Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
16th out of 26 books
—
3 voters
Otter and Odder: A Love Story
When an otter falls in love with a fish, can he dare to follow his heart? A delicious ode to nonconformity from a stellar picture-book pair.
The day Otter found love, he wasn’t looking for it. He was looking for dinner. But then he gazed into the round, sweet, glistening eyes of Myrtle the fish, and he knew. "Impossible," he said. "I am in love with my food source." As for...more
The day Otter found love, he wasn’t looking for it. He was looking for dinner. But then he gazed into the round, sweet, glistening eyes of Myrtle the fish, and he knew. "Impossible," he said. "I am in love with my food source." As for...more
Hardcover, http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=076364174X&pix=n, 40 pages
Published
October 9th 2012
by Candlewick
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
297)
This is a wonderfully-written, adorable story of an otter who fell in love with his dinner; it teaches readers to resist peer pressure, to follow their hearts, and that love comes in all shapes and sizes. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to encourage open-mindedness (and/or vegetarianism) in their children.
Otter and Odder is a special book. A book to savor. A book to read when you don't have little ones clamoring for your attention or during your lunch break at work. It's one of those books that leave me unable to speak to anyone for a bit after I read it for the first time. I need time to soak it in and absorb the wonder of the writing. Don't worry, I'll be fine to read it at story time now that I've had my moment.
The combination of James Howe's writing (of Bunnicula fame) and Chris Raschka's il...more
The combination of James Howe's writing (of Bunnicula fame) and Chris Raschka's il...more
This was a very interesting (and, yes, slightly odd) love story about an otter who falls in love with his food source--a fish. I'm still puzzling out how I feel about the whole thing.
On the one hand, I thought the writing style was lovely and engaging (though some of the vocabulary seemed a bit advanced for young children and there was a bit of a disconnect between the long-ish story and big words and the very child-like illustrations). Also, I just couldn't help cringing a few times (such as w...more
On the one hand, I thought the writing style was lovely and engaging (though some of the vocabulary seemed a bit advanced for young children and there was a bit of a disconnect between the long-ish story and big words and the very child-like illustrations). Also, I just couldn't help cringing a few times (such as w...more
First of all the cover art and the illustrations in this book are different and yet amazing at the same time. The illustrations are done by Chris Raschka, but during this story the illustrations are really like children did the art work. It's all about the way the illustrations work along side the text, they work really well together. Seeing artwork like this might inspire children to work on their own stories and illustrate their own stories.
The story itself is a wonderful one, about an otter...more
The story itself is a wonderful one, about an otter...more
Grades 1-3
Otter is not looking for love on the day that he finds it... instead he is looking for dinner. And the object of his love and of his dinner are one and the same: a fish named Myrtle (Gurgle). While she is fearful at first, he slowly convinces her that she is the love of his life, and they begin to spend time together. But the naysayers have plenty to say about the inappropriateness of the situation, and soon, Myrtle can take it no longer and breaks things off. Otter is heartbroken, bu...more
Otter is not looking for love on the day that he finds it... instead he is looking for dinner. And the object of his love and of his dinner are one and the same: a fish named Myrtle (Gurgle). While she is fearful at first, he slowly convinces her that she is the love of his life, and they begin to spend time together. But the naysayers have plenty to say about the inappropriateness of the situation, and soon, Myrtle can take it no longer and breaks things off. Otter is heartbroken, bu...more
"The day Otter found love, he wasn't looking for it. He was looking for dinner."
It was a very unexpected encounter the day Otter realized he was in love with what naturally would be a food source for him, Myrtle, the fish. It isn't love at first sight for Myrtle, whose initial reaction is one of survival, "Please don't eat me". However, her heart soon turns to thoughts of love. The play and read stories to one another, despite reprimands that "this is not the way of the otter". This is a classic...more
It was a very unexpected encounter the day Otter realized he was in love with what naturally would be a food source for him, Myrtle, the fish. It isn't love at first sight for Myrtle, whose initial reaction is one of survival, "Please don't eat me". However, her heart soon turns to thoughts of love. The play and read stories to one another, despite reprimands that "this is not the way of the otter". This is a classic...more
Read more of my reviews at Dazzling Reads
Otter and Odder is a beautiful tale that I loved from beginning to end. Otter, our sweet little friend on this story, discovers the most heartwarming feeling when he falls in love with his food source, a fish.
Beautifully written, Otter and Odder is a tale where a friendly Otter overcomes cultural differences between fishes and otters, and breaks the stereotyped "way of the otter" (they are supposed to eat fishes, not fall in love with them) and learns th...more
Otter and Odder: A Love Story by James Howe illustrated by Chris Raschka is an unusual love story about an otter that falls in love with a fish, and whether such a relationship can work.
Raschka's illustrations were done in watercolor and pencil. The images are drawn to appear sinple, as if drawn by a child rather than a noted illustrator.
