What do an onion-headed boy, a child-sized hedgehog, and a tattooed girl have in common? They are all orphans at Oddfellow's Orphanage! This unusua...
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Dec 30, 2011
Sharon
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Oddfellow's Orphanage by Emily Winfield Martin is a fun children's book slated for release on January 24 2012. The book follows the adventures of one mute, albino girl (Delia) as she joins the family at Oddfellow's Orphanage. The other children at the orphanage, and even the teachers, are all a little odd. The orphanage is a place for all living creatures to find a home. Its residents include an onion headed boy, a girl covered in tattoos, and a family of dancing bears. The book is told in episo
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Nov 16, 2011
Sarah
rated it: 
I'm a fan of Emily Martin's art, so when I heard she had written a children's book telling the story behind some of her characters, I was pretty excited.
I read an arc of the book, so it only had rough pencil sketches of the art instead of the B&W illustrations that will be in the final edition. Unfortunately, the story felt like a rough pencil sketch too.
Essentially, students at a suspiciously Hogwartsian orphanage have some mildly amusing adventures and then everyone More...
I read an arc of the book, so it only had rough pencil sketches of the art instead of the B&W illustrations that will be in the final edition. Unfortunately, the story felt like a rough pencil sketch too.
Essentially, students at a suspiciously Hogwartsian orphanage have some mildly amusing adventures and then everyone More...
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Nov 29, 2011
Rebecca
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Delia has recently been orphaned and finds herself among a truly odd assortment of characters when she arrives at Oddfellow Bluebeard’s orphanage. Each child at Oddfellow’s Orphange has something that sets them apart from the others, from the boy with an onion head, to the girl with blue tattoos all over her body, to a young hedgehog. Each child also has some delightful quality that makes them perfectly likeable.
Oddfellow’s Orphanage, written and illustrated by celebrated Etsy artist E More...
Oddfellow’s Orphanage, written and illustrated by celebrated Etsy artist E More...
Aug 23, 2011
Jossie Posie
rated it: 
I was eager to pick up the book having been a fan of Ms. Martin's illustrations. I was completely enchanted by the sweet story and all the wonderful adventures the orphan's undertake. I couldn't help thinking how much I would love to read this story aloud to my future children. The illustrations (even in their incomplete state) where as whimsical as one would expect from the creator of The Black Apple. I look forward to re-reading the completed book and soaking in the beautiful illustrations
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Aug 18, 2011
Nicole
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I have been a fan of Emily Winfield Martin's and her Black Apple creations for quite some time. I love her whimsy creativity and imagination. This book is like a swirl of ice cream including all the best flavors to create a flavor that is the best tasting. The flavors of dancing bears, fairy tales, the sound of music, and Christmas. It is a book full of characters that may be new or may be familiar. They are orphans which is a big enough of a drama. This leaves room for light-hearted problems in
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Feb 08, 2012
John
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A strange and surreal set of linked but largely independent episodes set in an orphanage where the children include an onion headed boy, a hedgehog, a tattooed young girl and like unusual sorts. My feeling is that this is one of those books that adults will come into libraries years from now and say that they're looking for, because they read it when they were children and don't remember the title, but do recall the carriage that was pulled by bears, the albino girl who never spoke but wrote not
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Dec 05, 2011
Audrey
rated it:
I read a e-book ARC from the publisher through Netgalley. My review will be posted in December as requested by the publisher.
When I discovered through Netgalley that Emily Martin (Inside a Black Apple) was writing a children's book and that a digital ARC was available for review, I jumped on the chance. Oddfellow's Orphanage is based on Martin's collection of prints by the same name, and it follows the adventures of a group of whimsical orphans. Unfortunately, the execution of the st More...
When I discovered through Netgalley that Emily Martin (Inside a Black Apple) was writing a children's book and that a digital ARC was available for review, I jumped on the chance. Oddfellow's Orphanage is based on Martin's collection of prints by the same name, and it follows the adventures of a group of whimsical orphans. Unfortunately, the execution of the st More...
Jan 03, 2012
Elizabeth
rated it:
My copy of this book shows it aimed at 7-10 year olds which was the first thing to give me pause when I opened the ARC. The language is in no way appropriate of that age group. The vocabulary is just much much too difficult for the average 10 year old. The pace of the book (slow, plodding, pointless details) makes it even less of a good fit for this age group. The book is filled with short sentences which I think is perhaps where the reading level came from but short sentences with big words
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Oct 07, 2011
Heather
rated it:
Review of an advance copy:
This story is rather short on plot, and nothing much really happens, but the characters are unique and entertaining. And of course the illustrations on which the book is based are quite lovely. If you are looking for a book with a point or action or a major theme, you won't find it here. It is more of a cute, nonthreatening diversion which does not ask much of its reader. Except to enjoy its cuteness.
