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Ottoline #3
Ottoline at Sea
Ottoline and Mr. Munroe do everything and go everywhere together. That is, until the day Mr. Munroe mysteriously disappears leaving a strange clue written in string… Armed with her Amateur Roving Collectors’ travel pass Ottoline sets off on a journey over, under and on top of the sea to find her hairy best friend – and bring him back home.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
16 people are currently reading
640 people want to read
About the author
Chris Riddell
377 books1,026 followersChris Riddell was born in Cape Town, South Africa, where his father was an Anglican priest and a member of the ANC. The family moved to England in 1963, when Riddell was one year old, and he spent his childhood in a number of different locations, as his father moved between parishes. Both of Riddell's parents continued to be active in the anti-apartheid movement.
Chris Riddell is an internationally acclaimed writer and illustrator whose many awards include the Nestlé Gold Award and two Kate Greenaway Medals—the most prestigious prize for illustration in the UK. He is the creator of more than one hundred books for all ages, including the immensely popular series the Edge Chronicles and his latest chapter book series, starring the irrepressible Ottoline Brown, which School Library Journal called "exceptional." Chris lives in Brighton, England, with his wife and three children where he invents his amazing characters in a very tidy shed in his yard.
Chris Riddell is an internationally acclaimed writer and illustrator whose many awards include the Nestlé Gold Award and two Kate Greenaway Medals—the most prestigious prize for illustration in the UK. He is the creator of more than one hundred books for all ages, including the immensely popular series the Edge Chronicles and his latest chapter book series, starring the irrepressible Ottoline Brown, which School Library Journal called "exceptional." Chris lives in Brighton, England, with his wife and three children where he invents his amazing characters in a very tidy shed in his yard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
January 6, 2021
A fun book with amazing detailed illustrations
June 21, 2023
If you have young children and like to read to them, the Ottoline series by Chris Riddell is worth checking out. Riddell both writes and illustrates the stories. Ottoline at Sea is the 3rd book in this 4 book series.
It's a short, fun story with neat little references to the Beatles for the adults. Ottoline lives in an apartment in the Pepperpot Building. Her parents are explorers and rarely home, communicating with Ottoline by post card. (remember them?). Her constant companion is Mr. Munroe, a friendly troll. Their parents found Mr. Munroe during one of their trips to Norway.
In this book Mr. Munroe seems sad and everywhere he looks he sees reminders of Norway. Ottoline is trying to plan a vacation with Mr. Munroe and she is kind of oblivious to Mr. Munroe's situation. She is surprised one day to find he has disappeared, leaving a note simply stating Norway. Thus begins her fun journey, accompanied by the Canadian bear who spends the winter sorting clothes in the basement laundry room.
That's really all you need to know about the story. It's short, quick, fun and lovingly illustrated. There are neat people all along the way and, yes, it's a happy ending. Sometimes even an adult needs such a story. (4.0 stars)
It's a short, fun story with neat little references to the Beatles for the adults. Ottoline lives in an apartment in the Pepperpot Building. Her parents are explorers and rarely home, communicating with Ottoline by post card. (remember them?). Her constant companion is Mr. Munroe, a friendly troll. Their parents found Mr. Munroe during one of their trips to Norway.
In this book Mr. Munroe seems sad and everywhere he looks he sees reminders of Norway. Ottoline is trying to plan a vacation with Mr. Munroe and she is kind of oblivious to Mr. Munroe's situation. She is surprised one day to find he has disappeared, leaving a note simply stating Norway. Thus begins her fun journey, accompanied by the Canadian bear who spends the winter sorting clothes in the basement laundry room.
That's really all you need to know about the story. It's short, quick, fun and lovingly illustrated. There are neat people all along the way and, yes, it's a happy ending. Sometimes even an adult needs such a story. (4.0 stars)
March 7, 2023
I read the Norwegian translation, titled Ottoline Goes To Norway. In the Norwegian books Mr. Munroe (herr Monsen) is from Finland, which kind of messes up the plot in this book, but he is still from Finland here and goes to Norway. I loved the character based on Thor Heyerdahl and the other Norwegian cultural references! As always, great illustrations, this time heavily accented in green.
