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Otto P. Nudd
A friendship story about a brash raven, a dutiful squirrel, and the human girl that brings them together.
Otto P. Nudd: The BEST bird in Ida Valley (at least according to him). While his buddies waste their days at the dump cracking jokes, Otto invents things with his human neighbor Old Man Bartleby in their workshop.
Marla: The Competition. This protective mama-squirrel will swipe Otto's snacks from under his beak if it means another meal for her babies!
Pippa: The girl who loves the birds in Ida Valley, and Otto most of all. But when Bartleby''s latest contraption lands him in danger, the whole neighborhood--kids and critters alike--will have to join forces to save their oldest friend!
Otto P. Nudd: The BEST bird in Ida Valley (at least according to him). While his buddies waste their days at the dump cracking jokes, Otto invents things with his human neighbor Old Man Bartleby in their workshop.
Marla: The Competition. This protective mama-squirrel will swipe Otto's snacks from under his beak if it means another meal for her babies!
Pippa: The girl who loves the birds in Ida Valley, and Otto most of all. But when Bartleby''s latest contraption lands him in danger, the whole neighborhood--kids and critters alike--will have to join forces to save their oldest friend!
240 pages, Hardcover
Published December 29, 2020
8 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 22, 2022
This is a middle grade book. Otto is a raven that is an inventor, but he is mean to every other animals which comes to hurt him later when he needs them. Otto has only two friends Pippa (a little girl) and the old man the helped him when he was a baby bird. By the end of the book he makes an unlikely friend, and he only learns to ask forgiveness. I love the message in this story. The characters where so great and it is so well written. This was a fun light read. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Crown Books) or author (Emily Butler) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
December 30, 2020
In an era where we have been blessed with any number of entirely adequate books about squirrel battle tactics and corvid revenge plots, Emily Butler’s Otto P. Nudd stands out as the best of the lot. And of a lot of other lots too. For example, the revenge plot involves a Slinky, which you don’t see every day. And the gifted squirrel tactician is a single mother who works, quite literally, for peanuts. And in the process, Ms. Butler spikes the delightful animal fable with lessons about physics, mechanical engineering, the evolution of opposable thumbs, and, perhaps most importantly of all, friendship.
The eponymous corvid, Otto P. Nudd, is a raven with an attitude, to the extent that ravens have attitudes. He is a brilliant problem solver and erstwhile inventor who pairs with a human tinkerer to make things and get peanuts. Otto is the brainiest, peanut-havingest bird in the town, and he wants to make sure that everybody else knows it too. He lords it over the “lesser birds,” mistreats his corvid chums, and terrorizes any other animals who get too close to his humans or their food. And, as you might expect, nobody can stand him.
When an accident threatens the life of Otto’s favorite human, he has to marshall all of his friends to help. The problem, though, is that he doesn’t have any friends. Nobody likes him because he is such a schmuck. So what Otto really has to do is find a way to alter his personality (or, perhaps, his corvidnality) in under an hour, which is when the author peeks out from behind the fourth wall and delivers a tiny little lesson called “How to Make Amends and Influence People,” which is the whole of Chapter 19.
It is a good lesson and a good moral. But what makes Otto P. Nudd great is that, like most great children’s books, it is also an adult book (not THAT kind of adult book, so don’t even go there). Butler is an exceptional sentence-crafter. Her writing is poignant for children and hilarious for adults-both at the same time, without the poignancy and the hilarity ever getting in the way of one another. Like Jane Austen, she says serious things, but there is always a twinkle in her eye letting you know that she doesn’t quite take everything as seriously as her characters take everything—that she finds them funny even when they are supposed to be completely serious. I don’t know how she does it, but it is kind of amazing.
This is the sort of book that parents will want to read aloud to their children because they can experience a completely different book than the children do, and both of them can enjoy it together, but for different reasons. Or not, because sometimes a story about an arrogant raven is just a story about an arrogant raven, whether or not he keeps saying “nevermore,” which, if you turn to page 164, you will see that he does three times. Because of course he does. It is the kind of book where, if the raven failed to say “nevermore,” one would feel keenly the loss of a great opportunity.
And, at the end of Otto P. Nudd, I assure you, nobody feels anything other than the feeling of having read a really remarkable story.
