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Oddkins
Skippy the rabbit who dreams of being a superstar, Butterscotch the gentle puppy, Burl the elephant, Patch the cat, and wise Gibbons are living toys created by Toymaker Isaac Bodkins for children in desperate need of true friends.
But when Isaac Bodkins dies, it is the toys themselves who are in desperate need as they find themselves up against an evil toymaker and his band of bad toys.
As the Oddkins embark on a dangerous journey to seek help, they face a danger that threatens not only their own magic but the magic in us all . . .
But when Isaac Bodkins dies, it is the toys themselves who are in desperate need as they find themselves up against an evil toymaker and his band of bad toys.
As the Oddkins embark on a dangerous journey to seek help, they face a danger that threatens not only their own magic but the magic in us all . . .
Paperback
First published September 1, 1988
794 people are currently reading
1736 people want to read
About the author
Dean Koontz
906 books39.6k followersAcknowledged as "America's most popular suspense novelist" (Rolling Stone) and as one of today's most celebrated and successful writers, Dean Ray Koontz has earned the devotion of millions of readers around the world and the praise of critics everywhere for tales of character, mystery, and adventure that strike to the core of what it means to be human.
Dean, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.
Facebook: Facebook.com/DeanKoontzOfficial
Twitter: @DeanKoontz
Website: DeanKoontz.com
Dean, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.
Facebook: Facebook.com/DeanKoontzOfficial
Twitter: @DeanKoontz
Website: DeanKoontz.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
May 31, 2021
If it wasn’t for the great illustrations and the incredible performance on the audiobook I would have rated it 4 stars.
I can’t believe that Koontz wrote a book like this one. And for children!
What an awesome accomplishment!
I was taken by surprise. I particularly have never heard of this work until recently, because someone recommended it.
The concept, the imagination, the structure and development of the storyline is superb!
And of course, the writing. It’s no surprise because Koontz has proofed us that he is an incredible storyteller.
This book has all the right ingredients to keep you interested, but to truly, fully enjoy it you must read the Ebook in a coloured device while simultaneously listening to the audiobook. The ebook has wonderful illustrations and the audiobook is simply terrific, thanks to an amazing narrator who used his heart to portrait all characters. The audiobook is not just someone reading for you. It’s fully performed. And what a great performance!
I don’t remember having an imaginary friend while growing up. I guess it’s because I had a twin brother, with whom I was very closed until our second year of school, but after that we became distant because he ended up 3 years behind me.
The idea of creating special toys to support special kids in need of moral support is so touching. Toys that comes to life just for you. That toy that becomes your best friend and who will never deny you anything. It’s so touching! How endearing!
There is so much more in this book.
The dialogues are quirk and amazing. The characters are adorable and so alive.
I just can’t praise this book enough.
I’m a 57 years old who had a blast with this book.
Just open your heart and believe.
I can’t believe that Koontz wrote a book like this one. And for children!
What an awesome accomplishment!
I was taken by surprise. I particularly have never heard of this work until recently, because someone recommended it.
The concept, the imagination, the structure and development of the storyline is superb!
And of course, the writing. It’s no surprise because Koontz has proofed us that he is an incredible storyteller.
This book has all the right ingredients to keep you interested, but to truly, fully enjoy it you must read the Ebook in a coloured device while simultaneously listening to the audiobook. The ebook has wonderful illustrations and the audiobook is simply terrific, thanks to an amazing narrator who used his heart to portrait all characters. The audiobook is not just someone reading for you. It’s fully performed. And what a great performance!
I don’t remember having an imaginary friend while growing up. I guess it’s because I had a twin brother, with whom I was very closed until our second year of school, but after that we became distant because he ended up 3 years behind me.
The idea of creating special toys to support special kids in need of moral support is so touching. Toys that comes to life just for you. That toy that becomes your best friend and who will never deny you anything. It’s so touching! How endearing!
There is so much more in this book.
The dialogues are quirk and amazing. The characters are adorable and so alive.
I just can’t praise this book enough.
I’m a 57 years old who had a blast with this book.
Just open your heart and believe.
August 3, 2024
Think of the Toy Story movies, talking, walking toys on a mission.