March 29, 2015
I was attracted to Chris Riddell's work mainly because of the fascinating illustrations he did for Neil Gaiman. To my delight, I discovered the Ottoline series and this is the first installment I read (and also the 3rd book in the series, I just found out).
In a quirky blend of the familiar and fantastical, this book should appeal to the young, even the exceptionally resistant, reader. Ottoline is a seemingly ordinary little girl with a penchant for wearing unusual mismatched shoes, who lives in a high-rise apartment building with Mr Munroe, a hairy bog creature. Her parents are professional explorers who are away in Norway searching for the elusive Quite Big Foot, and they send Ottoline her own Amateur Roving Collector's Pass that she could use for her next holiday. As Ottoline is planning her next trip and furiously reading up and buying up travelling gear, Mr Munroe suddenly disappears. With the clues he leaves behind, Ottoline embarks on an adventure in search of her friend, together with the help of a Canadian Bear she meets in the laundry room at the basement of her building, who should be hibernating but had decided to take a little vacation himself in the apartment building.
The book also comes with a pair of bog goggles that helps you see hidden pictures in the pages, as you journey with Mr Munroe. Delightfully quaint.
In a quirky blend of the familiar and fantastical, this book should appeal to the young, even the exceptionally resistant, reader. Ottoline is a seemingly ordinary little girl with a penchant for wearing unusual mismatched shoes, who lives in a high-rise apartment building with Mr Munroe, a hairy bog creature. Her parents are professional explorers who are away in Norway searching for the elusive Quite Big Foot, and they send Ottoline her own Amateur Roving Collector's Pass that she could use for her next holiday. As Ottoline is planning her next trip and furiously reading up and buying up travelling gear, Mr Munroe suddenly disappears. With the clues he leaves behind, Ottoline embarks on an adventure in search of her friend, together with the help of a Canadian Bear she meets in the laundry room at the basement of her building, who should be hibernating but had decided to take a little vacation himself in the apartment building.
The book also comes with a pair of bog goggles that helps you see hidden pictures in the pages, as you journey with Mr Munroe. Delightfully quaint.
January 4, 2018
I remember reading these books when I was like in yr 4. I love them so much because the illustrations are so cute and the stories are so wild and adventurous.
May 5, 2022
I absolutely love Chris Riddell and I really recommend this book
July 23, 2022
Olen lukenut sarjan kaksi aikaisempaa kirjaa ja ne olivat upeita! Mutta pakko sanoa, että tämä on tästä sarjasta paras tähän mennessä 😍 Juoni oli mahtava, sai usein hymyillä lukiessa ja loppuratkaisu: aivan ihana 😍
Kuvitus on edelleen aivan upeaa ja aikaa meneekin huomatessa kaikki yksityiskohdat ja siltikin jää paljon näkemättä 🥰
Suosittelen tätä kirjaa kaikille, joita upea kuvitus, ihana tarina, leppoisa eteneminen, peikot sekä Ottilia ja Herra Mauri kiinnostavat 😊
Kuvitus on edelleen aivan upeaa ja aikaa meneekin huomatessa kaikki yksityiskohdat ja siltikin jää paljon näkemättä 🥰
Suosittelen tätä kirjaa kaikille, joita upea kuvitus, ihana tarina, leppoisa eteneminen, peikot sekä Ottilia ja Herra Mauri kiinnostavat 😊
April 30, 2020
Ma olen täiesti vaimustuses sellest sarjast. Selles raamatus oli küll teksti juba rohkem, aga pildid/joonistused olid jätkuvalt sama vahvad. Ja oskab autor toredaid killukesi peita ka täiskasvanu jaoks ;)
August 12, 2021
Mi piace molto questo libro ed è simpatico! I disegni sono ben accurati e sono troppo ben fatti! Mi piace!
February 28, 2022
I absolutely loved this. The story is fun and the drawings are amazing.
July 15, 2022
SE OLI PARAS OTTILIA!