Howe's story brings up topics of differences, possible LGBT, love, open mindedness, stereotypes, vegetarianism, and bullying. To me, this seems like a story tha...more
Raschka's illustrations were done in watercolor and pencil. The images are drawn to appear sinple, as if drawn by a child rather than a noted illustrator.
Howe's story brings up topics of differences, possible LGBT, love, open mindedness, stereotypes, vegetarianism, and bullying. To me, this seems like a story tha...more
Although this odd picture book won't be to everyone's taste, I found it strangely appealing. In search of a meal, Otter is mesmerized by the eyes of a fish that he comes to know as Myrtle. Torn between the needs of his stomach and his heart, he follows his heart. But sometimes the course of true love doesn't run smoothly, and the couple faces naysayers who gossip about them and say that Otter's love for a fish isn't natural. After getting sound advice from the wise Beaver who suggests that Otter...more
A children's story about the complexity of biracial relationships told from a bi-species point of view. When I first picked up the book, I almost put it down because there seemed to be too many words and I didn't like the illustrations. (Sometimes I like Raschka's style, and sometimes I don't.) I kept reading anyway and was not disappointed.
An otter falls in love with a fish, his main food source. Things got complicated when people started to talk. The fish asked the otter if he had to eat her f...more
An otter falls in love with a fish, his main food source. Things got complicated when people started to talk. The fish asked the otter if he had to eat her f...more
I don't know what to think about this book. I suspect that it is meant more for adults than the preschool set, as it is very wordy, involves a love story, and offers a higher meaning than the simple tale of an otter who falls for a fish. I also can't say I am personally a fan of the "adult artist drawing like a child" illustration style.
At the same time, I could also see where Otter could be a positive story for vegetarian children. Myrtle the fish tells Otter she can't be friends with him whil...more
At the same time, I could also see where Otter could be a positive story for vegetarian children. Myrtle the fish tells Otter she can't be friends with him whil...more
A book that is bound to stir controversey (on many levels) Otter falls in love with Fish. This is not supposed to happen, because, well, Otters eat fish. Usually. And Otter does not care if Fish (Gurgle/Myrtle) is a girl or a boy. There is of course lots of talk - just like in real life - and Otter and Myrtle must overcome personal prejudices and the predjudices of their respective communities to find true happiness.
Raschka's illustations add to the charm of the book - a mix of pencil and waterc...more
Raschka's illustations add to the charm of the book - a mix of pencil and waterc...more
The unlikely love story of an otter and a fish. When looking for dinner one day Otter falls hopelessly in love with a fish known as Gurgle, though he mistakenly hears Myrtle. The other creatures gossip about their unlikely relationship and the pair confront some hard truths such as will Otter continue to eat fish? Wise Beaver presents a solution by offering Otter an alternate food source and the pair reunite for their happily ever after.
Enchanting storytelling combined with watercolor and penci...more
Enchanting storytelling combined with watercolor and penci...more
As Otter is swimming along in the pond one morning searching for a little something to eat, the most unexpected thing happens. He spots a fish but instead of eating her, he looks into her eyes and falls in love. They (the other otters) thought that it was wrong, and the talked about him behind his back. It was then her started to question whether it was okay for an otter to be in love with his food source. Myrtle or also may be known as Gurggle, did not want him to eat her family and fiends. Wit...more
(18)I find it kind of funny that so many people have missed the LGBT message in this; it was so obvious to me. Sure, it's not a same-sex animal couple. But even before they meet, Otter states that he doesn't care whether Myrtle is a boy or a girl. That's LGBT positive right there. That's not even going into the language of the disapproving otters being very similar to what the conservative anti-LGBT movement says.
That aside, this book was very lyrical in its language, which I felt didn't really...more
That aside, this book was very lyrical in its language, which I felt didn't really...more
A swing and a miss from a talented duo. The illustrations are off-putting, dark, scribbly and just kind of ugly. I don't like when illustrators mimic children's early drawings. The story has a lot to say----for adults. An otter falls in love with its food-source, a fish. A point is made of the fish's gender being irrelevant--it's a gay rights story. The cross-species love story causes the animals to talk--it's a biracial love story despite the haters. The otter decides to chew on some bark rathe...more
This is an odd, but entertaining story about an otter who falls in love with a fish. I couldn't help thinking throughout the story that it was a metaphor for gay marriage, but I suppose it's appropos for any two groups who are prohibited from being together throughout history (because of race, religion, ethnicity, etc.)