Following all the stereotypes of good versus bad, the fluffy bears and other cute toy animals are the good, the black marionette, stinging bees and the clown-faced Jack in the box are the evil.
The good-natured toys fighting with pride and belief, the evil toys with their toy weapons. The search is on for a new toymaker after the passing of the old man who made everything by hand, and only good toys but if a suitable replacement cannot be found then the shop will fall into the hands of the toys from the cellar. The evil toys.
Not sure if this can be found as an audio book, but if it can then don't bother. The story is a nice good vs bad tale for a younger audience, but regardless of age, I can assure you that the illustrations are what makes this book pop. Such vibrant pictures, some full page and others just corner pieces, but all are truly magic.
Following all the stereotypes of good versus bad, the fluffy bears and other cute toy animals are the good, the black marionette, stinging bees and the clown-faced Jack in the box are the evil.
The good-natured toys fighting with pride and belief, the evil toys with their toy weapons. The search is on for a new toymaker after the passing of the old man who made everything by hand, and only good toys but if a suitable replacement cannot be found then the shop will fall into the hands of the toys from the cellar. The evil toys.
Not sure if this can be found as an audio book, but if it can then don't bother. The story is a nice good vs bad tale for a younger audience, but regardless of age, I can assure you that the illustrations are what makes this book pop. Such vibrant pictures, some full page and others just corner pieces, but all are truly magic.
October 8, 2023
If it wasn’t for the great illustrations and the incredible performance on the audiobook I would have rated it 4 stars.
I can’t believe that Koontz wrote a book like this one. And for children!
What an awesome accomplishment!
I was taken by surprise. I particularly have never heard of this work until recently, because someone recommended it.
The concept, the imagination, the structure and development of the storyline is superb!
And of course, the writing. It’s no surprise because Koontz has proofed us that he is an incredible storyteller.
This book has all the right ingredients to keep you interested, but to truly, fully enjoy it you must read the Ebook in a coloured device while simultaneously listening to the audiobook. The ebook has wonderful illustrations and the audiobook is simply terrific, thanks to an amazing narrator who used his heart to portrait all characters. The audiobook is not just someone reading for you. It’s fully performed. And what a great performance!
I don’t remember having an imaginary friend while growing up. I guess it’s because I had a twin brother, with whom I was very closed until our second year of school, but after that we became distant because he ended up 3 years behind me.
The idea of creating special toys to support special kids in need of moral support is so touching. Toys that comes to life just for you. That toy that becomes your best friend and who will never deny you anything. It’s so touching! How endearing!
There is so much more in this book.
The dialogues are quirk and amazing. The characters are adorable and so alive.
I just can’t praise this book enough.
Just open your heart and believe.
I can’t believe that Koontz wrote a book like this one. And for children!
What an awesome accomplishment!
I was taken by surprise. I particularly have never heard of this work until recently, because someone recommended it.
The concept, the imagination, the structure and development of the storyline is superb!
And of course, the writing. It’s no surprise because Koontz has proofed us that he is an incredible storyteller.
This book has all the right ingredients to keep you interested, but to truly, fully enjoy it you must read the Ebook in a coloured device while simultaneously listening to the audiobook. The ebook has wonderful illustrations and the audiobook is simply terrific, thanks to an amazing narrator who used his heart to portrait all characters. The audiobook is not just someone reading for you. It’s fully performed. And what a great performance!
I don’t remember having an imaginary friend while growing up. I guess it’s because I had a twin brother, with whom I was very closed until our second year of school, but after that we became distant because he ended up 3 years behind me.
The idea of creating special toys to support special kids in need of moral support is so touching. Toys that comes to life just for you. That toy that becomes your best friend and who will never deny you anything. It’s so touching! How endearing!
There is so much more in this book.
The dialogues are quirk and amazing. The characters are adorable and so alive.
I just can’t praise this book enough.
Just open your heart and believe.
February 14, 2021
3,5 stars. Scribd text + audio.
