Oddbird by Derek Desierto

Oddbird arrives at the water hole. None of the other fancy birds have entered the water even though it is a very, very hot day. They are way too concerned about their appearance. The water might ruin their fabulous feathers. 

But Oddbird is different. He is grey. His feathers are dull. He is hot after his long flight. He dips his toes into the cool pool and immediately all the other birds begin to verbally attack him. Oddbird bursts into tears and flies away.

In the surrounding jungle, Oddbird notices all the colour in nature. He picks up various colourful pieces and transforms himself into a fabulous bird. His little swimming suit is especially cute. Back at the pool none of the other birds recognise him - well not until he climbs up the tall ladder and dives into the pool. All of his colourful accessories fall off and of course now the other birds can see the fancy bird, they had admired just minutes ago, is just Oddbird. If you read this book to a group of older students I would stop at this point and try to predict what could happen next.

Make sure you spread out the covers so your class or library group of young reading companion can enjoy the full spread. The vibrant birds, each with their distinct personality, is a fabulous image. You can see the whole spread at the top of this post. 

The obvious companion read to go with Oddbird would be Scary Bird although I do think Scary Bird has a deeper message.

Here is the trailer for Oddbird. Here is an interview with The School Library Journal where derek talks about Oddbird. Take a look at this interview with Let's Talk Picture Books.  This is the first picture book Canadian animator Derek Desierto has made where he is both the author and illustrator. His previous book was:

You might also like to compare this book with:

Elmer

Picture Book Month Day 23

The book I am sharing today is a very obscure one and yes it is out of print because it was published in 1986 but I wanted to include it here because this book is such a terrific read aloud. It just begs to have you use your different voices for Herbert Binns himself - a kind, creative and wise mouse - and his enemies - McTabbity, Zip and Measly. I love those names and the name of the community of Field Edge.

I wrote about Herbert Binns and the Flying Tricycle in 2010. It is interesting to see the way my posts have become longer and more detailed over time. My blog started in 2008 and here I am still going strong 23 years later. 

These days I always check to see if the author and illustrator have web pages, I read reviews, and I look for additional materials such as videos; teacher notes; and interviews. You can see the whole story here. The music track is a little distracting but you will be able to see the text and art. I suggest viewing full screen without sound. I do like the pace of this recording. 

Caroline Castle is also the author of these terrific titles which are absolutely perfect for preschoolers. There are four and again I am sad to say they are all out of print - Happy, Gorgeous, Funny, and Naughty.

Her work is also showcased in this book which should be in EVERY school library:

I now discover Caroline Castle and Peter Weeves collaborated on another title too:

Henry and the Fox by Chris Wormell

"This is Henry, and Henry is a coward."

"Everyone thought poor Henry was hopeless. 

He only had one friend in the whole world: 

a bantam named Buffy."

Buffy is a such a good friend and she is a problem solver. She thinks of a clever way to fool the other hens and show Henry is brave. She takes some washing from the farm clothes line and uses it to make a fox. A sock filled with grass and leaves becomes a tail and a baggy red jumper, from a distance, looks just like the body of the fox hiding in the nettles. 

It is a brilliant plan except there is a problem. Rhoda overhears the pair of friends. She 'spills the beans' to all other hens. What none of them realise is the jumper has become a warm inviting bed in the summer sunshine. Someone has come along and curled up and fallen asleep on this inviting bed. Yes you are right the someone is a real fox. Henry leaps onto the jumper and without realising attacks the fox.

"Poor Henry got a terrible shock when the red woolly jumper turned in a real fox. He opened his beak to scream, only that's not what came out. What came out was a glorious "Cock-a-doodle-doo! right in the fox's face. The fox ran for his life."

Henry and the Fox was published in 2006 and so sadly it is out of print but you may find a copy in a library. The illustrations showing the rural setting, stone fence, old farm house and meadow are wonderful. They reminded me of John Joe and the Big Hen by Martin Waddell illustrated by Paul Howard. Here is the web site for Chris Wormell.  I would pair this book with these:

Albert and Lila

Banjo and Ruby Red

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

Happy Birthday to The Paperbag Princess

Born 1980 turning 40 this year

Party date 7th March 

Location - various bookshops in US and Canada such as Woozles in Halifx

When a dragon burns down her castle Elizabeth is left with nothing except a paper bag. She bravely sets out to rescue Prince Ronald who has been carried off by the dragon. She finds Ronald who is held captive by the dragon in a cave. Elizabeth challenges the dragon to demonstrate his extraordinary powers. She appeals to his vanity, setting him three challenges. Eventually he collapses exhausted. Elizabeth is able to rescue Ronald but instead of being grateful all he can do is criticise her appearance! Elizabeth is not defeated. She has the final and very appropriate word for the vain and pompous Ronald! He is a 'bum'.

I first talked about The Paper Bag Princess in 2012.  Robert Munsch was born in the US and now lives in Canada. He is the author of over 65 books. His first book Mud Puddle (1979) is one I love to read aloud but The Paperbag Princess is probably his most famous title. Here is a video where Robert talks about his book. Take a look at my previous post about Princess stories.

Resources

• Audio Book
• Teaching ideas
• Linking the text with philosophical thinking

Other Princess stories I adore:

Big change for Stuart by Lissa Evans

Last night I picked up the sequel to Small Change for Stuart,  which is a book I thoroughly enjoyed.  It is now the middle of the day and I have just finished Big Change for Stuart and I am happy to report that it is every bit as good as the first installment.

I thought I might just quote from a few reviews so you can read more about this book.

The Guardian

... short chapters keep the pace whipping along, as Stuart inches ever closer to his prize, as well as the greater goals of winning some friends and managing to tell the triplets apart. A smart book for a smart young reader.

Books for Keeps

This is a satisfying read: it combines real life with a touch of magic through lively characterisation, brisk prose and plenty of dialogue, ensuring the young reader will keep turning the pages from the immediacy of the opening to the very satisfying conclusion. It is not often that sequels are as good as the first book (or even better) but Big Change for Stuart certainly qualifies. Highly recommended. 

The Bookbag

I liked their different characters and there's lots of humour between the sisters! Stuart's dad plays a role again too, and I do enjoy the long, convoluted way he has of speaking and I thought it was an interesting twist that when he found himself involved in one of the adventures he was only able to speak in monosyllabic words - quite a challenge for him!