February 27, 2018
Tässä kirjassa Ottilia suunnittelee matkaa lämpimään ja kuivaan paikkaan eikä huomaa, että Mauri-herra lähtee liikkeelle yksin kohti sateista Norjaa. Mikä saa sadetta ja kosteutta inhoavan Maurin suunnistamaan sinne ja löytääkö Ottilia ystävänsä? Kiva tarina, mahtavat kuvitukset ja pientä knoppisisältöä, joka aukeaa paremmin aikuiselle, mutta ei haittaa lasten lukukokemusta lainkaan.
4 tähteä. Voi lukea itsenäisenäkin, mutta paremmin tästä mielestäni saa asioita irti, jos on lukenut aiemmat Ottilia-kirjat. Kirjan teemaväri on tällä kertaa tummanvihreä.
4 tähteä. Voi lukea itsenäisenäkin, mutta paremmin tästä mielestäni saa asioita irti, jos on lukenut aiemmat Ottilia-kirjat. Kirjan teemaväri on tällä kertaa tummanvihreä.
September 6, 2015
Ottoline at Sea by Chris Riddell is an adventure fantasy and the last part in a trilogy. Ottoline, the eponymous hero of the book is an eccentric girl who lives in ‘Big City’ with Mr Munroe, a ‘bog person’ that met Ottoline’s parents in a bog in Norway and came to live with them. Ottoline is not an ordinary girl. She loves collecting odd shoes and is a ‘mistress of disguise’. Similarly eccentric, her parents travel the world as professional roving collectors while Ottoline stays at home with Mr Munroe.
One day, Ottoline’s parents travel to Norway on the hunt to find ‘Quite Big Foot’, the Abominable Troll of Trondheim. Coincidently, Mr Munroe comes across a pair of ‘bog goggles’ in Ottoline’s parents’ collection, which enable him to see clues about Quite Big Foot. Captivated by the images, Mr Munroe tries to draw Ottoline’s attention to his discoveries, but she ignores him. So he decides to go and find Quite Big Foot by himself, leaving a message to Ottoline in string, spelling the word ‘Norway’. But before she finds out, we are introduced to a new character, a bear from Canada, who is taking a holiday in the apartment basement rather than hibernating. He is to become Ottoline’s assistant in her forthcoming adventure.
When Ottoline realises that Mr Munroe has left, she becomes very upset, and determines to go and find him, along with her assistant, the bear. Their adventure includes trips on a submarine, a seaplane and a Polynesian raft. The book is filled with countless adventures with a surprising ending.
Despite being the last in the series, the reader doesn’t need to have read the previous books as it makes sense on its own. Ottoline at Sea appeals to both boys and girls although the main character is a female. The author appears to make historical references to famous adventurers. Thor Thorrensen, who is a famous explorer in the book, resembles the Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl as they both travel by a Polynesian raft. The female aviator, Minty Woodvine, could be an allusion to Emilia Earhart. These references would likely to be lost on the young audience.
The book can be enjoyed by students aged 7-10 and even older. The illustrations which are delicately designed by the author himself make the book come alive. The bonus ‘bog goggles’ provided with the book adds an interactive element to the reading experience. One of the book’s main messages is encouraging children to be adventurous and imaginative. Another theme that comes through the character of Ottoline is that there is nothing wrong with being ‘different’, an important message for children of this age to hear. Overall Ottoline at Sea is an engaging, modern and intelligently-written adventure book that entertains as well as educates.
One day, Ottoline’s parents travel to Norway on the hunt to find ‘Quite Big Foot’, the Abominable Troll of Trondheim. Coincidently, Mr Munroe comes across a pair of ‘bog goggles’ in Ottoline’s parents’ collection, which enable him to see clues about Quite Big Foot. Captivated by the images, Mr Munroe tries to draw Ottoline’s attention to his discoveries, but she ignores him. So he decides to go and find Quite Big Foot by himself, leaving a message to Ottoline in string, spelling the word ‘Norway’. But before she finds out, we are introduced to a new character, a bear from Canada, who is taking a holiday in the apartment basement rather than hibernating. He is to become Ottoline’s assistant in her forthcoming adventure.
