Otis

by Janie Bynum

What kind of pig doesn't like mud? This one! Otis is a little porker with a BIG problem. He's the only pig in the world who hates getting dirty.
Will Otis ever find a friend?

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship, Animals

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

JANIE BYNUM is the author-illustrator of several books for children, including ALTOONA BABOONA. She says, "When I sat down to write Nutmeg and Barley, I was thinking about how opposites tend to attract. I also wanted to explore the consequences of miscommunication -- so common in all types of relationships. Finally, and probably most important, Nutmeg and Barley is about how friends nurture each other -- in spite of little tiffs or differences."

from Candlewick's website http://www.candlewick.com

Reviews

[Tahya Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute read. I think lower elementary kids would love this book because this book talks about how this one pig hates getting dirty and they probably know by this age pigs love getting dirty. It is an easy read and the words per page are a decent amount with easy words. I would recommend this book to a classroom for a fun read and to get the kids to have fun. You could even ask a follow up questions with asking them what is one thing they should like but absolutely don't like.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book! Love the story line and how it is built around engaging students with questions about their own lives. Shows teamwork and that if you don't like something you don't have to force yourself to like it. Everyone is unique and has their own likes and dislikes.

[Jenese Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute little book about a pig that doesn't like the mud like the rest of the family. Otis would always find a way to get things done without getting dirty. I love the illustrations because they really help make the story come to life.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to use this book to teach subtext and I am so excited. This was definitely a diamond in the rough from reading the stacks. OMG!

[Lindsay Farish · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was cute that he felt so left out and then found a friend.

[Ryann Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Modern Fantasy
Grade k-2
I liked how this book had lots of illustrations which is good for young grades who may still be learning to read and comprehend what they read. I also feel like the illustrations may help to keep young readers engaged

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otis is a cute story about a pig that does not like to get dirty. He doesn't like the mud at all. Everyone else the pig knows likes mud, and this makes Otis very sad and lonely. His parents keep telling him he will someday like the mud, but Otis just isn't sure. In the end, Otis stays true to himself, but also finds someone else that has similar interests (or disinterests) as Otis.
The pictures in this book are very cute. The drawings are pen and ink and watercolor. The pictures go with the story very well and do a good job of showing Otis' emotions. I especially like the look on Otis' face when he is imagining having dried mud on him.
I would recommend this book to preschool or young elementary students. I think they will enjoy the pictures and the easy storyline. I also think they can understand the moral of the story of staying true to who you are.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

BOOK OVERVIEW:

This is the story of a little pig who doesn't like to be dirty. He has no one to play with since all the other pigs like to get dirty. Just before this story comes to a sad close, Otis meets someone else who doesn't like to get dirty.

MY REVIEW:

Otis is and adorable story with cute illustrations that bring it to life. It was a fun story to read and had enough twist in the storyline to make my 4-year-old anticipate the next page. I also liked how the story, in a back door manner, brought out the fact that while you may be different, you are never alone - there is always someone else who understand - you may just not have met them yet. Over all, this book is fun to read just to enjoy the cute little piggy pictures!

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful outsider tale of a cute little pig named Otis who simply hates to get dirty and his family members who find it impossible to understand but love him anyway. My favorite line comes in response to his mother telling him, "Someday, Otis, you will like the mud." In reply, Otis tells her; "Oh, mama. I don't think so." A wonderful story, well illustrated.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otis is the story of a pig who doesn't like mud. While I can't relate to being a neat freak (I'm quite the packrat actually) I can relate to feeling different than those around you, and I think most children can as well.

It's a sweet story about remaining true to yourself, coping with being different, and finding people who accept you as you are.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful tale of a little pig that doesn't like to get dirty. His family are a bunch of messy oinkers and Otis just doesn't fit in. However, he stays true to who he is and finds friendship in the place he would least expect it.

[Haim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I enjoyed about the book was the twist in the plot. You'd expect that Otis will like to play in the mud, but in the end he found a friend who was like him. Very clever. The illustrations are wonderful--vibrant colors, yet not busy.

[Jillian]

Good for library story time

[SARAH · Rating 2 out of 5]

Otis is lonely because he does not like to get dirty and all the other pigs are in the mud...until he meets a frog with a similar psychology

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moral: it's alright to be different.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

25 months - I have a little girl that likes to have clean hands and points out when things are dirty. She agrees with Otis his family needs a bath!!

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate when I read a book and remember I read another one with the same/similar theme but can't remember which one. Need to find the match to this one.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

hanna liked how the pig didnt have to like the mud just because he was a pig. also how he made a new friend who didnt like mud too.

[Kaethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's tough for a pig who doesn't want to get dirty, apparently. Cute pictures, adequate text.

Library copy

[Brianna Crall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book about being different.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Otis was a clean pig who hated the mud. Don't worry, it works out just fine for him and he even finds a friend who likes to be as clean as him! Just be yourself and it will all work out.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Loren Long's Otis better, but I like my own Otis the best.