The story is sweet and entertaining and we loved the wise old beaver. The illustrations are very rudimentary and have a child-like quality that is unique, but not my favorite. Ov...more
The story is sweet and entertaining and we loved the wise old beaver. The illustrations are very rudimentary and have a child-like quality that is unique, but not my favorite. Ov...more
Otter is looking for food and finds love. They happen to be the same thing-- a fish named Myrtle. The other animals will not tolerate this odd behavior, and Myrtle cannot love an otter who eats her friends and family. With the help of a wise Beaver, will Otter live "happily ever after" with his fish? Or is his tale destined to end "And so their love could never be?" Chris Raschka's abstract crayon and watercolor illustrations exude playfulness, their colors highlighting the emotions of James How...more
It will be interesting to see who picks this one up. The langauge and story will likely appeal to adults more than children, but the illustrations are Raschka's most childlike. This dichotomy may alienate many readers, but it will surely find a place in some open hearts and minds. Knowing Howe's personal journeys and Raschka's influences give this story depth the casual reader will miss. Recommended to be "discovered" by a reader 7 & up, rather than placed in their hands and our laps.
Me, I wasn't impressed. I thought it was too long in the text, too didactic, too obvious. As much as I like the design of the otter, I found the spreads confusing and the coloring weird and random.
But! Natasha really liked it. She thought the romance was sweet, and she liked the happy ending finally, and everything.
So I'm splitting the difference between my two and her four or five and giving it three stars.
I'm curious to see how other people respond to this.
Library copy.
But! Natasha really liked it. She thought the romance was sweet, and she liked the happy ending finally, and everything.
So I'm splitting the difference between my two and her four or five and giving it three stars.
I'm curious to see how other people respond to this.
Library copy.
Loved loved loved this!...at least for an adult audience. Great LGBT love story. I think it's strange that a lot of people commented how it's about vegetarianism--it could be if you wanted it to be, but I really don't think that's the message of this book. Howver, I'm not really sure how this would go over with kids. And not so sure how I feel about the illustrations. Because I'm pretty conflicted, I can't really rate it.
I am really at a loss as to what I think about this book. I think the story is cute but a little too deep for the intended audience. I don't think younger readers really understand why an otter and a fish can't fall in love. It might trigger some interesting comparison and difference conversations but overall the love story was not made humorous so I don't know how much children will appreciated the book.
Oct 28, 2012
Sandy
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
bullying,
communities,
differences,
friendship,
multi-age,
multi-cultural,
nature,
pb-fiction,
very-young,
word-play,
young-elementary
What could be more appealing than combining James Howe's text with Chris Raschka's illustrations? maybe a story in which an otter falls in love with a fish, the fish loves the otter, but both struggle with the expectations of "others". Wise beaver and their own hearts help them choose a way to share their love without worrying about expectations of others. Surprises abound, including in Raschka's style choice.
This book is so odd I absolutely love it! The premise is basically Romeo and Juliet, but for some reason it resonated more deeply with me. If we could all be like Otter and question what our culture has taught us and have the courage to develop a new path, we may discover a true love or kindred spirit or a way to a healthier society. It ranks up there with Farfallini and Marcel.
Holy cow, this one is beautiful and profound in a way that picture books rarely are. I just love the twists in the story, and (spoiler alert) that the heartbroken otter becomes a vegetarian. And I'm usually not a fan of Chris Raschka's illustrations, but for this story, the art was perfect. Someday I will do a whole vegetarian propaganda storytime, and this will be the centerpiece.
Definitely an odd love story. Otter falls in love with his food source, a fish. At first it seems that the romance is doomed until a wise beaver shows the otter that there are other things to eat than fish. Adorable illustrations done in watercolor and pencil give a childlike crayon drawing feel to the story. A nice story for preschool to kindergarten.
My first impulse was to reject this love story. I have read others that try to address what a different sort of love looks like. Upon second read and sharing with a colleague, I decided to reconsider. It is a very different kind of love story from the author that gave us Bunnicula.
I will weigh in again after several more readings.
I will weigh in again after several more readings.
When Otter falls in love with his food source, a fish named Myrtle (or "Gurgle," if you prefer), he must choose between the way of the otters and the way of his heart in order to find his own happily-ever-after. This is a sweet and thoughtful story about love, illustrated with dreamy, child-like washes of watercolor and crayon.
I did not care for this book. I think the subject matter is really not of interest to kids, the illustrations aren't for me but I can appreciate the style as being appealing to others. I don't understand this surge in picture books about unexpected love. I don't think that's a big topic pre-schoolers are looking for.
Why didn't I review this right away? What an odd, funny little book. "They're right. It is impossible. You cannot love your food source," thinks Otter when he finds himself smitten with a fish. Loved it. In the vein of Arlene the Sardine and weird, not-quite-for-kids but entertaining all the same picture books.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
James Howe has written more than eighty books in the thirty-plus years he's been writing for young readers. It sometimes confuses people that the author of the humorous Bunnicula series also wrote the dark young adult novel, The Watcher, or such beginning reader series as Pi...more
More about James Howe...
James Howe has written more than eighty books in the thirty-plus years he's been writing for young readers. It sometimes confuses people that the author of the humorous Bunnicula series also wrote the dark young adult novel, The Watcher, or such beginning reader series as Pi...more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“Impossible," he said "I am in love with my food source.”
—
1 person liked it
More quotes…
Feb 10, 2013 04:22am