Ooko

by Esmé Shapiro

Ooko has everything a fox could want: a stick, a leaf and a rock. Well, almost everything . . . Ooko wants someone to play with too! The foxes in town always seem to be playing with their two-legged friends, the Debbies. Maybe if he tries to look like the other foxes, one of the Debbies will play with him too. But when Ooko finally finds his very own Debbie, things don't turn out quite as he had expected!

A quirky, funny, charmingly illustrated story about finding friendship and being true to yourself.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Animals, Childrens, Humor, Fiction, Storytime

32 pages, ebook

First published July 5, 2016

About the author

Esmé Shapiro is an award winning children's book illustrator based out of Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in Laurel Canyon, California and Ontario, Canada. A graduate of The Rhode Island School of Design, Esmé is a past recipient of both the Nancy Lee Rhodes Roberts Scholarship and The SILA West 53 Gold Award-Phillip Hayes Scholarship. She has previously written and illustrated Ooko, which was nominated for a Governor General’s Literary Award in 2016, as well as Alma and the Beast, which received two starred reviews, and, most recently, Carol and the Pickle-Toad. Esmé also illustrated Yak and Dove by Kyo Maclear and Eliza: The Story of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton by Margaret McNamara. She has exhibited at The Society of Illustrators, and her work has been featured in Taproot and Plansponsor magazines.

Reviews

[Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Ooko” is an adorable picture book about a fox learning the beauty of just being yourself. The simple wording and quirky illustrations will keep children both young and old entertained. I found myself laughing out loud at Ooko’s sense of humor and little bit of sass. Highly recommended!

This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS SUCH A FUNNY STORY!!! I loved the art work and the dialog between Ooko and herself. Delightful!!

[Christie Angleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can I just say how much I LOVE that there's a woman with hairy legs in this book?!

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

If the message were actually 'be true to yourself,' as the blurb promises, it still wouldn't be a great book because there are so many others that are so much better.... However, the message is clearly stated, twice, at the end, "To each his own." Wtf?!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooko is a fox, and he is looking for a friend. He is excited when he finds another fox, who is actually a dog, playing with a fur less two-legged fox, who is actually a girl named Debbie. But Debbie and the dog run away when he gets closer to play with them. Ooko is very upset. He really wants to have his own debbie to play with, but it seems debbies doesn't like him. What do the other foxes have that he doesn't? Ooko tries very hard to be like the other foxes until a short sighted woman mistakes him for her dog Ruthie. Then Ooko realizes that debbies are not that good at games after all...
Finally Ooko meets Oomi, a raccon who would love to play stick with him. Ooko is happy to know he doesn't need to be like the other foxes to have a friend.

We loved this book. It's funny and sweet. The art is beautiful, and original. I found the message "to each their own" interesting. The story points to the idea that when we can't find a friend it doesn't mean there's something wrong with us, we should just look for someone who doesn't expect from us to be who we are not. Someone who likes "play stick" as much as we do.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Find more children's book reviews in Reviews in Chalk

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost unbearably cute. Look closely at that cover. That is a fat, happy fox. That is a fox with a good stick. Please look at this book. No one would, at home, even though I begged.

Library copy

[Michelle (FabBookReviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Esme Shapiro's distinctive debut picture book, readers are taken on a rather unpredictable, entertaining and sweet journey with a lonely fox named Ooko. Ooko, as we learn from the description, lives under a log and has, in his possession, a rock, a leaf and a stick...but sadly, no friends. Where will Ooko be able to find a friend to call his own? Ooko, to his delight, observes some other different looking foxes (actually dogs!) playing with their two-legged human friends and runs off to make a friend. It shouldn't be too hard, right?

However, after a girl is told to run upon Ooko's approach, he determines that he the only way he will make a friend is to look like the others fox-dogs. So, Ooko tries on a variety of costumes: he sees a spotted fox-dog and proceeds to paint himself with dots; he adds a cotton candy 'hat' to make himself fluffier; and he tears flaps off of a beach umbrella to give himself the clearly more desired floppy-eared look. In a great turn of events, Ooko is welcomed into the home of a woman who- due to her eyeglasses not working- believes Ooko to be her beloved dog Ruthie. As Ooko gets a big taste of life as Ruthie, however, he discovers that that life with humans- and their bizarre way of playing games- is not fun. At all.

