Oskar's Quest

by Annika Perry, Gabrielle Vickery (Illustrator)

Oskar is afraid of adventures. Yet one day he finds himself on a mysterious island which needs his help.

Join Oskar on this unexpected and magnificent quest, where he finds not only courage but so much more…

“It’s light, extremely enjoyable and very gripping.” Esther Chilton – author & editor.

Perfect for ages 3 to 6.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2019

About the author

Annika Perry is a full-time writer, blogger and book reviewer. She was born in Gothenburg, Sweden and raised near Ilkley, West Yorkshire. Annika received her BA Honours Degree in German Language and Literature from the University of Leeds. Her initial employment was as a journalist followed by many years as an agent in the timber trade. She was awarded first prize in Writing Magazine’s Short Story Competition in 2014 and also shortlisted in an Ink Tears Short Fiction Contest. "The Storyteller Speaks", a collection of short stories, flash fiction and poetry, was her debut book. "Oskar’s Quest", a beautifully illustrated and enchanting children’s story, is her second published book. Annika Perry lives with her family in a small village in North Essex, England.

Connect with Annika via:

Author Website / Blog: https://annikaperry.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnikaPerry68

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annika-pe...

Reviews

[Robbie Cheadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oskar is a 'scaredy-bird' and his preference to avoid adventure and stay safely in his nest has caused him to get lost on a strange island after separating from his friends in order to return home. On the island of Roda, Oskar befriends Bella, the red bell-flower. Bella is a sad little flower and Oskar soon learns that Maya, the happy songbird of Roda island has been taken by Drang, a dark cloud in the sky.

Oskar knows this won't do and he undertakes to confront Drang and secure the release of Maya so that the island of Roda can be filled with music and happy again. Oskar soon learns that bravery is not a case of never feeling scared, it is doing something that must be done despite being scared.

Oskar's Quest is beautifully illustrated with delightful colourful drawings which will appeal to any child. The well written story with its adventure and subtle message about bravery will ensure this story is a winner with both caregivers and children.

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oskar doesn't consider himself to be brave or adventurous but as sometimes happens, events around him conspire to place him where he must be both. If he isn't, his new songbird friend Maya may not survive. In the forty pages of this gorgeous book, we join Oscar as he tries to do things in ways he never thought he could, all to help a friend.

What makes this message all the more compelling is the imagery. Pictures accompany each page and quietly tell us more than the words can. Each brushstroke is filled with such rich color and texture that we are part of Oskar's quest. It is not just a red flower (because that’s what the text described) but an active red-hued flower that is moving or weeping or bending to what the words say. You could read the story without the text but not the text without pictures. You would miss too much. 

While Oskar's story is simple, the visual and mental image of this seemingly fragile bird doing what he must though it frightens him is powerful. Perry includes just the right amount of onomatopoeia to excite young readers, not overdone and each chosen well for the particular action. Children will remember it the next time they are asked to be fearsome, especially if they aren't that type of child.

If you're looking for a book your 3-6 year old child will want to read over and over--by themselves--you've found it in Oskar's Quest. Highly recommended.

[Miriam Hurdle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annika Perry’s Oskar’s Quest is a delightful story that originated from the author’s bedtime story to her son Sammy. The illustrations are artistic, colorful, and lively. Oskar is a little bird who fell and got lost in the jungle on the island of Roda. Bella, the red-bell flower, told him that Drang, the darkest cloud, had taken the songbird Maya. Oskar wanted to help find Maya, even though he was not a brave bird. He took off on his adventure looking for Maya, blown off by the gusty wind, and then landed on a soft surface. He heard a soft screech coming from a cage with Maya in it. Drang had captured Maya to keep him from being lonely. The sad cloud cried and shed raindrop tears. Oskar comforted him and invited him to come to Roda to listen to the songs. Drang agreed and set Maya free from the cage. Oskar and Maya united and flew back to the island in happiness. Drang’s cloud became light with brightness. He was not sad anymore. After taking Maya home, Oskar bid farewell to the flowers and birds to head home. His friends asked where the scary bird went. Drang said Oskar became a brave bird conquering an adventurous journey.