The eponymous corvid, Otto P. Nudd, is a raven with an attitude, to the extent that ravens have attitudes. He is a brilliant problem solver and erstwhile inventor who pairs with a human tinkerer to make things and get peanuts. Otto is the brainiest, peanut-havingest bird in the town, and he wants to make sure that everybody else knows it too. He lords it over the “lesser birds,” mistreats his corvid chums, and terrorizes any other animals who get too close to his humans or their food. And, as you might expect, nobody can stand him.
When an accident threatens the life of Otto’s favorite human, he has to marshall all of his friends to help. The problem, though, is that he doesn’t have any friends. Nobody likes him because he is such a schmuck. So what Otto really has to do is find a way to alter his personality (or, perhaps, his corvidnality) in under an hour, which is when the author peeks out from behind the fourth wall and delivers a tiny little lesson called “How to Make Amends and Influence People,” which is the whole of Chapter 19.
It is a good lesson and a good moral. But what makes Otto P. Nudd great is that, like most great children’s books, it is also an adult book (not THAT kind of adult book, so don’t even go there). Butler is an exceptional sentence-crafter. Her writing is poignant for children and hilarious for adults-both at the same time, without the poignancy and the hilarity ever getting in the way of one another. Like Jane Austen, she says serious things, but there is always a twinkle in her eye letting you know that she doesn’t quite take everything as seriously as her characters take everything—that she finds them funny even when they are supposed to be completely serious. I don’t know how she does it, but it is kind of amazing.
This is the sort of book that parents will want to read aloud to their children because they can experience a completely different book than the children do, and both of them can enjoy it together, but for different reasons. Or not, because sometimes a story about an arrogant raven is just a story about an arrogant raven, whether or not he keeps saying “nevermore,” which, if you turn to page 164, you will see that he does three times. Because of course he does. It is the kind of book where, if the raven failed to say “nevermore,” one would feel keenly the loss of a great opportunity.
And, at the end of Otto P. Nudd, I assure you, nobody feels anything other than the feeling of having read a really remarkable story.
June 7, 2020
Otto is a raven with the mind of an inventor, and he may very well the smartest bird in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, not even his intellect can help him get inside Old Man Bartleby's workshop when their latest flying experiment goes awry! Now Bartleby is trapped; how can Otto save him? I suppose this is a good situation to have a friend to lend a helping hand, or paw-- even if that means forming a truce with a scrappy, peanut-thieving squirrel named Marla. This novel is so animated and humorous! These are some creative critters I would love to befriend myself. Whether you love animals or adventure, you will be enthralled with Otto P. Nudd!
April 26, 2021
A brash raven, a dutiful squirrel, and a human girl come together to save a member of their community.
July 3, 2022
This charmer of a children’s book was one I was fortunate enough to win from the author (Emily Butler)’s husband, Dave Butler (also an author), in a giveaway when it was first released. She was kind enough to autograph it for my little sisters, and I am quite pleased to have had it fall into my lap, despite having let it sit on my shelf for entirely too long. Warning: mild spoilers ahead!
This book is perfect for reading aloud. I enjoyed it well enough when pre-reading it (I do this with all books I intend to share… not that I thought there were issues in a book designed for children ages 8-12), but my real pleasure came in reading it aloud with my test group. Both they and I took turns reading. It was not too hectic before bedtime (despite some worry about a member of the cast being injured, prompting a round of “can we read some more now?“), except for the battle scene with raccoons.
That chapter we read in the afternoon, due to the potential noise I thought cheering but it ended up being laughter disrupting others’ relaxation. Long chapter(s) short, a worthy battle was fought by all and the end goal was accomplished.
Plot-wise, all you need to know is the title character, a raven of considerable standing and intellect, makes leaps and bounds in humility and courage throughout the book. He learns what will fly with others (if you’ll pardon the pun), and what will bite him back later, all under pressure. The problem? The inventor who raised him has gotten himself into… a situation. Let’s just say that flight is still something every inventor tries personally, with more or less success. (Can I just add… rocket pants?)
You’re also treated to some snarky commentary from the delightfully blunt squirrel, Marla, who quickly goes from a suspicious character to my personal favorite. Rallying others and strategy are her strong suits. She doesn’t take guff, and she doesn’t beat around the bush. Simple, direct, and with a side of no-nonsense, she provides a mentor-push when our hero needs a good dose of common sense.
