When Duck finds an egg of his own he's delighted: it's the most beautiful egg in the world But all the other birds think it's a very odd egg i... read full description
reviews
Dec 08, 2009
Lisa
rated it: 
Parents: please screen this before reading it to young children!
Ack! I don’t know how to rate this book.
I loved, loved, loved it up until the very last page, starting with the cover. I was completely charmed. It’s sweet, very funny, the different sized pages make for much suspense. Up until the last page it was probably a five star book for me, and certainly a four star book at least.
The illustrations are absolutely adorable, as is most of the story.
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Ack! I don’t know how to rate this book.
I loved, loved, loved it up until the very last page, starting with the cover. I was completely charmed. It’s sweet, very funny, the different sized pages make for much suspense. Up until the last page it was probably a five star book for me, and certainly a four star book at least.
The illustrations are absolutely adorable, as is most of the story.
More...
17 comments
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(6 people liked it)
May 14, 2010
Abigail
rated it: 
Named one of the top ten "Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2009" by The New York Times, Emily Gravett's The Odd Egg is a picture-book I've been eager to peruse, all the more so after reading a goodreads friend's review, with its rather cryptic references to the final page of the story. I now know what is on that final page!
But although I was not unduly disturbed by the final narrative sequence, and found Gravett's illustrations adorable, I wasn't quite as charmed by thi More...
But although I was not unduly disturbed by the final narrative sequence, and found Gravett's illustrations adorable, I wasn't quite as charmed by thi More...
5 comments
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(3 people liked it)
Dec 09, 2009
Kathryn
rated it:
I thought the idea for this book is really cute--I love how the pictures are so interactive and certain pages are smaller than the others so you see a progression and also a "surprise" with each turn of the page. There's a fun surprise at the end when we see what hatches--although I think sensitive readers might be a bit bothered because it is unclear whether the creature simply frightens the other birds away or perhaps eats them!!!
ETA: My copy was from the library and th More...
ETA: My copy was from the library and th More...
7 comments
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(4 people liked it)
Jan 18, 2011
Chandra
rated it:
This is a book that may or may not have benefited from lowered expectations. I've yet to really warm up to an Emily Gravett book (well, besides the board book Orange Pear Apple Bear which is completely awesome). But the thing is my daughter really loves her stuff - Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears and Spells. And, unless a book is totally hideous and/or mind numbing, my daughter's love is often enough to tip the scales. Plus, there's no denying the craftsmanship of Gravett's work. It's extr
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6 comments
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(3 people liked it)
Oct 13, 2011
Eva
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Feb 06, 2009
Tasha
rated it: 
All of the birds had laid an egg except Duck. But he found an egg! A lovely, large egg with green spots that he was sure was the best egg in the world. The other birds' eggs hatched one by one until only Duck's huge egg is sitting there whole. Duck continued to wait patiently for it to hatch, sitting next to it and knitting. The egg began to crack and...
Gravett, author of the charming Orange Pear Apple Bear, has again created a book that is very child friendly and accessible. H More...
Gravett, author of the charming Orange Pear Apple Bear, has again created a book that is very child friendly and accessible. H More...
Dec 03, 2011
Nichole
rated it:
This preschool to kindergarden book is a cute little story about a wide range of birds who find or lay an egg. All these birds are so happy with their eggs, except for the duck- who doesn't have a egg. The duck then finds a large beautiful egg! All the other birds laugh. The egg is large with green spots. The other birds eggs hatch, except for the duck. Finally, when his egg hatches everyone is in for a surprise. The egg opens and out comes an alligator, who scares all the other birds away. The
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Dec 15, 2011
Liza
rated it: 
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Aug 10, 2011
An Abundance of Books
rated it:
Featured at An Abundance of Books
This is a lovely book with very little text but so much going on in the illustrations that the story tells itself. Gravett has created another wonderfully quirky book that children will enjoy. Some pages have been shortened to reveal a surprise on the other side. Kids love little interactive touches like this. While not a book that lets me wave my hands around and yell (my preferred story telling method) the illustrations are delightful and funny an More...
This is a lovely book with very little text but so much going on in the illustrations that the story tells itself. Gravett has created another wonderfully quirky book that children will enjoy. Some pages have been shortened to reveal a surprise on the other side. Kids love little interactive touches like this. While not a book that lets me wave my hands around and yell (my preferred story telling method) the illustrations are delightful and funny an More...
Sep 11, 2010
Kristen
rated it:
I was initally on the fence about this book. I thought it was a bit too simplistic for my daughter (who is 3) and I to read. We are starting to read more complex books and in relation to other pre-school picture books we read this seemed simple. But, my daughter instantly loved it. She wants to read it 3-4 times in a row and loves to turn in insert pages. After only a few readings she was able to read along with me from beginning to end.