With a bold and unconventional illustrative style, Esme Shapiro has done a wonderful job in her debut. Funny, a little eccentric without going over the edge of quirk, Ooko is quite delightful. Shapiro does well to keep the text relatively short; allowing the humour of Ooko himself and the bright illustrations to really propel the story. I can see Ooko being a straight out sweetly funny friendship or 'be yourself' read for a young storytime audience, but for a preschool (or older) group, the appeal of Ooko's riotous misunderstanding of dogs, humans and foxes might be particularly awesome.

Overall, Ooko is a very strong debut that leaves a lasting impression. Shapiro's artwork and illustrative style is truly eye-catching and memorable, and the story itself is packed with wonderfully kooky moments. Readers who enjoy picture books by authors and illustrators such as Zachariah OHora, Liz Wong, Mac Barnett, Peter Brown, Yuyi Morales, or Jon Klassen might especially adore this title.

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: 4 STARS
2016; Tundra Books/Penguin Random House Canada

Ooko, is a fox with a stick, leaf and rock BUT he does not have a friend to play with. Ooko then goes on a journey to find a friend and encounters different kind of "foxes".

I love the artwork in this picture book and think children will be attracted by it as well. The story is very sweet about finding a friend to play with, and discovering the differences in people. It is an easy read for those just learning. I would recommend this great book to any child and their adult!

***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***

My Novelesque Life Blog

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet little, funny book about friendship. Ooko is lonely, and so seeks a friend. And so Ooko goes to see what the other foxes have that he or she doesn't have. Is it spots? Is it fluffy ears? Is if a fluffy head. Oooko tries all these things so that a "debbie" (human) will like him or her.

Here is a picture of Ooko looking under a moose for a friend.


And the best thing of all? Ooko finds that real friends don't care about all those things. They like you just the way you are.



Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favorite children's book. The art is quirky and delightful, and the story is a familiar story of the main character wanting a friend and learning to accept themself for who they are, but skewed just enough off center to make it new and enchanting.

[Fredrick Niles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tender and quirky, the story of a fox trying to find a friend and (unknowingly) himself amongst a colorful world of peculiar characters.

[Ms. Arca · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5!
So much of this reminded me of my play time/ imagination as a younger human. I had families of oodles and doodles etc.. and they looked a lot like Ooko.

This is just one of those delightful books that’s fun for everyone. Fantastic art, great little story line, sweet message, and plenty to laugh at (I had a few guffaws and laughs:). Can’t wait to see what else this author/illustrator has created since this one (2016).. Ooko was her first book and she nailed it👏🏽✨.

[Harker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the art in this book. It was just quirky enough to keep my interested and just colored enough to be cool.

This book works both in black and white (how I initially read it on my Kindle) and in color (on my phone).

The story was good. It wasn't too heavy handed, the message was good, and very relateable. Ooko is a fox that is lonely, wants to make friends, and tries to fit in with the other "foxes" (dogs) and the "Debbies" (humans). The parallels between what we face in society today and Ooko's difficulties are easy enough for a young child to understand and interesting enough for the adult reading the story to their young.

[High Plains Library District · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable story about a fox searching for a friend. His journey is fun, playful, and touching. And (as with most picture books) it has a simple yet profound message - you don't have to change yourself to make friends. If your child is struggling with his/her friendships, this book will offer comfort and relief.

The artwork was the only drawback for me. Others have described it as "contemporary" or "unique" and while I don't disagree with those descriptions, I just didn't care for it. At all.

But - as this story teaches, "To each his own."

~~ Victoria

[trishajennreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is adorable. The tone is friendly and has a lilting rhythm. Ooko is a cute little fox who just wants a friend to play with and goes on a little adventure to discover what that might look like. Ooko even tries to be something other than what he is.

