Oddbird

by Derek Desierto

A picture book from Derek Desierto about a bird who doesn't fit in...at first!

It's SO hot outside. All the fancy birds are gathered around the water, wishing they could cool off. But they don't want to get wet and ruin their fine feathers.

Oddbird isn't worried about his feathers; he wants to go for a refreshing dip. But he doesn't fit in. He's not fancy, or colorful. He's just...different. The other birds don't want him around. How can he join them?

Oddbird's story is one all readers will relate to, and ultimately celebrate.

Genres: Picture Books, Birds, Childrens, Animals, Storytime, Fiction, Self Esteem

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 25, 2021

Reviews

[Jasmine from How Useful It Is · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great and the colors were eye catching. The illustrations of the birds were unique and we couldn’t help but stare at them a bit longer when we read. My daughter liked to point out the colors she knew. I liked that the birds were all different sizes, shapes, and colors. I liked how Oddbird expressed his acceptance of how he was and that other birds shouldn’t make it as their problem by the way he looked.

This book started with how hot the jungle was. Many birds flocked to the swimming pool, but they only stood around the edges. They didn’t want to go into the water because they wanted to keep their beautiful feathers from getting frizzy. Then a new bird arrived and he went straight for the pool. All eyes were on him instantly. His feathers were colorless. All of the other birds basically told him to get lost because he was different. Oddbird flew away feeling unhappy and unsure why it mattered to others what he looked like. In the jungle with colors around him, Oddbird had a bright idea!

Oddbird was well written and illustrated. I just loved the pop of colors on every page. The story of Oddbird being different from everyone reminded me of Ugly Duckling and The Red Nose Reindeer. This book can help kids relate themselves to Oddbird because some readers might be left handed, short, tall, skinny, husky, etc. It takes a bit of creativity to get others to accept Oddbird in this case. In real life, a lot of efforts were in place before people accepted LGBT. Another excellent picture book for kids and I highly recommend everyone to read it.

xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details

Many thanks to MacKidsBooks for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.

[Myles Wolfe · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was alright. A bit of a confusing allegory. I don't appreciate books where the outcast has to convince and prove their value to the rest of the group. I feel strange saying this since my favorite book is Giraffe's Can't Dance. I would say the difference between that book and this one is what the outcast character is being ostracized for. In Giraffe's Can't Dance, Gerald is being ostracized for his dancing ability, something that you can change, get better at, or learn a new style that suits you. While Oddbird is being ostracized for the colour of his feathers, something they can absolutely not change. Oddbird dresses up in colourful regalia and then climbs up and dives into the water losing all the fake feathers he attached to his body. But the animals are so hot and find Oddbird's idea of swimming in the water to be agreeable to their present situation. They don't apologize to Oddbird for the way they treated him. They just forget about his dull colours because they are happy. Is the lesson that happy people will be less prejudiced? (I mean it makes sense, but that prejudice is always just below the surface. It doesn't go anywhere) Where is Oddbird's reconciliation? Is he just supposed to forget about how he was treated by the other birds because he is temporarily popular? What happens when the heat goes away and the other birds get out of the water and dry off? Will they go back to ostracizing Oddbird for his dull colours again? Why is the outcast character depicted as dull or described subjectively as "odd"? We are only given a glimpse into Oddbird's identity through the eyes of others. What is Oddbird's true name and identity? In reality, this is a great book for teaching critical thinking because it seems so blind to its own bias.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the jungle, a flock of colorful birds decide to hang out at the watering hole. However, they would rather preen and show off their plumage.
A gray and plain bird wants to go for a swim. However, the little bird is shunned and shooed away.
The bird tries to get back to the pool.

Is acceptance worth hiding ones' identity? Stand out or be shunned? Hey, its just a swim in the pool.

A fun interesting picture book that showcases identity and acceptance, with vibrant colors, but something felt off about it, despite the message it was trying to convey.

[Chaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its me hi I'm the Oddbird its me

[Haylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute lil story about being different

[Elisabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I hoped for a good message with this premise, but found the execution lacking. Beautiful art, but otherwise disappointing.

[Laurie • The Baking Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story told with bright and vivid collage-like illustrations featuring a flock of colourful birds in a variety of shapes and sizes to catch the eye of young readers.

