Many older readers will have met Odder via the verse novel with the same title by Katherine Applegate. That book has 270 pages. It is fairly easy to read because of the format but the intended audience is readers aged 9+. Now we also have Odder: An Otter's story which is a picture book for readers aged 5+. Huge thanks to University of Queensland Press for sending an advance copy.
Look at the cover of this new picture book - it is sure to appeal to all young readers. How can anyone resist this sweet little sea otter - she seems to be looking straight at the reader on the cover inviting you to explore her story. Then there is the added bonus that this book is a based on a true story. Children are always fascinated by true animal stories. Odder: An otter's story is a book you should certainly consider adding to your school library collection. Older readers might like to borrow the verse novel and the picture book. I would be keen to display them side by side in the library.
I did a brief comparison of the two texts - of course the picture book story is very much abridged.
Verse Novel:
Picture Book:
Bookseller blurb: Meet Odder, the Queen of Play! She twists, darts, weaves, and rolls, leaving frothy trails behind her. Why just somersault when you can triple-doughnut? Why dive when you can dazzle? Odder spends her days playing underwater and learning from her mother, until a storm changes everything and she is rescued by humans. Based on Katherine Applegate's bestselling novel, this lyrical story, inspired by a true programme pairing orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers, explores resilience, healing, and the vital role of play through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved creatures.
In the US this picture book is published by Macmillan.
I previously read and loved Odder - the verse novel. It spent over 52 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Now University of Queensland Press have acquired the rights to Odder - the picture book edition. Here is a quote from their Instagram page:
UQP is thrilled to announce that we've acquired the picture book edition of ‘Odder: An Otter's Story’ by Newbery Medallist Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Charles Santoso. Adapted from the middle-grade verse novel of the same title, the story follows a playful sea otter pup named Odder whose life is turned upside down when she is separated from her mother during a storm. It is a poetic and heartwarming tale of resilience, healing and wildlife conservation. UQP has acquired ANZ rights and will publish in May 2025.
Here is the UK cover of the original verse novel:
You are sure to be familiar with other splendid books by Katherine Applegate - if you click on the label assigned to this post you can read many of her other books.