The story is sweet and the illustrations are too. They are beautiful, intricate, silly, colourful, and look wonderfully hand drawn. This book is a delight.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great illustrations, and a nice story about a fox who wants a friend. They try to be like a dog so the humans will play with them, but the human games just end up being itchy and no fun. But then Ooko finds a raccoon friend and they have a lot in common ("This is my stick. This is my other stick. And this is my other other stick. WANNA PLAY?"). Extra points for including a lady with hairy legs.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This super cute children's book is about a unique little fox named Ooko. Ooko just wants a friend to play with. He tries changing his appearance and acting differently to try to appeal to potential playmates but still has a difficult time. Don't worry though, he gets a happy ending. I'm looking forward to reading this one to my niece. :)

[Oscar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really adorable!
I haven't picked up a picture book in the past 5ish years and I saw this today in the library basement (it was $1!) and I couldn't resist. Everything was adorable-- the story, the art-- I love it! Planning on passing this down to some of the neighborhood kids (who may be a little bit more age-appropriate).

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

What wonderful writing! My favorite line:

"I would much rather be stinky and play stick than be squeaky clean and play itchy games."

:)

[Jessie Sima · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read Ooko in the book store I laughed so hard I cried. The words and pictures are both A+.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable art, funny story, heartwarming friendship. Well done, book.

[Linda Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute and a great message. Oh, and watch out for people not wearing their glasses...

[Caitlen Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is stunning. The art style is distinctive as well as inviting. Each character has at least one pattern and the Fox's attempt to imitate is as easily noticeable and pleasing to the eye. The fox learns the perils of changing one's self to be loved as they try to turn themselves into the dogs that are so loved and played with by humans. The fox finally finds one old lady with bad enough eyesight to take her in when the fox realizes she'd be much happier being herself. This is a timeless tale of being yourself told amusingly and cutely by a confused fox. It is a gently administered lesson and refrains from being preachy. Children will like the visuals as well as the foxes humorous attempts at mimicking dogs.

[Graham Pigeon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning illustrations. Great colors. Cute story but nothing extraordinary. A fox has the perfect home, lots of toys, but no one to play with. This fox goes in search of a playmate and discovers Debbies and their "foxes". In an effort to befriend a Debbie, fox changes it's appearance to look more like the other "foxes". This helps him find a friend, but is it the right type of friend for fox?

[Amy Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so cute, and I can't help but have the feeling that I've read it somewhere before...but, deja vu aside, this is a great book about finding people who like you for you, and who have common interests.  It's drawn in a style that I'm inexplicably drawn to, Shapiro's storytelling skills are wonderful, and this book overall leaves me with a nice, happy feeling in my heart.

Review cross-listed here!

[Lindsey Lawntea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ooko the fox wants a friend to play with. So he goes searching. Ooko mistakes dogs for fellow foxes and tries to copy them to get a friend. Along the way, he discovers he can find a friend just by being himself. Adorable and humorous illustrations.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated in any other fashion for the review and the opinions reflected below are entirely my own. Special thanks to the publisher and author for providing the copy.

[Deke Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute book about a fox trying to find someone to play with, demonstrating the difficulties of changing yourself to fit in. "To each their own" at the end was a nice touch, too - showing that simply what wasn't right for the fox isn't inherently 'wrong' but was wrong for the fox. Sweet, cute drawings, too!

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow I missed this little gem that came out in 2016. I saw someone do a read-aloud of it on PBS and I HAD to get it for my library. Basically Ooko, a wild fox, is lonely and wants more friends. He thinks he can get them by being a pet, but that doesn't work out so well. HOW WILL HE GETS FRIENDS ESPECIALLY ONES HE CAN PLAY STICK WITH YOU WILL HAVE TO READ IT TO FIND OUT

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooko is a fox who has everything needed to make him happy except - a friend. He tries to look like the other "foxes" he has seen in town playing with their friends but - that doesn't turn out too well. Will Ooko ever find a friend? Or maybe he's just not looking in the right place.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I don't need to look like the other foxes to find a friend!"

Ooko is a fox who can't seem to find a friend. He hooks up with a human who mistakes him for a dog, but that isn't a very satisfying friendship. Then he meets raccoon. Raccoon has the same interests and some pretty cool sticks.