This book has sparked conversations with my daughter More...
This book has sparked conversations with my daughter More...
Sep 09, 2011
Laura
rated it:
Cute book. But, I honestly don't get why it is nominated for California Young Reader Medal. I guess children are entranced by the different sized pages (much like the hungry caterpillar. In the story different birds lay eggs except duck. But, he find a very large "odd" egg. The other birds made fun of duck''s egg. Their eggs hatch. A few days later, duck's hatches as well. The other birds are surprised by what comes from duck's egg.
There really isn't much to the s More...
There really isn't much to the s More...
Jan 11, 2010
Cassie
rated it:
All the other birds have laid an egg, except duck. Good fortune prevails however and duck finds an egg! An enormous, green-speckled, odd egg. Of course all the other birds laugh, but just who has the last laugh?! Read and find out! Another clever book by Gravett who has a knack for suprise, quirky endings. Be sure to read this book through to the end before you share it with your young child! Especially if your child is a bit sensitive! I do not want to give anything away, but personal
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Aug 09, 2011
Heidi
rated it:
Reading a book on lizards, I talked to my co-worker of the recent "Blue Chameleon" publication--which I love. She recognized the author and had to show me her other works. I didn't realize she had written 2011 Beehive nominee "Spells." Then she read me this one. Fabulous! Simple. Hilarious. Perfect for storytime--toddler and preschool. What a great lead into "5 Little Monkeys" too! Our library copy had the very last part covered over, so I had to look online and fin
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Oct 11, 2010
Erica -
rated it:
All of Duck's friends have laid eggs. He doesn't understand why he doesn't have an egg and finds a big egg that is the most beautiful egg he's ever seen. The other birds make fun of his egg but he's very proud of his egg. He takes up knitting and knits a scarf and booties for his future child. Then the other eggs begin to hatch and the babies come out. Then when Duck's egg hatches... well, I can't ruin the story. Let's just say, Duck is in love and lives happily with his new baby, which wears t
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Dec 05, 2011
Chris
rated it:
Here was my Blackboard response to The Odd Egg, a picture book that I truly enjoyed and would teach in a primary classroom (Kindergarten or first grade) when hoping to convey the message about embracing differences rather than using them to divide.
While the word “odd” often evokes negative connotations of possessing an uncomfortable weirdness thus establishing difference and leading to separateness , perhaps it should be celebrated in a more positive connotation, along the lines of More...
While the word “odd” often evokes negative connotations of possessing an uncomfortable weirdness thus establishing difference and leading to separateness , perhaps it should be celebrated in a more positive connotation, along the lines of More...
May 23, 2009
babyhippoface
rated it:
How do you make a smiley with a wicked grin? I need to learn right now, so I can include it with this post.
Emily Gravett SO has a dark side. Oh, she camouflages it with lighthearted titles like Orange Pear Apple Bear and Monkey and Me, but she cannot keep it contained. It must spill out from time to time, and then we are blessed with books like Wolves, and now, The Odd Egg.
Although he never speaks, Duck's body language is priceless. ("Are you kidding me? There is re More...
Emily Gravett SO has a dark side. Oh, she camouflages it with lighthearted titles like Orange Pear Apple Bear and Monkey and Me, but she cannot keep it contained. It must spill out from time to time, and then we are blessed with books like Wolves, and now, The Odd Egg.
Although he never speaks, Duck's body language is priceless. ("Are you kidding me? There is re More...
Feb 23, 2009
Mary
rated it:
Can't wait to use this in storytime! From the author of Monkey and Me, another of my favorites, comes this treat. Duck is the only bird who has not laid an egg; fortunately, he finds one that he thinks is just beautiful. It's a large, green-speckled egg, and Duck waits patiently for it to hatch while the other birds welcome their offspring and tease duck about his unusual egg. When duck's egg finally does hatch, however, SURPRISE! The illustrations are wonderful; expressive and sweet.
Oct 19, 2010
CI 546_Cynthia Valenciana
rated it:
I really loved this book. The simplicity of it really adds to the cleverly written story of a duck that becomes a mother to a very unusual egg and eventually offspring. I loved the way the pages were arranged so that the reader flips through as each different type of egg hatches. I found the mini pages to be engaging for small hands and stirred up even more excitement. My almost four year old soon loved the book as well which is my truest measure of how well a picture book is written!
Sep 19, 2010
Erica
rated it:
All of Duck's friends have laid eggs. He doesn't understand why he doesn't have an egg and finds a big egg that is the most beautiful egg he's ever seen. The other birds make fun of his egg but he's very proud of his egg. He takes up knitting and knits a scarf and booties for his future child. Then the other eggs begin to hatch and the babies come out. Then when Duck's egg hatches... well, I can't ruin the story. Let's just say, Duck is in love and lives happily with his new baby, which wears t
More...