Synopsys: "The #1 New York Times–bestselling author’s visually stunning story about a magical band of living toys who learn to overcome their fears. Toymaker Isaac Bodkins created the Oddkins, a group of living toys, for very special children who face difficulties in life and need true friends. There’s Amos, the brave stuffed bear; Skippy, the rabbit who dreams of being a superstar; Butterscotch, the gentle, floppy-eared pup; Burl the elephant; the wise and scholarly Gibbons; and Patch the cat. The Oddkins are given to children to inspire, support, and love them, especially during times of adversity. Only now, the toys themselves are the ones who need help. Before he dies, Mr. Bodkins delivers a dire warning to Amos the bear: Watch out for an evil toymaker and his dangerous creations! Locked up in the dark sub-basement, another group of toys is climbing out of boxes and crates and coming to life as well. These bad toys—like Rex and Lizzie, the puppets with no strings; Gear, the vicious robot; and Stinger, the horrid buzzing bumblebee with his knife-sharp stinger—were made to hurt children, not help them. Leering, laughing, and deadly, they are let loose into the world by a terrifying force. Frightening as it may be, the Oddkins must go on a journey to find Colleen Shannon, Mr. Bodkins’s chosen successor as a life-giving toymaker and the only person who can save them. The stormy night is perilous and the Oddkins face a danger that threatens not only their magic . . . but the magic in us all."
Synopsys: "The #1 New York Times–bestselling author’s visually stunning story about a magical band of living toys who learn to overcome their fears. Toymaker Isaac Bodkins created the Oddkins, a group of living toys, for very special children who face difficulties in life and need true friends. There’s Amos, the brave stuffed bear; Skippy, the rabbit who dreams of being a superstar; Butterscotch, the gentle, floppy-eared pup; Burl the elephant; the wise and scholarly Gibbons; and Patch the cat. The Oddkins are given to children to inspire, support, and love them, especially during times of adversity. Only now, the toys themselves are the ones who need help. Before he dies, Mr. Bodkins delivers a dire warning to Amos the bear: Watch out for an evil toymaker and his dangerous creations! Locked up in the dark sub-basement, another group of toys is climbing out of boxes and crates and coming to life as well. These bad toys—like Rex and Lizzie, the puppets with no strings; Gear, the vicious robot; and Stinger, the horrid buzzing bumblebee with his knife-sharp stinger—were made to hurt children, not help them. Leering, laughing, and deadly, they are let loose into the world by a terrifying force. Frightening as it may be, the Oddkins must go on a journey to find Colleen Shannon, Mr. Bodkins’s chosen successor as a life-giving toymaker and the only person who can save them. The stormy night is perilous and the Oddkins face a danger that threatens not only their magic . . . but the magic in us all."
October 21, 2008
When I first read this book as a pre-teen I thought it might have perhaps been not just the best book ever, but the best THING ever. I was totally obsessed with it, thought it needed to be a movie, and went about choosing songs for the soundtrack.
As an adult, I've looked at it again and realized that of course, the thing it has going against it is that it's written by Dean Koontz. Dean Koontz is the sort of embarrassing hack that lends a certain stigma to his ...um...I guess you'd call it "work"... (tangent: The Dean Koontz body of work? The Dean Koontz ouevre? Whatever, ridiculous) that's honestly just unavoidable. And he lives up to the hype in sheer bottom-feeding mediocrity -- if you actually bother to try and read one of his book as an adult, you will become stupider. The books are, on a page-by-page basis, really that horrible.
But the concept is freaking awesome, the illustrations are awesomer, and most of the sequences are still really clever. Just get a new writer with some basic understanding of dialogue, throw out all the creepy touchy-feely Christian underpinnings and you've got a really cool book.
As an adult, I've looked at it again and realized that of course, the thing it has going against it is that it's written by Dean Koontz. Dean Koontz is the sort of embarrassing hack that lends a certain stigma to his ...um...I guess you'd call it "work"... (tangent: The Dean Koontz body of work? The Dean Koontz ouevre? Whatever, ridiculous) that's honestly just unavoidable. And he lives up to the hype in sheer bottom-feeding mediocrity -- if you actually bother to try and read one of his book as an adult, you will become stupider. The books are, on a page-by-page basis, really that horrible.