Another important character is Pippa, the human girl Otto has cultivated a close relationship with. If Otto is the brains in this story, she is the thumb. More importantly, the opposable thumb; as she is one of the few humans who observes the animals enough to realize something is going on, she plays a crucial part in the rescue. Along the way, she comes to terms with her father’s death enough to begin making connections with others again.
In-between, two characters are introduced as stars in helpful object lessons (one’s a guinea pig. The other, a field mouse); each one an excellent example of whatever technical term we’re defining at the moment, such as opposable thumbs, levers, and how to really try to make amends.
All in all, it was a good read, well-suited to being read aloud/in a group. It was pleasant, and well suited for children, along with being a good conversation starter about a few things (such as “What exactly do raccoons do to chicken coops? …Ick!” And, “What kinds of birds do we have around here?” That sort of thing.)
It might even have the added bonus of getting kiddos more interested in the outdoors!
This book is perfect for reading aloud. I enjoyed it well enough when pre-reading it (I do this with all books I intend to share… not that I thought there were issues in a book designed for children ages 8-12), but my real pleasure came in reading it aloud with my test group. Both they and I took turns reading. It was not too hectic before bedtime (despite some worry about a member of the cast being injured, prompting a round of “can we read some more now?“), except for the battle scene with raccoons.
That chapter we read in the afternoon, due to the potential noise I thought cheering but it ended up being laughter disrupting others’ relaxation. Long chapter(s) short, a worthy battle was fought by all and the end goal was accomplished.
Plot-wise, all you need to know is the title character, a raven of considerable standing and intellect, makes leaps and bounds in humility and courage throughout the book. He learns what will fly with others (if you’ll pardon the pun), and what will bite him back later, all under pressure. The problem? The inventor who raised him has gotten himself into… a situation. Let’s just say that flight is still something every inventor tries personally, with more or less success. (Can I just add… rocket pants?)
You’re also treated to some snarky commentary from the delightfully blunt squirrel, Marla, who quickly goes from a suspicious character to my personal favorite. Rallying others and strategy are her strong suits. She doesn’t take guff, and she doesn’t beat around the bush. Simple, direct, and with a side of no-nonsense, she provides a mentor-push when our hero needs a good dose of common sense.
Another important character is Pippa, the human girl Otto has cultivated a close relationship with. If Otto is the brains in this story, she is the thumb. More importantly, the opposable thumb; as she is one of the few humans who observes the animals enough to realize something is going on, she plays a crucial part in the rescue. Along the way, she comes to terms with her father’s death enough to begin making connections with others again.
In-between, two characters are introduced as stars in helpful object lessons (one’s a guinea pig. The other, a field mouse); each one an excellent example of whatever technical term we’re defining at the moment, such as opposable thumbs, levers, and how to really try to make amends.
All in all, it was a good read, well-suited to being read aloud/in a group. It was pleasant, and well suited for children, along with being a good conversation starter about a few things (such as “What exactly do raccoons do to chicken coops? …Ick!” And, “What kinds of birds do we have around here?” That sort of thing.)
It might even have the added bonus of getting kiddos more interested in the outdoors!
November 18, 2020
I thought that I would read Otto P. Nudd in one afternoon, but I found that impossible.
Why?
Briefly, because the book features compelling characters addressing problems that encourage curiosity about various fields of inquiry, and this detailed story is conveyed through expertly crafted sentences.
Now to elaborate: Butler offers a tale about a Otto P. Nudd, a raven who possesses a great ability to address mechanical problems. The author situates this bird within an Ida Valley neighborhood, populated with some helpful humans, additional birds of "lesser" abilities, and one obstructionist squirrel. Keep your eyes open for the delightful monikers for the the neighborhood's menagerie.
I learned some interesting things about mechanics, physics, and zoology. Bulter systematically explains concepts such as mechanical advantage, leverage, and opposable thumbs in a way that maintains the flow of the narrative. Details about corvids abound--many of these details are factual, some of them counterfactual. The book goads me to do additional reading on both ravens and crows.
