Oddly

by Joyce Dunbar, Patrick Benson (Illustrator)

When a little boy bursts into their world, three unusual creatures find answers to their questions in this whimsical story from a stellar pair.

The Lostlet twirls a golden leaf and asks, Where am I? What do I hope for? The Strangelet holds a smooth white pebble and wonders, What am I? What do I dream of? The Oddlet listens to a seashell and muses, Who am I? What do I wish for? Lost in their own worlds, the creatures are powerless to fi nd answers, until a small boy appears who seems stranger, odder, and even more lost than they. As the three creatures comfort the child, they discover their hearts’ desires — while their new friend finds surprising ways to make all their dreams and wishes come true.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fantasy

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 2009

About the author

Joyce Dunbar is an English author of over seventy children’s books, best known for Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go To Sleep, This Is The Star, and the Mouse and Mole series. Born in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, she studied English at Goldsmiths College before teaching drama until hearing loss led her to write full time in 1989. Her first children’s book appeared when she was 35, followed by works such as Mundo and the Weather-Child, which explored the experiences of a deaf child and earned critical recognition. Her stories have been adapted for stage, television, and interactive media, with Mouse and Mole becoming a 26-part animated series. She has also been an advocate for deaf awareness, cycling across Cuba for charity. Dunbar lives in Norwich.

Reviews

[Gina Saenz]

Category: Picture Soak
Source: Did not care for
I chose “Oddly” by Joyce Dunbar and Patrick Benson. I chose this book simply because of the title. The title lived up to its name. This book was strange. It’s not one that I would use in the classroom and probably wouldn’t even check it out for the grand babies. Each of the odd animals have questions they can’t answer such as, “Where am I?, “What I Dream”, and “What I wish?”. The animals find the answers to their question through an odd being, a young boy. The young boy gives them a hug, a snuggle, and held hands with the animals. The Lostlet becomes a Foundlet, the Strangelet becomes a Snuglet, and the Oddlet becomes a Huglet. The best part of this book (because I always think there’s a least a little nugget we can get from every book) are the pictures. The illustrations are whimsical and very colorful.

[Amy Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those totally weird books that I can't really explain why I love, but I do! The characters are interesting and strange, the story line is unexpected, and the ending is abrupt. And all of it is wonderful! I think very particular children would like this book, but I don't think it's for everyone. I love it now, and I would have loved it as a kid!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a metaphoric message-y book.

I always ask myself when I read one of these--Who is this for? Are kids really contemplating stuff like, Why are we here? I felt the same way about Zen Shorts. A picture book for the adult in your life who is looking to 'find himself'.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the cover but the story was just meh for me.

[Jenncw · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very strange, surreal book. I'm not sure I would recommend this to a child.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very strange. Abstract ideas. But so heart warming in the end. Coming to the realization of who you are based on what you love. So sweet.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost in their own worlds, three unusual creatures are powerless to find answers until a small boy appears who seems stranger, odder and more lost than they. As the three creatures comfort the child, they discover their hearts' desires, self-identity, and what it is they've been hoping, dreaming, wishing for.

So sweet, and the most favorite of picture books I've read recently - I've made note of it to use in the friendship-themed storytime I present in February. Slightly reminiscent of Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you ever feel like you are going in circles? Do you ever feel odd? Do you ever feel like you don't know who you are?

Three very odd animals feel all alone until they overhear a young boy asking the same questions they ask themselves. The boy explains what love is to the odd creatures along with other things like "home".

Pretty good - but lame ending. They are just suddenly - home?

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oddly is an appropriate title. I don't like the voice it's told in--something about it seems preachy. I don't think kids will relate or be interested, but what do I know... I'd never have thought kids would watch that crazy show Yo Gabba Gabba, which is what these characters remind me of.

[Kristin Fletcher-spear · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was intrigued, but ultimately disappointed by this title. Love the creatures and the creature's designs, but thought that the actual storyline was very lame. And the ending was too sugary sweet I thought I'd actually gag.

[Donna]

Strange book about some characters lost in the woods not knowing what they are searching for in life. They meet up with each other and through one another they discover who they are. Interesting book, but great pictures.

[Greta]

This was a little bit oddly.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably wouldn't read this for storytime or kindergarten, but there are some pretty deep thoughts here that would be nice for grownups and some cute pictures that might be nice for toddlers.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Offbeat but good friendship story.

[Kati · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely little story about finding friends and finding somebody to love.

[N · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Lostlet, a Stranglet, and an Oddlet find their special purpose by helping out a lost boy.

[Cheryl]

Not sure what to think. Child me would not have liked it. I don't like it now. I might have liked it when my boys were little... and they might have liked it too... but I'm not sure. Just... odd.