But the concept is freaking awesome, the illustrations are awesomer, and most of the sequences are still really clever. Just get a new writer with some basic understanding of dialogue, throw out all the creepy touchy-feely Christian underpinnings and you've got a really cool book.
October 4, 2017
I remember this book with great affection. We moved from England to Northern California, had almost no furniture when we moved in. I think we got new beds for the kids, and I was sleeping on a new pull-out couch. My husband was away @ XO school prior to taking his job, and the kids and I were camping out until our furniture arrived. We did not have a tv or anything else, and so after dinner we would play cards and then I would read a chapter of this by the fire in the living room. The kids were enthralled, the idea of evil toys was terrifying...the difference a good toy given to a vulnerable child could make. The illustrations were excellent. Highly recommended.
May 4, 2022
Started out promising, with a solid premise and high stakes and not little tension, but sadly it rather quickly devolved into a fairly simplistic tale that's not too well told in general. A few high points near the start but very few towards the end. Some nice art, though.
It says to be "all ages", but I think I was too old for it.
It says to be "all ages", but I think I was too old for it.
August 26, 2013
What a lovely book for readers of all ages, especially those young enough not to be afraid of the proverbial monsters under the bed! As a huge fan of Koontz’s novels for adults, I was highly surprised to find he wrote a book for kids as young as middle grade, but also a story that can be enjoyed by his most hardcore adult fans. In true Koontz fashion, the story is filled with shockingly evil characters, but well-balanced by good and absolutely adorable characters, as well as a few subtle lessons to inspire the good in everyone.
The illustrations are spot-on and each character is depicted exactly as they are described and how I imagined their appearance to be. This is an exceptional story of bravery, friendship, magic and teamwork, and I highly recommend it to everyone, especially if you’ve enjoyed Neil Gaiman’s kid lit. With Oddkins, Koontz has proved he can also thrill and entertain younger readers, as effortlessly as he can his adult followers.
The illustrations are spot-on and each character is depicted exactly as they are described and how I imagined their appearance to be. This is an exceptional story of bravery, friendship, magic and teamwork, and I highly recommend it to everyone, especially if you’ve enjoyed Neil Gaiman’s kid lit. With Oddkins, Koontz has proved he can also thrill and entertain younger readers, as effortlessly as he can his adult followers.
December 26, 2014
Oddkins: A Fable for All Ages is written by Dean Koontz and illustrated by Phil Parks. This is a beautiful tale and Parks' illustrations are gorgeous. This fable begins with the kindly toymaker passing away and his wonderful toys -- Oddkins -- setting out on an adventure across the city in search of the new toymaker's shop, pursued by evil toys (from a previous maker).
I think we all had a toy that was magical for us, as children, and the Oddkins seem a natural extension of this idea -- created with love to be there for children when they are needed. Koontz tells his story with a deftness that does not detract from the wonder and magic of the tale, taking readers back and pulling them into the adventure. His evil toys are threatening and truly scary, but defeatable, and the Oddkins are clearly shown to have individual personalities and defining features that make each of them unique and loveable.
Parks' illustrations are simply lovely, a perfect expression of Koontz's words. The two men together create a beautiful story I would love to share with children, teens, and adults.
I think we all had a toy that was magical for us, as children, and the Oddkins seem a natural extension of this idea -- created with love to be there for children when they are needed. Koontz tells his story with a deftness that does not detract from the wonder and magic of the tale, taking readers back and pulling them into the adventure. His evil toys are threatening and truly scary, but defeatable, and the Oddkins are clearly shown to have individual personalities and defining features that make each of them unique and loveable.
Parks' illustrations are simply lovely, a perfect expression of Koontz's words. The two men together create a beautiful story I would love to share with children, teens, and adults.
May 24, 2025
Read with an adult's eyes, Oddkins is pretty silly and kind of a tonal mishmash (naturally, as it's a Dean Koontz book), but I sure loved it as a kid, and I enjoyed reading it aloud to my son. The illustrations remain the key selling point, of course.
February 9, 2018
Sigh
Ah Dean Koontz, I love you. Just when I thought I couldn't admire your work more, I discovered the Oddkins. Thank you!