This story is rather short on plot, and nothing much really happens, but the characters are unique and entertaining. And of course the illustrations on which the book is based are quite lovely. If you are looking for a book with a point or action or a major theme, you won't find it here. It is more of a cute, nonthreatening diversion which does not ask much of its reader. Except to enjoy its cuteness.
Feb 21, 2012
Jen
rated it:
I liked this, which surprised me.
Yes, it's a little hipstery (written by the artist of Black Apple). But not nearly as much as "Wildwood" was.
Yes, it's a little flippant in regards to dead families.
Yes, it's Hogwarty/Mysterious Benedicty/Lemony Snickety.
All that and I still found it very pleasant. Age appropriate in terms of content - sweet but not too sentimental story told in neat episodic chapters that weren't too complex. It reminded me a lot More...
Yes, it's a little hipstery (written by the artist of Black Apple). But not nearly as much as "Wildwood" was.
Yes, it's a little flippant in regards to dead families.
Yes, it's Hogwarty/Mysterious Benedicty/Lemony Snickety.
All that and I still found it very pleasant. Age appropriate in terms of content - sweet but not too sentimental story told in neat episodic chapters that weren't too complex. It reminded me a lot More...
Dec 05, 2011
Lisa
rated it:
Horrible cover art (meaning children might not pick up on their own) but a sweet and endearing story. The quirkiness of the characters makes this story fun, and the short blurps before each chapter is a nice touch. The readers are able to get to know a little background for each of the characters before the story proceeds. Each chapter in the story is a snapshot of an episode where Delia discovers something new about one or more of her fellow orphans.
I read an ARC that did not ha More...
I read an ARC that did not ha More...
Oct 25, 2011
Emily
rated it:
Can I go to Oddfellow's Orphanage? I know, I know, I am neither an orphan or a child--but maybe I could teach there? Emily Wingfield Martin has created a beautiful, loving world in her first novel. Full of adorable characters and endearing illustrations, this book will feel right at home with the likes of Betsy-Tacy and B is for Betsy. Whether reading at bedtime, or reading alone, any child and/or adult will love this book--and want to live at this magical orphanage.
Aug 22, 2011
Karen
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Such beautiful illustrations! I could stare at them for days and the story is very much a Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children-type of thing for a much younger set, isn't it? I like it as a read-aloud.
Oct 11, 2011
Stephanie
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This book made me feel happy. I just read the pre-pub and am anxious to see the final version. There are not many stories that are about happy orphans and wonderful caregivers. This is one. Wonderful whimsey!
Feb 23, 2012
A
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I thought this might be dark and odd given the title and characters. But, it ended up being very sweet, charming and whimsical. I think Grace and Ian would love it. Also, the illustrations are charming.
Feb 19, 2012
Andrea
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Delightful characters and setting, but far too episodic. Felt like I was reading a draft rather than a completed book. All fits and starts.
Feb 10, 2012
Emma
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Sweet and charming! Although we only get a taste of it, I enjoyed the world Emily Martin has created here.
Jul 08, 2011
Kaycie
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Lovely. Just as if Miss Winfield's paper dolls from the Black Apple's Paper Doll Primer came to life.
Jan 30, 2012
Joanna
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Not really my genre. But I can say I prefer Oddfellows over Harry Potter. Great effort from a young author. PLEASE Support up-and-coming talent, go buy the book!
I only started collecting children books because of Emily's great recommendations on her blog. *The Composer is Dead- priceless... I love her more complicated artwork such as the cover of Oddfellow's Orphanage. I'm looking forward to buying this one-- and hoping that it is jam packed with illustrations and few words with a sing More...
I only started collecting children books because of Emily's great recommendations on her blog. *The Composer is Dead- priceless... I love her more complicated artwork such as the cover of Oddfellow's Orphanage. I'm looking forward to buying this one-- and hoping that it is jam packed with illustrations and few words with a sing More...
Feb 16, 2012
Linda
rated it:
The art was very sweet but it was missing something I can't put my finger on. Sadly not quite special enough...
Feb 02, 2012
Tracie
rated it:
A sweet story about odd characters and orphans who form a loving family.
Feb 22, 2012
Feb 20, 2012
Feb 20, 2012
