PPBF: Oddrey

In our gratitude challenge, the word for the first day was sufficiency.
I love that word.
What are you grateful for that's sufficient in your life?

Today I'm grateful because PPBF is back ... and I'm a little embarrassed to say that I forgot that we weren't doing it last week and posted a PPBF review anyway ... so, in case you missed it, here's the link to Stand In My Shoes by Bob Sornson. 
It's got empathy written all over it and is such a worthwhile read!

And now, get ready to walk in Oddrey's shoes for a spell.


Title: Oddrey
Author & Illustrator: Dave Whamond
Publisher: Owlkids Books
Date:  October 16, 2012
Suitable for ages: 4 - 7
Themes: self-esteem, differences, acceptance
Fiction
Brief synopsis: Oddrey doesn't mind marching to the beat of a different drummer even though not everyone appreciates her differences. What will happen when she has to be a tree in her school play and ends up branching out to "save the show"?
Opening page:  Oddrey had always known she wasn't like everybody else.

Resources:

*Read a Quill & Quire review of Oddrey {here}.
*Download Oddrey activity pages from the publisher {here}.
*Find out more about Oddrey from CanLit {here}.
*Shining Willow award page and activity suggestions {here}.
*Compare and contrast it with Odd Velvet by Mary Whitcomb. 
*Ask students if Oddrey is a good name for this child
and let them support their answer in writing.

Why I like this book:  What's not to like. There's an adorable little odd-bird child with a smile that takes up her whole face who doesn't mind standing out in a crowd. In fact, she embraces it and actually revels in it a bit, even when it isn't necessarily applauded, appreciated or accepted. And though sometimes it left her feeling lonely and left out, Oddrey's ability to think for herself and "make the best of any situation" comes in handy. A lot. And then there's the play - The Wizard of Odd! Isn't that clever? When there's a problem at showtime, it's a resourceful, brave Oddrey (dressed as a tree) who not only roots for her friends but branches out to help them when they're struggling on stage. That's what friends are for, right? Here are my Wizard of Oz friends after our presentation at the 
2009 CEP Forum, just before we accepted our NSOC award. 
What, if anything, connects Dorothy and Oddrey?



Oddly enough, we just did our Self-Esteem Shields last week in small group feelings class. There aren't many parameters; basically students draw about what makes them unique. Here are a few of my faves:



This second grader drew a vase that tipped over and, even though the water spilled out, the flowers continue to thrive. Love this one,
 especially since she lost her father recently.


 This third-grade girl decided to draw a C for character and her flowers growing out of character soil. She explained that all of the fruit she drew represents to good stuff in her life because of her character choices. Yay! 



This one tugs at me because she included me in her family (MG)!
Is my heart swelling or what?

Have I mentioned there's a new Oddrey book - Oddrey and The New Kid - on the market now? But that's another review for another time.

Let's hear it for those cool, courageous kids 
who have healthy self-esteem and who celebrate standing out.

To see today's other PPBF picks, 
head to Susanna Leonard Hill's blog next.





25 comments

  1. These are some of my favorite themes in picture books. I want to know ODDREY!

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  2. This sounds like an excellent book and thanks for the useful links. Incidentally, I am grateful for our income. When I left my steady job and my husband decided to start his own business, we knew we'd have to live with a lot less. We live very differently from most people I know, but it is SUFFICIENT to keep 5 people alive and well, plus I get to be home for my kids and this arrangement gives my husband the flexibility to be there for them when he's needed most. Thanks.

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    1. It is such a fun challenge for me to put together the resources when I find a fun book. Thanks for stopping by, Joanne!

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  3. Oh my, this is such a remarkable book. I must view it. I love the theme, The symbolism in the pictures your students drew is amazing. I think the first one tugs at my heart -- life continues.

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    1. Yes, Pat, remarkable is a good word for it. And yes, those shields usually bring out the best in my small group counseling kids. So glad you liked them!

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  4. I don't know this book! Thanks for sharing. Will put it on my to-read list.

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    1. I was surprised it'd been a year on the market before it caught my attention, too.

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  5. The title alone sucked me in! (And I posted too last week, so you're not alone)

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    1. Thanks for validating my feelings about last week. The title got me, too, because I've got a friend named Audrey!

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  6. That IS a clever name and title, Barbara. . .unique!

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    1. Yes, Jarm, so unique. I'd even say one-of-a-kind but there's already a sequel. Tee hee.

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  7. What a wonderful book choice, Barbara! I LOVE the title...so cool and 'odd'...and of course, I love that the mc MUST stand up for what she believes, even if it makes her the 'odd' man out. Hooray for her saving the play...and the day.:) Fabulous activities and resource!!!

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    1. Thank you, Vivian. She is an adorable little main character with a big purpose!

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  8. Neato! Definitely on my list.

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    1. Hi Julie, and thanks for coming by the Corner. I like the word "neato" and I think you'll find that it fits Oddrey perfectly!

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  9. I was just asking around for books on gratitude. I came to your site to ask, and wah-la! There it is. Seems you read my mind. Thanks so very much for sharing. Love the Self-Esteem shields as well.

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    1. Oh, Marie, I hope it fits the bill about gratitude. It's more about being okay with being yourself. When I think about gratitude books, I think about Douglas Wood's The Secret of Saying Thanks or My Most Thankful Things by Lisa McCourt. I'm thankful you came by and left your kind reflections behind!

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  10. What a sweet book... I'm going to look it up. Thank you!

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  11. You sure have some pretty amazing kids Ms Gruener! I like when you share their work. And I think I like that Oddrey! She sounds like someone I could get along with quite well. I'll have to look her up! Thanks for sharing!

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  12. What a catchy title and adorable story. Love it! Thanks.

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    1. It's always my pleasure to pass along a story about a stand-up sista like Oddrey!

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  13. We'll have to find Oddrey. It's not at our library.

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    1. I guess sometimes the "newer" titles aren't there yet; will they order it if you request it?

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  14. What a lovely-sounding story with a great message! And what a perfect title! I love stories about kids who aren't afraid to be themselves. Thanks so much for sharing this one! (And P.S. Barbara - if there's ever a week where you post a PPB and I don't have the list up, you can always just add the link to the next week's list so we don't miss it!)

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I really enjoy hearing from my readers; thanks for sharing your reflections with us!