Ah Dean Koontz, I love you. Just when I thought I couldn't admire your work more, I discovered the Oddkins. Thank you!
December 21, 2020
Notes:
Currently on Audible Plus
Cute, children's story about living toys that fight to have good toys made. Great narration by Luke Daniels. I wouldn't mind finding a print version of the story. It would be cool if it's illustrated. =)
Currently on Audible Plus
Cute, children's story about living toys that fight to have good toys made. Great narration by Luke Daniels. I wouldn't mind finding a print version of the story. It would be cool if it's illustrated. =)
September 19, 2015
Oddkins: a Fable for All Ages --- I enjoyed this fable immensely. First, I commend the narrator of the audible book who did a wonderful job with all of the different voices. To read this only as a children's book would be a shame. For me Oddkins rates up there with The Velveteen Rabbit and The Little Prince in the underlying message about doing the right thing. One of my favorite parts was where Koontz paraphrases one of my favorite quotes when he says that to avoid evil one can't just be good, one has to do good. (All that's necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing). And these little "good toys" take the message to heart. They are brave and they are respectful of each other ... even to the point of listening to what they consider horrible poetry that has been written by one of their own. My favorite character was Butterscotch, the dog who managed to talk a real dog into slinking away rather than bother the toys on the journey to find the new toymaker. I liked the transformation of Victor Boddkin from a money-loving brother anxious to get rid of his brother's toyshop and unwilling to believe in the magic of toys into the helper of the good little toys. If you can, listen to the audible version while reading.
November 7, 2012
I had hoped that Oddkins would be a fun Halloween read for my children. I was sad to find that it did not hold their attention at all. I ended up reading Oddkins on my own. Even though there is a definite creep factor in Oddkins I found the story lacking... I just didn't have an interest in what was going to happen next. The illustrations are a redeeming factor in this story, I more than once skipped ahead to see the pictures.
September 18, 2021
Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful!
Delightful and childlike. Good vs. Evil.
Wish I had waited closer to Christmas to read this.
I listened to the Audible and the narrator did such a great job with the voices.
Highly recommend.
Delightful and childlike. Good vs. Evil.
Wish I had waited closer to Christmas to read this.
I listened to the Audible and the narrator did such a great job with the voices.
Highly recommend.
September 1, 2020
There are few nitpicks and much good about this story. Aside from a one-off comment on guns, some "white lies" from the heroes to protect a friend's feelings, and a traditional casting for rats that will bother rat-lovers, the story has a lot going for it.
For one, it has a lovely pro-life worldview. For example, one of the good toys is "...a loving and compassionate dog who wanted everyone--and every stuffed thing--to share her pleasure in being alive."
It shows off the difficulty and value of virtue. For example, one of the evil toys (and they are clearly *evil* toys) describes the heroes as "full of such nonsensical ideas as honor, duty, responsibility, and friendship". These are demonstrated by the heroic toys in the story, as they succeed not by brute force (they're all plush, opposed by wood and metal toys) but by heart, by sacrifice, and by friendship. "A missing eye and a couple of missing ears don't mean anything... we are still the same stout-hearted group..."
They teach children (and adult readers!) lessons we may have forgotten. "Many things in life aren't easy," one reminds us. "That's right," another replies, "But if a person has courage and determination, he or she can always do what's necessary."
This is not a saccharine, rosy world of toys. In the midst of storm and sleet, these toys face everything from dirt and difficulty to natural dangers to actual death. The goal of their quest? A toy shop that they discover, toward the end, is called Wondersmith. (One might note that a synonym would be Wonder Worker.)
There is real danger, and there is real punishment. The wicked leader of the evil toys gets what he most wants -- to sit at the right hand of *his* master. In the end, it's what he sought but not what he imagined; "you will have no pride, no dignity, no respect, and there will be no hope of ever being released...". His reward for service to evil is to lose his freedom. "You will be unable to make even the slightest movement except when the Master pulls on your strings." He becomes a slave to sin, and to Satan, so much that he ulimately is taken to Hell and loses his freedom. In effect, his loses his "real-ness".
The good toys, in the end, through sacrifice and friendship and love, find healing and hope with the wonderworker.