The novel, however, is not a novelization of science textbook. The overarching conflicts are interpersonal and intrapersonal. The characters remind me of people I know and conflicts that I have experienced myself. In an effort to assist one of his favorite humans, inventor Bartleby Doyle, Otto undergoes some challenges that invite him to gain greater self-awareness and improve his interpersonal skills--with some gentle prodding by his egg-sitting wife, Lucille. It's a little suspenseful wondering if Otto is going to accept these invitations for growth after seeing how strongly he identified with some alienating character traits displayed in the first third of the book.
As an aside to Otto's story is Pippa's. She's a tween girl who helped Bartleby nurture Otto as a fledging. Now Pippa is facing challenges of her own as the ground beneath her is shifting at middle school. Even though she and her classmates are still talking about parties, doing homework together, and spending time creating games on the playground, there is a greater complexity and depth to these interactions that piques Pippa's interest.
Yes, the science and the psychology of this novel engaged me enough to read the book with rapt attention. However, what led me to savor the book slowly was Butler's prose style. Her sentences are elegant and lyric while also being funny and insightful. Never are her sentences heavy handed even though she clearly pays attention to her craft on the sentence level.
In this passage, Butler describes--from Pippa's point of view--how her classmates are hesitant about playing a game based on corvid behavior: "She could feel the skepticism rolling off her classmates like waves. It was irksome, to say the least." Her robust diction reinforced some vocabulary words for me and even had me double checking the dictionary so that I could better appreciate the nuance and complexity of words such as "prodigious" and "ludicrous." Because the story is engaging and the tone a perfect mix of serious and playful, Otto P. Nudd is a great book for helping young readers expand their vocabularies.
But I wouldn't cap the ideal audience at age 12. I am an empty nester, and I found the book intriguing. Now I want to find a young naturalist who would enjoy the adventure of Otto--a bird who on the surface is trying to solve a series of mechanical problems; however, he ends up with more than a mechanical advantage. He gains an improved standing with all the creatures in his neighborhood and an enriched understanding of himself.
Why?
Briefly, because the book features compelling characters addressing problems that encourage curiosity about various fields of inquiry, and this detailed story is conveyed through expertly crafted sentences.
Now to elaborate: Butler offers a tale about a Otto P. Nudd, a raven who possesses a great ability to address mechanical problems. The author situates this bird within an Ida Valley neighborhood, populated with some helpful humans, additional birds of "lesser" abilities, and one obstructionist squirrel. Keep your eyes open for the delightful monikers for the the neighborhood's menagerie.
I learned some interesting things about mechanics, physics, and zoology. Bulter systematically explains concepts such as mechanical advantage, leverage, and opposable thumbs in a way that maintains the flow of the narrative. Details about corvids abound--many of these details are factual, some of them counterfactual. The book goads me to do additional reading on both ravens and crows.
The novel, however, is not a novelization of science textbook. The overarching conflicts are interpersonal and intrapersonal. The characters remind me of people I know and conflicts that I have experienced myself. In an effort to assist one of his favorite humans, inventor Bartleby Doyle, Otto undergoes some challenges that invite him to gain greater self-awareness and improve his interpersonal skills--with some gentle prodding by his egg-sitting wife, Lucille. It's a little suspenseful wondering if Otto is going to accept these invitations for growth after seeing how strongly he identified with some alienating character traits displayed in the first third of the book.
As an aside to Otto's story is Pippa's. She's a tween girl who helped Bartleby nurture Otto as a fledging. Now Pippa is facing challenges of her own as the ground beneath her is shifting at middle school. Even though she and her classmates are still talking about parties, doing homework together, and spending time creating games on the playground, there is a greater complexity and depth to these interactions that piques Pippa's interest.
Yes, the science and the psychology of this novel engaged me enough to read the book with rapt attention. However, what led me to savor the book slowly was Butler's prose style. Her sentences are elegant and lyric while also being funny and insightful. Never are her sentences heavy handed even though she clearly pays attention to her craft on the sentence level.
In this passage, Butler describes--from Pippa's point of view--how her classmates are hesitant about playing a game based on corvid behavior: "She could feel the skepticism rolling off her classmates like waves. It was irksome, to say the least." Her robust diction reinforced some vocabulary words for me and even had me double checking the dictionary so that I could better appreciate the nuance and complexity of words such as "prodigious" and "ludicrous." Because the story is engaging and the tone a perfect mix of serious and playful, Otto P. Nudd is a great book for helping young readers expand their vocabularies.