When Ottoline realises that Mr Munroe has left, she becomes very upset, and determines to go and find him, along with her assistant, the bear. Their adventure includes trips on a submarine, a seaplane and a Polynesian raft. The book is filled with countless adventures with a surprising ending.
Despite being the last in the series, the reader doesn’t need to have read the previous books as it makes sense on its own. Ottoline at Sea appeals to both boys and girls although the main character is a female. The author appears to make historical references to famous adventurers. Thor Thorrensen, who is a famous explorer in the book, resembles the Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl as they both travel by a Polynesian raft. The female aviator, Minty Woodvine, could be an allusion to Emilia Earhart. These references would likely to be lost on the young audience.
The book can be enjoyed by students aged 7-10 and even older. The illustrations which are delicately designed by the author himself make the book come alive. The bonus ‘bog goggles’ provided with the book adds an interactive element to the reading experience. One of the book’s main messages is encouraging children to be adventurous and imaginative. Another theme that comes through the character of Ottoline is that there is nothing wrong with being ‘different’, an important message for children of this age to hear. Overall Ottoline at Sea is an engaging, modern and intelligently-written adventure book that entertains as well as educates.
August 25, 2011
My 7-y.o. boy and I both loved this book. The only disappointing thing was that the glasses didn't seem to work very well. The hidden images were still very difficult to see. Still, I love Riddell's artwork and storytelling and recommend all 3 Ottoline books to anyone who has kids or appreciates art.
June 2, 2014
These are such a fun read out loud for my kids! Love the character the whimsy, the pictures! Everything about these books! Really wish there can be more... my daughter especially LOVES studying the pictures (always extras in the ottoline books) and keeps even my runaround 4 year old entertained and looking over my shoulder! More than anything LOVE OTTOLINE!
August 30, 2015
One of Chris Riddell's more gorgeous characters, Ottoline is drawn with great sweetness. The pictures are very light, and so is the narrative content, which acts chiefly as a vehicle for his illustrations and sense of fun. It's one of those books that is a delight to hold in your hands and pore over. This would be a great confidence booster for children just into independent reading.
February 18, 2017
They had this book in the library and I just had to re-read this one. Yes, I may have the book in my collection, but this was easier. :P It was quite a fun re-read. Upping my rate from a 4 star to a 4.5 star.
May write a longer review soon.
May write a longer review soon.
September 16, 2013
We liked this book so much. Alice and I are huge fans of Ottoline and Chris Riddell's writing and beautiful illustrations but this book had a little edge to it - the disappearance of Mr. Munroe and the adventure to find him - and it was wonderful.
April 23, 2014
This wonderful series is great for beginner readers. I cannot emphasize enough how beautiful the illustrations are, sure to delight anyone.
I love all the sea creatures on which the page numbers are written.
I love all the sea creatures on which the page numbers are written.
September 15, 2014
Een vreemd, eigenwijs verhaal in een prachtige uitgave. Alleen al vanwege de kenmerkende tekeningen van Chris Riddell een aanrader: dit boekje belooft spelende zeekoeien en ijsberen die schoenen maken.
September 26, 2014
So damn quirky. Loved the art. The story wasn't for me but then I'm not a child. Might give this to my cousin as a present though. Also if you do not have the bog goggles like I didn't then things can be quite confusing.
June 26, 2015
Another lovely story from Chris Riddell with the intrepid Ottoline and her companion Mr Monroe. Perhaps the story was slightly less developed, but the pictures and jokes were just as good as the previous story I read ("ottoline and the Yellow Cat").
March 19, 2023
It is a very nice book to read. Just easy and a bit of fun
May 26, 2023
Macht immer Spaß Ottoline zu lesen und auch dieser Teil ist sehr schön anzugucken während eine spannende, rührsehlige Geschichte erzählt wird.
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September 5, 2024This series was a childhood favorite of mine, which is fun to say since I only read one book from it when I was young. When I first read the book Ottoline Goes to School, I was absolutely obsessed. It had just the right mix of gothic and haunting vibes, which totally drew me in. The dark academia feels, combined with the storytelling, left a lasting impression on me as a kid. I still vividly remember the images and scenes flashing through my head as I read it. I loved the routines of the characters, their quirky classroom antics, their ghost hunts, and how they learned about the creepy history of their school. Everything about it was so weird, creative, heartfelt, and, in my opinion, five stars.