Jun 04, 2009
Kris
rated it:
I loved this book until I came to the end. Every bird has an egg except Duck (and the illustration on this page is so cute). Duck finds a wonderful egg that has a "surprise" inside when it hatches. I love the different size pages that change the illustrations with each page turn, but the ending left me with a big "huh?" Unfortunately, the design of the book leaves the ending partly covered since the book jacket covers the last spread on the back inside cover.
Feb 07, 2009
Gwen the Librarian
rated it:
All of the birds have laid an egg except for duck. Luckily, a strange and apparantly motherless egg comes rolling along. All of the other eggs hatch first and then, out comes duck's baby - a crocodile! This is a nice and humorous treatment of eggs for very small children. Older kids who have read Chen's Guji Guji may be able to guess where the story is headed.
As always, Gravett's gentle watercolor illustrations really move the story along.
As always, Gravett's gentle watercolor illustrations really move the story along.
Jan 12, 2012
Raquel
rated it:
I loved this book! I found the illustrations and message both endearing and quaint. While the overall message could be easily identified by young and old alike. I giggled aloud as I read. So far, this is one of my favourite's of Gravett's titles, even surpassing her latest, "Again."
Issues dealt with include being different, identifying with others, adoption/alternative family, embracing what nature has provided for us.
Issues dealt with include being different, identifying with others, adoption/alternative family, embracing what nature has provided for us.
Dec 08, 2011
Nicole
rated it:
A very cute and cute story about a group of birds, each of whom lay an egg, except for Duck. He eventually finds a big green speckled egg and takes gentle care of it. Of course, the others laugh but Duck is rather fond of the egg.They wait for it to hatch, and out comes an alligator! At this point, I'm not sure if it scares away the other birds or simply eats them. Cute how he acts like a duck upon hatching. Simple and lovely illustrations, with a great deal of soft humor (gets a little dark at
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Feb 23, 2010
Sarai
rated it:
Product Description
When Duck finds an egg of his own he's delighted: it's the most beautiful egg in the world! But all the other birds think it's a very odd egg indeed and everyone's in for a big surprise when the egg hatches. Children and adults alike will love the witty outcome and Emily Gravett's playful watercolour and pencil illustrations.
I liked the illustrations much more than the story.
When Duck finds an egg of his own he's delighted: it's the most beautiful egg in the world! But all the other birds think it's a very odd egg indeed and everyone's in for a big surprise when the egg hatches. Children and adults alike will love the witty outcome and Emily Gravett's playful watercolour and pencil illustrations.
I liked the illustrations much more than the story.
Oct 02, 2009
In The Odd Egg, Duck hadn't laid an egg, but the other birds all had. Then, Duck found an egg, but the other birds didn't like it. Duck ignored the other birds. Then the other birds' eggs hatched and Duck waited for his egg to hatch. Duck's egg hatched and an alligator came out. This story was good because it was funny, Duck taught the other birds a lesson, and it showed that you should never give up.
Jul 22, 2009
This would be the perfect Mother's Day gift for a really cool mom. If you aren't into kids books, just quick browse it next time you're at the library. It's so worth it (and only about twenty words long, so it will be quick). I haven't had a chance to take it home for the girls yet, but my oldest loved Gravett's previous book "Monkey And Me". The illustrations are darling!
Apr 28, 2011
Since all the birds have layed their eggs, Duck is on a mission to find a egg to claim. All the birds make fun of Duck's egg and don't like it, but Duck thinks it is a beautiful egg. After seeing all the other eggs hatch, Duck is anxious to see the beautiful creature to come from her egg. She is quite suprised when a crocodile comes snapping out of her egg.
Sep 14, 2010
Ci546_kellypetersen
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jun 17, 2011
Melanie
rated it:
Duck is concerned when Flamingo, Owl, Parrot and Chicken have all laid eggs and he doesn't have an egg to incubate. But that is no longer an issue when Duck finally finds an unusual egg. But everyone else's eggs hatch and Ducks egg is still uncracked. Finally, Ducks egg begins to crack and out comes an....!
You'll have to read and find out what!
You'll have to read and find out what!
Oct 22, 2009
Jackie
rated it:
Beautiful illustrations accompany this odd book. Duck has no egg to sit on...and duck seems a little jealous because all the other birds do. So, he finds a gigantic, green-spotted, odd egg and decides to make it her own. The ending is a big surprise! (and maybe a little scary for the youngest kids).
Used for "Feathered Friends" storytime-October, 2009.
Used for "Feathered Friends" storytime-October, 2009.