But I wouldn't cap the ideal audience at age 12. I am an empty nester, and I found the book intriguing. Now I want to find a young naturalist who would enjoy the adventure of Otto--a bird who on the surface is trying to solve a series of mechanical problems; however, he ends up with more than a mechanical advantage. He gains an improved standing with all the creatures in his neighborhood and an enriched understanding of himself.
January 1, 2021
Clever, charming, delightful read. This one has become one of my favorite middle-grade books ever. Perfect read-aloud for kids and adults—everyone will enjoy this one.
January 21, 2021
I liked the quirkiness of the characters in OTTO P. NUDD. Marla is a mischievous, resourceful squirrel who speaks her mind. Pippa is a sweet, imaginative girl who leaves snacks for her friend Otto. In response, Otto leaves her shiny objects he’s found.
Otto himself is an inventor. One of the things he has made is an egg incubator to help keep his extra large egg warm. He also has a sweet relationship with Mr. Bartleby, who is also an inventor.
I kind of found myself wishing that Otto had been younger– perhaps coming of age himself– so that his journey felt more like a young bird coming of age rather than an adult bird learning some humility, though that’s still a good lesson.
Other than that, though, I enjoyed the book and especially the silly moments between friends, like the children in Pippa’s class at recess, and the conversations between Otto and Marla.
It’s easy to see that this book will appeal to readers who enjoy stories featuring animals as central characters alongside human characters. It made me think of FLORA & ULYSSES in particular.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Otto himself is an inventor. One of the things he has made is an egg incubator to help keep his extra large egg warm. He also has a sweet relationship with Mr. Bartleby, who is also an inventor.
I kind of found myself wishing that Otto had been younger– perhaps coming of age himself– so that his journey felt more like a young bird coming of age rather than an adult bird learning some humility, though that’s still a good lesson.
Other than that, though, I enjoyed the book and especially the silly moments between friends, like the children in Pippa’s class at recess, and the conversations between Otto and Marla.
It’s easy to see that this book will appeal to readers who enjoy stories featuring animals as central characters alongside human characters. It made me think of FLORA & ULYSSES in particular.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 14, 2023
One of the best middle grade books I have read. Kids and parents will enjoy the antics of the animals in this story who have to come together to help a neighbor.
December 15, 2020
Otto is a tinkerer, builder, and the feathered raven assistant to inventor Mr. Bartleby Doyle. They've been working on a secret project together in Mr. Doyle's workshop for quite some time. Each morning Mr. Doyle has a favorite routine, he meets up with his next door neighbor, ten year old Pippa for a walk to school, while Otto follows them from above. Their routine usually includes making a loop around the park, where they leave a peanut on each fence post along the way for Otto and the other birds in the park to retrieve. However, today their ordered routine is interrupted when a squirrel named Marla swipes Otto's peanuts. As the one who keeps order in the neighborhood, Otto takes great offense to having the peanuts meant for the corvids stolen. Unfortunately, Marla is too fast for Otto to confront so he heads to the workshop to check on Bartleby's progress on their flying device instead. Unknown to Otto, Marla is just trying to provide for her small children. Delayed in arriving to the workshop, Otto is unfortunately locked out, all he can do is look in from the window. What he sees is very unsettling, Mr. Bartleby has begun the experiment without him, he's even rattled to witness Bartleby neglecting one of the most important safety measures for any experiment such as theirs, wearing a helmet. Then Otto sees the experiment go horrible wrong and Bartleby is injured in the process. Unable to get inside the workshop, Otto seeks help from an unlikely source.