Oddbird is the odd man out. He doesn't have colourful feathers like the other birds but instead of standing around the pool on a hot day like the other birds, he jumps right in and shows young readers that it's more important to love who we are and not waste time worrying about what others think.

[Bettendorf Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oddbird’s feathers are dull and plain, and the other birds tease him for his appearance. The adorable Oddbird teaches us that we don’t have to be fancy to have friends and fun.
— Christine

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this book, and like the illustrations were fire, but the message was not what I was expecting. I thought it would have been more about accepting oneself for being different (odd), but instead it was about blending in and then having people accept you after that. Not a fan. But again the illustrations are amazing.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, and the collage/cut paper illustrations of the colorful birds on a white background are striking, but the ending seemed to fall a bit short to me. Several SEL themes are at play, but I'm not sure the ending holds up to their potential.
-The author says his intended message, "You are perfect as you are." & that rings true as a whole mood.
-You shouldn't have to change yourself to fit in with others.
-Focusing too much on the wrong things can leave you uncomfortable.
-Trying to be "cool" won't help you when you need it.
-Worrying too much about how you look can lead you to miss out on things.
-Excluding others for being different hurts feelings.
-It's not about how you look, but about how you feel.
-Accept yourself for who you are no matter what others may think.
-Not worrying about what others think will help you live your best life.
Could pair well with Elmer, though.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oddbird doesn't have fancy colours like the other birds. But maybe that makes him more free! Instead of standing around the pool showing off his beauty, he jumped right in and enjoyed the refreshingly cool water. It looked like so much fun that the other, fancy birds decided to jump in too! Even though they're feathers wouldn't look as bright and fancy after the swim - they realized it's more important how you feel than how you look!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone of us is an oddbird in our own way. Embrace who you are and never try to be anyone else, you are fabulous just the way you are.

[Elizabeth Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are to die for, and it’s a great story about how it’s always better to do your own thing instead of worrying about what other people think.
(G rating)

[Claire Holmes]

:')

[Megan (ReadingRover) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well that was disappointing! Odd bird is like that friend people have that they pick on that never quite gets to totally become a part of the main group. Everyone makes fun of him until they don’t, but there will always be a next time. At least that’s what this book seemed like to me. Poor Oddbird shows up at the pool happy and excited to swim but everyone makes fun of him for being dull and gray. He then disguises himself in colorful feathers to fit in and goes swimming. The other birds see how refreshed and cool he is and how much fun he has swimming that they decide to go in the pool too. When the feathers come off and they realize it’s really Oddbird there is no remorse. No apologies. The birds just continue to swim and act like nothing was wrong to begin with. This is exactly what’s wrong in our world. No one takes accountability. I feel for Oddbird because next time he shows up at a gathering he won’t be welcomed with open arms. The same thing will happen and Oddbird will keep doing everything he can to change himself to fit in. Oddbird doesn’t need that shit! He’s perfect how he is! There will never be any consequences for the bullies. By middle school Oddbird will have not only feelings of insecurity and self doubt but most likely the beginnings of an eating disorder. When he hits high school he will have fallen in with the wrong crowd and started experimenting with drugs and alcohol. He’s a school shooter in the making. It all starts with exclusion and bullying. Instead, hopefully he’s one of the lucky ones who makes those two other nerdy, loyal, outcast friends and they’re inseparable all the way through graduation. Maybe it’s Beigebird and Woodpecker. Those two are bound to get some ridicule throughout the years. Oh Oddbird! Fly your freak flag high and screw those other birds! We can’t all be fancy. Being unique is where it’s at!
2 sad stars (given mainly for illustrations)

[Emily Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a good message behind it but I believe falls a little flat of it’s mark. The birds are colorful and plentiful in which your eyes don’t know where to settle on for the first few pages. The idea that a group of birds would not want to refresh themselves and instead preen about the waters edge seems silly but if thinking in terms of people I could see that as wanting to be accepted and be considered normal is what a lot of people desire. So this little bird “oddbird “ lacks the colorful feathers of the others and consequently is ostracized from the social group. This book attempts to show the reader it is okay to be different. Though it does not seem to value that difference because the little bird hid behind a facade of colorful feathers to attempt to fit in. I feel it would have been better to show that the bird felt comfortable who he was without trying to put on a show. Overall, the colors were striking in this book and the message is understood.

[Alison N · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was fine. Nice colourful artwork. I didn't quite get it though. I walked away kind of confused on what the main message was supposed to be.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Oddbird by Derek Desierto, a story of acceptance and fitting in.

