either. Then their teacher is a bit clueless as to what’s going on simply because no one will tell and they’re sneaky enough to do it when the adults aren’t looking.
Spoiler Alert: I am not clear if you are supposed to know that Toulouse is more than he seems. The cover and chapter titles seem to make obvious. As do all the references to how he looks, what he says, and a number of other flashing clues. Maybe I’ve read enough and I’m an adult so I knew already? The reveal doesn’t happen until the very end though.
I think Jennings did a really good job of showing classroom and kid dynamics. Woodrow is his own person, but he’s not exactly comfortable in his own skin yet. This is particularly due to a couple boys in his class, Garrett and Hubcap. But the kids aren’t overdone mean bullies. They’re jerks, but the teasing is pretty light and not particularly original. There are a few girls in his class that aren’t exactly nice, but they aren’t mean either. Then their teacher is a bit clueless as to what’s going on simply because no one will tell and they’re sneaky enough to do it when the adults aren’t looking.
Spoiler Alert: I am not clear if you are supposed to know that Toulouse is more than he seems. The cover and chapter titles seem to make obvious. As do all the references to how he looks, what he says, and a number of other flashing clues. Maybe I’ve read enough and I’m an adult so I knew already? The reveal doesn’t happen until the very end though.
March 20, 2014
Good story with an unusual twist. Woodrow, roughly 4th grade (he's 10) is the weird kid in class. He stutters, he loves fly fishing and making things from duck tape (NOT duct tape, and the bullies go after him unmercifully. Despite the bullying, he's a pretty balanced kid. When a new boy comes to the classroom, it's clear to Woodrow that Toulouse will be the new object of bullying--he's short, he wears a suit and tie, gloves, and bowler hat to class, and he's from Quebec and doesn't appear to speak much English. He also carries a briefcase everywhere, an apparently ever expanding briefcase which holds Toulouse's quill pen and ink bottle, his fly fishing supplies, and other oddments. Throughout the story there's a small mystery about what Toulouse eats as well.
When Woodrow speaks up to defend Toulouse, Woodrow finds his voice and he learns that he can speak up for himself as well.
In the end we learn Toulouse's secret, heavily hinted at throughout the narrative. Woodrow decides he doesn't care.
Well written, 3rd grade and up. There's an authentic feel to the dialogue, especially the interactions with the bullies.
When Woodrow speaks up to defend Toulouse, Woodrow finds his voice and he learns that he can speak up for himself as well.
In the end we learn Toulouse's secret, heavily hinted at throughout the narrative. Woodrow decides he doesn't care.
Well written, 3rd grade and up. There's an authentic feel to the dialogue, especially the interactions with the bullies.
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