Otto is an interesting character, maybe a little rude, often belittling to his friends by over emphasizing how smart and knowledgeable he is. I loved how his attitude and behavior began to change as he started to realize just how poorly he treated his friends. There's a valuable lesson in here about asking for forgiveness and being open to the idea of making a change. The illustrations by Melissa Manwill punctuating the beginning of each chapter were cute and added to my enjoyment in reading the book. However, I do wish there would have been one of Mr. Doyle, he sounded like such a nice old man. There's also a nice note at the back of the book which includes some interesting facts about corvids. Overall, Otto P. Nudd is an adorable story which will especially appeal to readers who enjoy books with anthropomorphic characters, stories involving inventions or unlikely friendships. **A huge thank you to Emily Butler for the ARC**
Otto is an interesting character, maybe a little rude, often belittling to his friends by over emphasizing how smart and knowledgeable he is. I loved how his attitude and behavior began to change as he started to realize just how poorly he treated his friends. There's a valuable lesson in here about asking for forgiveness and being open to the idea of making a change. The illustrations by Melissa Manwill punctuating the beginning of each chapter were cute and added to my enjoyment in reading the book. However, I do wish there would have been one of Mr. Doyle, he sounded like such a nice old man. There's also a nice note at the back of the book which includes some interesting facts about corvids. Overall, Otto P. Nudd is an adorable story which will especially appeal to readers who enjoy books with anthropomorphic characters, stories involving inventions or unlikely friendships. **A huge thank you to Emily Butler for the ARC**
July 4, 2021
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book with talking animals, but I kind of missed the fun and humor of it. What honestly made me request this book was the squirrel on the front cover. Oops. Squirrels are my favorite. The squirrel’s name in this story is Marla. All of the names were quite unique and it made me laugh. Butler does a wonderful job of crafting a story where humans and animals too can have relationships. This shorter chapter book featured some great lessons throughout that I think would be perfect for 3rd grade and up.
October 10, 2022
I stumbled upon this book and this author through the local public library’s website, and I’m so glad I did! The story was adorable and clever and amusing! It’s a great novel to explore perspective and certainly personification as most of the story is told from the charming perspectives of the animals. A must-have for any 3-6 classroom library IMO!
February 21, 2021
Absolutely delightful. The story of a raven named Otto P. Nudd and his community of humans, birds, and animals. Otto is a smart bird, but a bit of a bully. Arrogant. Abrasive. Intolerant. And yet he is kind and devoted to his spouse (and their expected hatchling), and his neighbors – a young girl named Pippa and an old man, Bartleby Doyle. One day the old man is testing a new invention – flying pants (!) – and ends up unconscious in his workshop. Otto must rescue him – but how? It’s going to take an innovative idea - and the help of other creatures he has scorned. And opposable thumbs – which ravens don’t have, of course.
I loved this book! It has that magical quality of other brilliant human-animal books– Charlotte’s Web, The Tale of Despereaux, and Babe, the Gallant Pig. It is destined to become a classic. A book for the ages. The plot is simple enough for children, but with enough twists and turns to captivate adults. The writing is superb. Big words that will make you laugh out loud. Sly references to classic literature, history, popular culture. Pay attention. The next sentence will likely demand it.
Word lovers will love the language – which is splendid, scrupulous, exuberant, prodigious, and sublime. Science lovers will love the details of the habits and abilities of many species. Not to mention the benefits and applications of mechanical advantage and opposable thumbs. And Rube Goldberg contraptions – like an automatic egg-turning device (because everyone knows that an unturned egg will result in an addlebrained chick.) Parents will love the acknowledgment of “prickles of self-doubt,” feelings of inadequacy and regret, and the process of humble apology and everyone pulling together for the common good. After all, there’s an entire chapter on “How to Make Amends and Influence People.”
Good for anyone eight and up (in my case, way up). Two thumbs up (in my case, way up).
June 3, 2021
This book may be the perfect read aloud for elementary age kids. The story is engaging and entertaining, with well developed characters both human and animal. Otto is a raven who was raised by humans, and maintains close ties to the “old man” who raised him, and Pippa, the girl who lives next door. Otto finds himself in the uncomfortable position of needing help to save one of his human friends, after having alienated most of the animal world with his blatant sense of personal superiority.
Although the story on it’s own makes it worth a read (my three kids ages (7-13) and I all loved it) the things that make it remarkable are:
1) Things the kids missed, but that I thought were hilarious—the Nevermore, for instance, or the tirade about how boring recess was because it had been stripped of risks. It was like watching Shrek or the Emperor’s New Groove; the kids and I laughed at different things, but we all laughed—a lot.
2) Opportunities that lead to a discussion with the kids about a variety of topics, especially social skills and situations.