It was a hot, steamy day in the jungle, and while all the colorful birds had gathered at the pool, none of them had decided to take the plunge. Instead, they are most concerned with showing off their brilliant colors, until one very… ODD bird appears. Oddbird’s feathers are dull gray, and while he looks forward to cooling off in the refreshing pool, he is chased off by a hostile reception from the colorful birds. Upset with being excluded for the color of the feathers he’s always had, Oddbird concocts a plan to get to the pool without hassle – and that will perhaps prove to the other birds that the feathers don’t make the bird.

Unfortunately, this one was a bit of a muddle. While stories about diversity and acceptance are always important, the metaphors of Oddbird’s dilemma and solution can have an unfortunate interpretation. Oddbird decides to camouflage himself in brightly colored “feathers” made of jungle foliage; this allows him to fit in long enough to make his way to the pool and convince the other birds that enjoying a cooling swim is more fun than showing off their plumage. Tidy enough, but then what is the message? Hide who you are long enough so that others may accept you, then maybe you can change their minds? Perhaps not the best lesson, especially for little readers who may feel insecure about their own “different” appearances. The resolution itself also feels like it’s missing something; while the other birds eventually accept Oddbird as he is, there is no apology or resolution for their aggressive exclusion of him earlier in the story (including comments that literally drive Oddbird to tears). And while the charming and, yes, beautifully colorful photo-cutout art is a treat, it doesn’t quite make up for the confusing theme. Otherwise, the length is fine, and JJ did enjoy the little bird. So while there are several other books about social acceptance I would recommend over this one, it does have a few genuinely redeeming qualities; a little uneven, perhaps a little odd, but still Baby Bookworm approved.

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, colorful. Love the use of color with the text while telling the story.
The illustrations have a cut and collage style about them that stands out, especially with the more colorful feathers.

The story itself is about a flock of colorful birds who are more interested in looks than character. It's hot out but none of the birds will get in the watering hole because it might ruin their beautiful feathers. They make Oddbird feel out of place with his grey feathers and bully him out of the watering hole. But, Oddbird comes back and tricks them with colorful feathers his found in the jungle. (Not entirely sure why they didn't recognize Oddbird underneath the feathers but I'll chalk it up to the fact that it's a children's book/ they were so self obsessed with colorful/beautiful feathers that they were blinded to see much else)🤷🏻‍♀️. In the end though, the birds realize who Oddbird is and see how happy he is being himself and realizes that they too can be happy if they are less materialistic.

It's a cute story. It has a nice message at the end. This particular edition, I also noticed, comes with a colorful Oddbird at the back of the book and I found that fun as well.

Also, I read the authors note and it made me laugh out loud, because his "ultimate goal in life is to meet Oprah and become one of her favorite things." 😂

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

While all of the colorful birds of the jungle stood around in the heat admiring their own plumage, a new bird shows up to dip his feet in the cool water of the pool. However the other birds notice the lack of color in his feathers and force the oddbird bird out. The Oddbird was so very disappointed and sad. He noticed all of the color around him in the jungle and proceeds to accessorize his lackluster feathers with the colors around him. When he returns to the pool the other birds admire his now colorful plumage and are shocked when Oddbird climbs to the top of the diving board. Does Oddbird not realize that getting wet will ruin his beautiful feathers?!

When his borrowed feather drift away in the wind the other birds are shocked to see Oddbird, but they are more fascinated by the fun he's having in the pool.

A great story to remind kiddos about individuality and that just because someone looks different does not mean that they are not worth kindness and acceptance. Recommended for storytime.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He had always looked like this. His feathers were his feathers. Why was it a problem for the other birds?”

When the grey bird shows up at the pool, all the birds with beautifully colored feathers think that the grey bird is odd and doesn’t belong at their pool. In addition to his lack of color, the oddbird thinks he should get into the pool! But all the colorful birds aren’t swimming. All they care about are “their fabulous feathers.” So, they chase the Oddbird away. When he comes back disguised with colorful feathers, he is accepted as one of the group ... until he jumps into the pool! At first the other birds can’t believe it, but then they see how a dip in the pool could help cool them down on a hot day and they join the Oddbird. “Their colors became dull. But no one care anymore about those things. What was more important was how they felt.”