For one, it has a lovely pro-life worldview. For example, one of the good toys is "...a loving and compassionate dog who wanted everyone--and every stuffed thing--to share her pleasure in being alive."
It shows off the difficulty and value of virtue. For example, one of the evil toys (and they are clearly *evil* toys) describes the heroes as "full of such nonsensical ideas as honor, duty, responsibility, and friendship". These are demonstrated by the heroic toys in the story, as they succeed not by brute force (they're all plush, opposed by wood and metal toys) but by heart, by sacrifice, and by friendship. "A missing eye and a couple of missing ears don't mean anything... we are still the same stout-hearted group..."
They teach children (and adult readers!) lessons we may have forgotten. "Many things in life aren't easy," one reminds us. "That's right," another replies, "But if a person has courage and determination, he or she can always do what's necessary."
This is not a saccharine, rosy world of toys. In the midst of storm and sleet, these toys face everything from dirt and difficulty to natural dangers to actual death. The goal of their quest? A toy shop that they discover, toward the end, is called Wondersmith. (One might note that a synonym would be Wonder Worker.)
There is real danger, and there is real punishment. The wicked leader of the evil toys gets what he most wants -- to sit at the right hand of *his* master. In the end, it's what he sought but not what he imagined; "you will have no pride, no dignity, no respect, and there will be no hope of ever being released...". His reward for service to evil is to lose his freedom. "You will be unable to make even the slightest movement except when the Master pulls on your strings." He becomes a slave to sin, and to Satan, so much that he ulimately is taken to Hell and loses his freedom. In effect, his loses his "real-ness".
The good toys, in the end, through sacrifice and friendship and love, find healing and hope with the wonderworker.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2023
This had to be a mistake in addition to my Audible, listening list as a result of being misled by the name of the author! This is not some thing that I enjoyed listening to or would recommend to anyone else particularly. You might like it if you like talking stuffed animals out on an adventure. I might have slept through the last 15 minutes, so maybe it had a meaningful conclusion.
to-read-own
January 25, 20181/25/18 $.99 for Kindle.
January 6, 2021
This was an extremely entertaining story. Luke Daniels's narration was spot on for me. Worth the listen.
May 3, 2024
Fine for what it was, but nothing memorable.
June 15, 2020
I am reading this book again bc I remember it being outstanding when my youngest son was very young, 35 years ago. I tried and tried to get him to any book, and the plan did not work until, this book was found among the store. This was the very first book that my son EVER read in its entirety. This time I might try reading it with audio and see if the story changes its tempo. Will let you know.
This is an update on this book. Well, I enjoyed the audio of this book, but this time, the story was to me more juvenile than the last time. I can see why the book was more interesting to my son. The book is very good for children - there are a lot of morals and teaching good and bad ideas in this book. I thought some of the story would be a little scary for young children, especially the audio version. It seems to keep the reader's attention. All and all, it was entirely different than I remember, but that was a long time ago. Give it a try with your child by your side!
This is an update on this book. Well, I enjoyed the audio of this book, but this time, the story was to me more juvenile than the last time. I can see why the book was more interesting to my son. The book is very good for children - there are a lot of morals and teaching good and bad ideas in this book. I thought some of the story would be a little scary for young children, especially the audio version. It seems to keep the reader's attention. All and all, it was entirely different than I remember, but that was a long time ago. Give it a try with your child by your side!
February 3, 2019
Take the not-so-subtle Christian themes of Narnia, mix it with a dash of Small Soldiers, season it with the overall aesthetic of a creepy 80s kids movie, have Phil Parks illustrate it, and you get Oddkins.
Overall, not a bad concoction. The only problem for me was Dean Koontz's writing. This was my first time reading Koontz, and I noticed that he did a lot of 'telling' rather than 'showing'. For example, instead of showing us readers a scene of Amos the teddy bear looking mournfully at the now dusty, disused workbench, Koontz would say something along the lines of "Amos looked at the workbench, which made him sad because his creator was dead". It just had such a clunky feel to it which frequently took me out of the story.
Honestly, I feel that Oddkins might have worked better in a much more visual medium, like a comic book or a film (especially an animated one), where the images could tell the majority of the story. But as is, it's a fun curiosity and would make for some pretty epic bedtime reading for the kids (so long as they don't mind getting a little scared sometimes).
Overall, not a bad concoction. The only problem for me was Dean Koontz's writing. This was my first time reading Koontz, and I noticed that he did a lot of 'telling' rather than 'showing'. For example, instead of showing us readers a scene of Amos the teddy bear looking mournfully at the now dusty, disused workbench, Koontz would say something along the lines of "Amos looked at the workbench, which made him sad because his creator was dead". It just had such a clunky feel to it which frequently took me out of the story.
Honestly, I feel that Oddkins might have worked better in a much more visual medium, like a comic book or a film (especially an animated one), where the images could tell the majority of the story. But as is, it's a fun curiosity and would make for some pretty epic bedtime reading for the kids (so long as they don't mind getting a little scared sometimes).
January 9, 2013
Did you know in 1988 Dean Koontz wrote a children's story? Ok, it's billed as a 'fable for all ages' but it's clearly aimed at the younger generation. Think Toy Story meets Small Soldiers meets something Tim Burton might have noodled around a bit on at breakfast and you have Oddkins. Ivan Bodkin is a magical toymaker who dies and leaves his merry band of talking, walking toys to fend for themselves against the bad toys in the basement (subfloor? sub-something?), led by a marionette with an attitude, a flying bee and a convict human who is motivated by a demonic force to try and buy the toy factory from Bodkins relative who has just inherited the factory.
Yeah, it's an odd tale, but after the very boring start, it gets pretty good. The illustrations are fantastic and more than worth the 99 cents I paid during the 2012 Cyber Monday sale at Amazon. This book is regularly priced around ten bones which is too much to pay for most ebooks, but hey, if you can find the print version somewhere (eBay?), it would be well worth adding to your Koontz collection. I also enjoyed the biography section which has a bunch of author photos, including of course pictures of Trixie, Koontz famous dog.
For those looking for something very different--and nice--from Koontz, this warm-hearted tale from an era when Koontz penned some of his best work (ohhh, the 80s!). Recommended for all ages.
Yeah, it's an odd tale, but after the very boring start, it gets pretty good. The illustrations are fantastic and more than worth the 99 cents I paid during the 2012 Cyber Monday sale at Amazon. This book is regularly priced around ten bones which is too much to pay for most ebooks, but hey, if you can find the print version somewhere (eBay?), it would be well worth adding to your Koontz collection. I also enjoyed the biography section which has a bunch of author photos, including of course pictures of Trixie, Koontz famous dog.
For those looking for something very different--and nice--from Koontz, this warm-hearted tale from an era when Koontz penned some of his best work (ohhh, the 80s!). Recommended for all ages.
October 26, 2013
Dean Koontz's fable is what would happen if "Toy Story" met The Velveteen Rabbit. When toymaker Isaac Bodkins dies, the magical toys he has created must make a dangerous journey to find the new toymaker that will take his place. The person they are looking for is Colleen Shannon, a toymaker who can accept her role and continue the work of making magical toys to help children. But there are dark forces at work to prevent Colleen from becoming the next owner of Isaac's factory. Evil toys trapped in the subcellar of the factory awaken and pursue the good toys across town, trying to catch them and rip their stuffings out. Isaac's nephew Victor plans to sell the contents of the factory, then tear it down and build a subdivision on the land. And a sinister felon wants to buy the factory and make more evil toys like the ones from the cellar. Can stuffed animals, no matter how determined, stand up to all these opponents?
Along their journey they learn things about themselves and about life - the importance of friendship, faith, and courage, among other things. Besides The Velveteen Rabbit, this also reminds me The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane with his long journey and the way he comes to understand that he is not the most important thing in the world. If you liked either of those books, or "Toy Story," then you'll love this book.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Along their journey they learn things about themselves and about life - the importance of friendship, faith, and courage, among other things. Besides The Velveteen Rabbit, this also reminds me The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane with his long journey and the way he comes to understand that he is not the most important thing in the world. If you liked either of those books, or "Toy Story," then you'll love this book.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
August 15, 2013
Summary: A wonderfully loved toymaker of Magical Toys dies without finding a new toymaker to replace him. The long ago evil toys are being reborn in the basement of the very same building. These little wonders, these special toys, that Uncle Isaac has created have been given a dangerous mission now.
The oddkins must face danger while on their way into the big city to find the toymaker Uncle Isaac had chosen before his sudden death. Amos the bear, Burl the elephant, Skippy the rabbit, Butterscotch the dog, Patch the cat and Gibbons are out in the storm, in the downpour of rain, to find their destiny.
In this wonderfully funny, smart and sometimes sad tale, these mysterious creations fight evil with good. The clock is ticking and they know it. Under strange forces they team up with Uncle Isaacs nephew and find them selves safely in the replacement toymakers shop all the way across town.
They all survive and are able to exist happily once more.
Thoughts: A bit different for Koontz I think. It's not so bad to mix it up sometimes.
The oddkins must face danger while on their way into the big city to find the toymaker Uncle Isaac had chosen before his sudden death. Amos the bear, Burl the elephant, Skippy the rabbit, Butterscotch the dog, Patch the cat and Gibbons are out in the storm, in the downpour of rain, to find their destiny.
In this wonderfully funny, smart and sometimes sad tale, these mysterious creations fight evil with good. The clock is ticking and they know it. Under strange forces they team up with Uncle Isaacs nephew and find them selves safely in the replacement toymakers shop all the way across town.
They all survive and are able to exist happily once more.
Thoughts: A bit different for Koontz I think. It's not so bad to mix it up sometimes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2017
Solid 3.5 stars
I love children's books with a creep factor. They were some of my favorites growing up. Now,I have a child that lives for scary stories, but they aren't always easy to find for his reading/age level. This book will definitely fit the bill. Great illustrations (but not too many of them) and a well-written good vs. evil plot. The "good" characters were adorable and brave. The "bad" characters were nastier than I expected. The jack-in-the-box made me temporarily afraid of clowns (it's okay...I'm over it now...really...)
It's a fable for all ages, but I especially recommend it for 9-11 yr. olds who crave a good ghost story.
Thanks to NetGally and Open Road Media for sharing the digital copy with me.
I love children's books with a creep factor. They were some of my favorites growing up. Now,I have a child that lives for scary stories, but they aren't always easy to find for his reading/age level. This book will definitely fit the bill. Great illustrations (but not too many of them) and a well-written good vs. evil plot. The "good" characters were adorable and brave. The "bad" characters were nastier than I expected. The jack-in-the-box made me temporarily afraid of clowns (it's okay...I'm over it now...really...)
It's a fable for all ages, but I especially recommend it for 9-11 yr. olds who crave a good ghost story.
Thanks to NetGally and Open Road Media for sharing the digital copy with me.
May 17, 2016
Simple theme. Uncle Isacc Bokins makes good stuffed "living" toys to protect and make children happy. Uncle Isacc Bokins will die soon and tells his 6 "Oddkins" (Bokins name, change leading B to O and add D before K) to escape to Colleen Shannon's Wondersmith good toy store. They must get by Evil Charon toys, who are trying to prevent "Oddkins" to escape. (illustrations in the book by Phil Parks are great)
January 7, 2011
I remember my father reading this to me as a child. I could hardly wait for the next night to hurry and come to hear the upcoming chapter. It made me laugh, cry and be afraid of the dolls under my bed...
It is one of the greatest memeories of my childhood and almost impossible to find but if you get the chance never pass up reading it. I think it will steal your heart too.
It is one of the greatest memeories of my childhood and almost impossible to find but if you get the chance never pass up reading it. I think it will steal your heart too.
January 3, 2009
I absolutely loved this book when my 5th grade teacher introduced it to us, so much that I waited in a long line of people wanting to read this book. When I found out that it was no longer being published, I became even more determined to read it. Highly recommended!
November 11, 2010
Oddkins is one of my favorite-- and quirkiest-- Christmas reads and shows Koontz diversity as a writer. Looking for a fun holiday read to share with children over five? This will fit the bill.
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