3) New, interesting vocabulary with excellent contextual clues, so the kids learned new words without realizing they were being TAUGHT new words.
4) We particularly liked the brief science lessons interspersed through the book, which went along with the plot, but were explained using mouse and guinea pig friends, cleverly told in a way that somehow had a hint of animaniacs meets telenovela.
I still don’t understand how the author managed to create a book packed so full of worthwhile learning opportunities without compromising the story itself. We enjoyed it so much that we lent it to my kiddo’s second grade teacher, who read it aloud to her advanced learner’s class for the same opportunities.
All in all, from the four of us, eight enthusiastic thumbs up!
Although the story on it’s own makes it worth a read (my three kids ages (7-13) and I all loved it) the things that make it remarkable are:
1) Things the kids missed, but that I thought were hilarious—the Nevermore, for instance, or the tirade about how boring recess was because it had been stripped of risks. It was like watching Shrek or the Emperor’s New Groove; the kids and I laughed at different things, but we all laughed—a lot.
2) Opportunities that lead to a discussion with the kids about a variety of topics, especially social skills and situations.
3) New, interesting vocabulary with excellent contextual clues, so the kids learned new words without realizing they were being TAUGHT new words.
4) We particularly liked the brief science lessons interspersed through the book, which went along with the plot, but were explained using mouse and guinea pig friends, cleverly told in a way that somehow had a hint of animaniacs meets telenovela.
I still don’t understand how the author managed to create a book packed so full of worthwhile learning opportunities without compromising the story itself. We enjoyed it so much that we lent it to my kiddo’s second grade teacher, who read it aloud to her advanced learner’s class for the same opportunities.
All in all, from the four of us, eight enthusiastic thumbs up!
April 5, 2021
Otto is an exceedingly clever, but very pretentious raven who understands about simple machines, electricity, mechanics, and anything else to do with inventing, but he doesn't know the first thing about being a good friend. When a mishap befalls his fellow inventor, a human named Old Man Bartleby, Otto will need to set his pride aside in order to get help from the other residents of Ida Valley, both animal and human alike.
Butler's accessible text makes this title an easy read while the short timeline and high stakes make it a quick one. This title excels at characterization, giving the main players each a unique voice and backstory, parceled out through a combination of dialog, actions, and general exposition that fits into the story like a well-measured cog, propelling the plot and the overall message of friendship. In addition, several chapters contain real applications of science, including a unique use of a slinky, several depictions of levers in action, and how art and science can work together to achieve a goal, and alongside explanations that will pique curiosity and get creative minds thinking about problems and solutions.
The illustrations that accompany the beginning of each chapter add very little to the story. Some illustrations are re-used several times while others make a single appearance. This canvas could have been better used to showcase characters in different situations, various inventions that make appearances, or even the setting.
Overall, this animal tale will win over readers with a soft spot for gentle stories while appealing to caregivers and educators for its themes of science and kindness.
Butler's accessible text makes this title an easy read while the short timeline and high stakes make it a quick one. This title excels at characterization, giving the main players each a unique voice and backstory, parceled out through a combination of dialog, actions, and general exposition that fits into the story like a well-measured cog, propelling the plot and the overall message of friendship. In addition, several chapters contain real applications of science, including a unique use of a slinky, several depictions of levers in action, and how art and science can work together to achieve a goal, and alongside explanations that will pique curiosity and get creative minds thinking about problems and solutions.
The illustrations that accompany the beginning of each chapter add very little to the story. Some illustrations are re-used several times while others make a single appearance. This canvas could have been better used to showcase characters in different situations, various inventions that make appearances, or even the setting.
Overall, this animal tale will win over readers with a soft spot for gentle stories while appealing to caregivers and educators for its themes of science and kindness.
October 5, 2020
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This novel is adorable, but its sharp humor indicates that Emily Butler doesn't "dumb down" her content for her middle-grade readers. The way she writes Otto--the caring but often pompous raven who eventually learns how to ask forgiveness for his arrogance--and the other animals of the neighborhood is well done, and I appreciate the character development and conflict Butler introduces. I question some of the kid appeal at times, but it's hard to deny that kids love anthropomorphic animals and an animated tale. As far as diversity goes, there's one Latinx character I noticed, and he doesn't have a huge role. Overall, it's a strong middle-grade book that will appeal to animal-lovers and humor enthusiasts alike.
This novel is adorable, but its sharp humor indicates that Emily Butler doesn't "dumb down" her content for her middle-grade readers. The way she writes Otto--the caring but often pompous raven who eventually learns how to ask forgiveness for his arrogance--and the other animals of the neighborhood is well done, and I appreciate the character development and conflict Butler introduces. I question some of the kid appeal at times, but it's hard to deny that kids love anthropomorphic animals and an animated tale. As far as diversity goes, there's one Latinx character I noticed, and he doesn't have a huge role. Overall, it's a strong middle-grade book that will appeal to animal-lovers and humor enthusiasts alike.
January 17, 2021
Adorable and charming... haven’t read a solid animal story in awhile and this was so very nice.
The thing you need to know is this: making amends isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s the hardest thing you might ever do. It takes real guts. But, as we shall see, it can turn you into the person (or mouse, or raven) you were always meant to be.
“I wish I could give it two thumbs up. But I can’t.”
“Why not?” demands Raúl.
“Because I’m a mouse, Raúl. I don’t have any thumbs,” Wilma says.
“Gosh,” says Raúl. “That’s a real bummer.”
He didn’t know what to say. If his own wife wasn’t on his side, then nobody was. He began to cry.
As if she’d read his mind, Lucille said, “Oh, darling, I’m always on your side.”
The thing you need to know is this: making amends isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s the hardest thing you might ever do. It takes real guts. But, as we shall see, it can turn you into the person (or mouse, or raven) you were always meant to be.
“I wish I could give it two thumbs up. But I can’t.”
“Why not?” demands Raúl.
“Because I’m a mouse, Raúl. I don’t have any thumbs,” Wilma says.
“Gosh,” says Raúl. “That’s a real bummer.”
He didn’t know what to say. If his own wife wasn’t on his side, then nobody was. He began to cry.
As if she’d read his mind, Lucille said, “Oh, darling, I’m always on your side.”
March 27, 2021
While I imagine a middle grade child might love this, just a note that it does NOT make great reading for a younger child. When there's a tween heroine and a a cute animal on the cover, a lot of littler kids will be drawn to it. But all the frequent references of "idiot", "moron", "stupid", "jerks" etc make it better for older kids. Tried to read this to my six year-old and had to constantly edit on the fly (for example, to make sense of the "slacker friends who won't settle down and get married" subplot, for her).
November 18, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Kids for a free digital copy.
What do a human girl, a raven, and a squirrel have in common? They are all smart and on a mission.
This is a delightful story about problem solving and now to navigate differences to establish friendships. The story moves quickly and is funny and entertaining at every turn. This book celebrates the smarts of these characters but also of the readers as it doesn't talk down to them.
What do a human girl, a raven, and a squirrel have in common? They are all smart and on a mission.
This is a delightful story about problem solving and now to navigate differences to establish friendships. The story moves quickly and is funny and entertaining at every turn. This book celebrates the smarts of these characters but also of the readers as it doesn't talk down to them.
March 31, 2021
I read this to my five year old and he fell asleep to the adventures of a raven every night. I borrowed as a library book, but it seems I have to buy it now because he is so attached. I think some of the vocabulary is a little advanced for the age group, but that worked in my favor because it’s difficult to stay interested in a child’s book as an adult.
February 19, 2021
Absolutely charming. Otto P. Nudd is inventive and clever; a fun-filled, character-driven and highly enjoyable tale. It is wholly original and my 12 year old devoured it in a sitting. Highly, highly recommend!
May 16, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up. Otto P. Nudd is a cute middle grade story that stuck with me more than I would have thought. Otto's character growth in the story was fantastic. The scrappy mother squirrel is a great character as well.
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July 11, 2020Reviewing professionally.
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December 14, 2020I don't normally read books with talking animals (exceptions: Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, and The Tale of Despereaux). I wanted to like this book, but I'm not the right audience.
April 22, 2021
Amazing to read aloud! The conversational tone made this book easy and fun to read to youngsters.
October 24, 2021
My youngest liked this book.
November 6, 2025
3.5 rounded up. cute book, but went on a little longer than me and the 9 year old would've liked. 😜
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