So, when I saw this book in an old bookstore, I just knew I had to pick it up and rediscover this childhood favorite series. I’m happy to report that this book was just as amazing and is another five-star read for me. The quest vibes are immaculate—there are scenes set on hills and in the ocean that feel truly magical. The book introduces so many new characters, each fascinating and fun to read about. It has that classic adventure feel, where you jump from one life to another. The illustrations are beautiful and full of detail, bringing the story to life in a vivid way.
I also loved how Mr. Munro, one of the characters, goes through a bit of an existential crisis. Despite that, Coraline (the main character) doesn't really pay attention to him, and instead, she heads off to Norway, which is depicted as this incredible place where bogs live. Reading about the polar bear apartment was such a delight, and the artwork really elevated the story. Mr. Munro’s philosophical journey, where he’s trying to figure out who the bog is, was so interesting. There are planes, turtles, and a bunch of quirky characters that help Coraline out in Norway. Even Bigfoot gets a little redemption arc, where he just wants to be normal, but everyone judges him because he’s ugly. It’s such a good message for kids, telling them not to judge anyone by how they look. The pictures of Bigfoot doing fun things were a great touch.
Overall, this book has some of the best illustrations I’ve ever seen. It’s weird, creepy, which is just the right amount for a kids’ book. Although it’s a children’s book, and I usually don’t rate those, if I did, this would be a definite five stars. Every kid should read this.
So, when I saw this book in an old bookstore, I just knew I had to pick it up and rediscover this childhood favorite series. I’m happy to report that this book was just as amazing and is another five-star read for me. The quest vibes are immaculate—there are scenes set on hills and in the ocean that feel truly magical. The book introduces so many new characters, each fascinating and fun to read about. It has that classic adventure feel, where you jump from one life to another. The illustrations are beautiful and full of detail, bringing the story to life in a vivid way.
I also loved how Mr. Munro, one of the characters, goes through a bit of an existential crisis. Despite that, Coraline (the main character) doesn't really pay attention to him, and instead, she heads off to Norway, which is depicted as this incredible place where bogs live. Reading about the polar bear apartment was such a delight, and the artwork really elevated the story. Mr. Munro’s philosophical journey, where he’s trying to figure out who the bog is, was so interesting. There are planes, turtles, and a bunch of quirky characters that help Coraline out in Norway. Even Bigfoot gets a little redemption arc, where he just wants to be normal, but everyone judges him because he’s ugly. It’s such a good message for kids, telling them not to judge anyone by how they look. The pictures of Bigfoot doing fun things were a great touch.
Overall, this book has some of the best illustrations I’ve ever seen. It’s weird, creepy, which is just the right amount for a kids’ book. Although it’s a children’s book, and I usually don’t rate those, if I did, this would be a definite five stars. Every kid should read this.
July 11, 2022
The irrepressible Ottoline returns for her third adventure in Ottoline At Sea. Once again Chris Riddell has crafted a great children's story, and filled it with fun drawings. The story is profusely illustrated. Some parts of the story advance without any text at all, the pictures of Mr. Munroe's journey tell the story as well any text description. I have the opinion that Riddell really gets a kick out of producing these books, because so much care goes into each volume.
In Ottoline At Sea, Mr Munroe uses his bog goggles to spot hidden messages in drawings. Bog googles are included with each book - they are polarized lens that are suppose to filter out obscuring color and lines to reveal an image. Alas, no matter how near or far I held my bog goggles, I could not get the image to pop out of the background. This is my only minor complaint with regards to this fine children's book. I think that what Mr. Munroe saw was the footprints of the Quite Big Foot, who lives in Norway. Mr. Munroe tries to tell Ottoline that they need to set forth to Norway, but Ottoline is distracted by planning a vacation for the two of them, and so Mr. Munroe sets out on his own. When Ottoline realizes that Mr. Munroe has left without her, she is heartbroken - she and Mr. Munroe do everything together! Ottoline and the bear set off after Mr. Munroe.