Perry did a wonderful job describing how Oskar became brave by helping others. A charming story for small children.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a longtime follower of writer Annika Perry’s blog, I was excited when I heard she was working on a children’s book. From the first page, Oskar captured my heart, taking me on a journey to save a beautiful songbird, while meeting new friends along the way. This enchanting story is perfect for both children and adults, teaching lessons on the importance of caring for others and overcoming ones fears. The illustrations along with the lovely writing made this story come to life.

[D. Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oskar, a little bluebird, finds himself on the island of Roda where the flowers are weeping. Why? Because Drang, the darkest storm cloud in the sky, has captured Maya the songbird, and her music has stopped. Normally a timid bird, Oskar decides to talk to the dark and windy Drang. What follows is his quest to set the songbird free. He discovers that Drang merely wanted a friend, and Oskar comes up with a wonderful solution that saves the day for everyone.

Oskar’s Quest is a picture book geared toward toddlers and preschoolers with colorful illustrations by Gabrielle Vickery. The vocabulary is accessible to young children as is the theme of kindness and friendship. The story touches lightly on teasing and bullying. It also encourages children to be brave, for what seems scary at first might turn into an opportunity to make friends. This is a delightful story for young children and highly recommended.

[Bette Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

DELIGHTFUL PICTURE BOOK!
In this beautifully illustrated children’s book, author Annika Perry captures the importance of caring for others, overcoming fears and making new friends. Young children are sure to relate as a fearful Oskar steps out of his comfort zone and embarks on a perilous journey in an effort to save a beautiful songbird and return happiness to an island where he’s been stranded during a fierce storm. I loved the author’s generous use of onomatopoeia to paint memorable word pictures for little readers and listeners. PLIP-PLOP, FLASH, BANG—the story’s excitement builds. Delightful! ~Bette A. Stevens, Maine author

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased “Oskar’s Quest” as a gift for my youngest granddaughter’s upcoming birthday and wanted to read and review it before wrapping it up. It is a charming story about a young bird, Oskar, who fearfully veers off from his group of birds hunting for dragons. He finds a sad little island where a cloud has taken the songbird. I love how the little bird finds his courage in a search for the songbird. This story teaches not only to push past fears but to understand each other. The illustrations are colorful and bring the story to life. I enjoyed this tale and can’t wait to share it with my granddaughter soon!

[Erica Henault · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Oskar’s Quest” is a beautifully illustrated book sharing a message of courage, kindness and friendship. Annika Perry has a gift for writing up, not down to children. Even very young children are attentive, curious and observant. My four year old Granddaughter and I love reading “Oskar’s Quest!” My Granddaughter has already memorized parts of this book, especially the sound effects. She loves following “Oskar,” the blue bird, and “Maya,” the golden bird, throughout the story. Often a key to an engaging children’s book is how the adult also enjoys reading the book over and over and over again. I highly recommend “Oskar’s Quest!"

[Vashti Quiroz-Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely picture book! This marvelous children’s book is filled with beautiful and colorful illustrations and is a riveting story.

Oskar is an adorable little bird that was frequently afraid. The other birds often teased him calling him “Scaredy-bird.” One day, he got lost on his way home and landed on a beautiful flower on an enchanted island. The flower cried in sorrow because the island’s most exquisite songbird, Maya, had been kidnapped by an enormous, ominous cloud. Although Oskar felt fear, he decided he would rescue Maya, anyway.

In the end, Oskar conquered his fears, rescued Maya, and befriended the scary cloud. I loved this sweet, compelling story, and the amazing illustrations added to my joy.

I recommend this book to parents who want their kids to learn to triumph over their fears, feel for others, and make new friends.

[Andrea Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little jewel of a book. Oskar is considered to be a bird who is afraid of adventures, but when he finds himself on an island that needs help, he bravely faces the scary Drang to not only save one of the island's residents but also to create an unexpected friendship. Beautifully written and illustrated, this is a warm and joyful book about friendship and facing your fears. The simplicity of the story and the delightful illustrations will appeal to small children so that they absorb its message. I found the book uplifting and it left me with a smile.