Resolution of the problem happens a little quickly and easily, but the message is a good one.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a bird with gray feathers, surround by a bunch of birds with rainbow feathers. The “oddbird” wants to swim in the pond and cool off, but the other birds refuse to get in so they don’t ruin their feathers. They make fun of oddbirds gray feathers. Oddbird finds colorful leaves and decorates himself to be likeable by the other birds. When he comes back, the other birds fall in love with his new feathers. He dives into the pond and all the feathers fall off, to the other bird’s disbelief. They all realize how refreshing the water must be on the hot day, and get in too. They stop caring about how they look and care about how happy they are feeling good in the water. This book is great in the classroom for teaching children about caring for what is inside, not outside. It’s great to use also for conversations about clothing and what other people own or can afford, or about wearing what is comfortable for you, not everyone else.

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

The secret to using a metaphor in a children's book is that the metaphor easily translates into situations from your life.

But not this time.

The metaphor just wasn't well thought out. Oddbird COULD FLY. All he had to do was keep on flying until he didn't find some other bird that accepted him, or at least were color-blind. If they're going to bully you once, they're going to bully you again. Birds do have a pecking order. Oddbird can just fly from the flock to stop being the most pecked on bird.

People, especially kids, don't have this flying option. So, that Oddbird flew away AND THEN CAME BACK doesn't make a whole lot of sense, even at a literal level.

I wonder how soon it'll be when kids reading this ask, "What's a jungle?"

The art is much better than the lack of story, and the reason why this gets two stars instead of one.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of the birds at the swimming pond are bright and colorful. But stranger comes to town who is nothing but gray. When the other birds chase the gray bird away, they wonder if they can disguise themselves. The disguise works, and the over birds love them. That is until gray bird and their fake plumage dive into the water and everything comes apart. However, the other birds see what fun Oddbird is having and join in. This book feels rushed. Especially the end. The colors and illustrations are awesome, but something is lacking in the story telling. It is still a good read, it just feels stilted.

[Amanda Batarseh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this book from the illustrations to the meaning behind the book. its about a "odd" bird who has no color in his wings. he goes to the pool because he's very hot and all the birds there are just standing around the pool with thee colorful feathers not wanting to ruin them in the water. the yell at oddbird to leave so he does and he comes back with leaves of colors on him and they welcome him back. he jumps in the pool and all his fake leaves fall off. all the other birds see how much fun he's having and jump in with him and then they ask have fun. good book !

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good message. Iffy execution.

All the birds are colorful and showing off their plumage. They're gathered around a watering hole, but they don't want to swim for fear of messing up their feathers. Then a little gray bird flies up and wants to swim, but the other birds are judgy, calling it Oddbird. So the gray bird makes itself up to look like it has colorful plumage. Then it goes for a swim. The fake plumage falls off, but the other birds are enticed by the refreshing possibilities of swimming. But they still call it Oddbird.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The use of colour in this book was awesome! In the story, Oddbird had to get a bit creative to fit in with the colourful birds - but they all learned the value of being themselves in the end. I think the lesson learned in the end outweighs the fact that Oddbird felt the need to change to fit in - which I think a few reviewers got caught up on. And I appreciate that this book could kickstart a conversation about bullying, inclusivity, and the importance of being yourself and embracing your differences. I would recommend this to kids starting school/playgroups/daycare or kids that enjoy birds!

[Taco · Rating 2 out of 5]

Message is very confusing, and I can't help but wonder why they went for all colorful birds with a grey bird instead of the other way around. Maybe it's a political commentary? Beats me. But the colors are very beautiful in the book, ironically enough.

I kinda feel like the author is criticizing all those stories that embrace "showing your true colors" to everyone, and I don't think I'm a fan honestly.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very hot day and the colourful birds sat around a pool of water showing off their feathers and not wanting to get them wet. When a dull-coloured little bird joined them they rudely sent him away, not allowing him to cool off in the water. The little bird found a way to fit in, but his disguise did not last long. Cute story with bright colourful illustrations about feeling good about oneself.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really liked the artwork, but the story itself was a little hit or miss for me. A very familiar retread of finding your inner beauty when the world around you tries to tear you down, but I’m not entirely sure the message is discernible among the book’s more eccentric qualities. And I’m not convinced the book really sticks the landing on its moral, either.

A cute, fun read nonetheless. But not a particularly memorable one.