This being a children's story, Ottoline meets helpful allies at every turn. She rides in a submarine. On a sea plane. On a raft called the Kon-Leekki, captained by Thør Thørrensen. Along the way, Ottoline's adventure includes hunting for mermaids (which turn out to manatees), meeting the Polar Bear Shoe Company, and visiting with Ringo and George (two green-nosed trolls who live in Norwegian Wood). There is nothing in this book to frighten young children, the Quite Big Foot turns out to be friendly and mischaracterized.
I believe the Ottoline books will appeal to folks of all ages. They are humorous and well drawn. Alas, there is only one more book in the series.
In Ottoline At Sea, Mr Munroe uses his bog goggles to spot hidden messages in drawings. Bog googles are included with each book - they are polarized lens that are suppose to filter out obscuring color and lines to reveal an image. Alas, no matter how near or far I held my bog goggles, I could not get the image to pop out of the background. This is my only minor complaint with regards to this fine children's book. I think that what Mr. Munroe saw was the footprints of the Quite Big Foot, who lives in Norway. Mr. Munroe tries to tell Ottoline that they need to set forth to Norway, but Ottoline is distracted by planning a vacation for the two of them, and so Mr. Munroe sets out on his own. When Ottoline realizes that Mr. Munroe has left without her, she is heartbroken - she and Mr. Munroe do everything together! Ottoline and the bear set off after Mr. Munroe.
This being a children's story, Ottoline meets helpful allies at every turn. She rides in a submarine. On a sea plane. On a raft called the Kon-Leekki, captained by Thør Thørrensen. Along the way, Ottoline's adventure includes hunting for mermaids (which turn out to manatees), meeting the Polar Bear Shoe Company, and visiting with Ringo and George (two green-nosed trolls who live in Norwegian Wood). There is nothing in this book to frighten young children, the Quite Big Foot turns out to be friendly and mischaracterized.
I believe the Ottoline books will appeal to folks of all ages. They are humorous and well drawn. Alas, there is only one more book in the series.
February 10, 2024
Mr. Munroe has vanished from the Big City, so Ottoline and Bear take to the sea in hopes of finding him, tagging along with a colourful assortment of travellers - but why did he leave in the first place, and what does it have to do with a unique pair of goggles her parents found? Riddell keeps the kooky hijinks going with another fun adventure, a hearty dose of personality and its entertaining gimmick a treat for young readers. Can Ottoline find her best friend before he finds the Quite Big Foot?
December 11, 2024
I can’t believe that those books are not available anymore. I had to purchase this book online and it is a used cover because they are not selling them anymore, but I am so lucky to have my hands on them especially this edition because it is very hard to find as a hardcover. I was in love with every chapter and the usage of the bog goggles were super cute and very imaginative for kids, as well as the way that the storybook ends with reminding you to return back the goggles was just amazing! Oh chris riddell please bring back Ottoline’s adventures :”)
November 27, 2018
What I said about the second book applies even more to this one.
It's the most Heath Robinsonesque of all of them. Just like Uncle Lubin, Ottoline goes on fantastical journey using all sorts of interesting means of transport.
And furthermore, the silent sections with Mr Munroe are just plain straight out comic format. I wonder why Riddell has never actually done a full-on comic.
Just plain fun.
It's the most Heath Robinsonesque of all of them. Just like Uncle Lubin, Ottoline goes on fantastical journey using all sorts of interesting means of transport.
And furthermore, the silent sections with Mr Munroe are just plain straight out comic format. I wonder why Riddell has never actually done a full-on comic.
Just plain fun.
October 8, 2019
The thing I love about the Ottoline books is that my daughter LOVES them. They are our special reading time together. She struggles with reading so we take turns, yet, she can't get enough of Ottoline and Mr Munroe. In this book (#3) Mr. Munroe goes missing and Ottoline sets out to find him. She travels by submarine, airplane, and raft, making many friend along the way. We love the illustrations too.
#50/50BookQuest category= Write your own category...A Book you read with someone!
#50/50BookQuest category= Write your own category...A Book you read with someone!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews