From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026…
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
No group discussions for this book yet.
What Members Thought
This was a pretty quick read that's sort of like a really weird series of slice-of-life sketches about kids that are unusual and odd. Oddfellow's Orphanage takes in all types, from an onion-headed child to a little albino girl who never speaks.
Now, I've read about an orphanage that takes in the freakish and unusual among humanity and gives them shelter just last year . . . oh yes, the YA book Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. A similar idea, but a very different story and tone.
Oddfel ...more
Now, I've read about an orphanage that takes in the freakish and unusual among humanity and gives them shelter just last year . . . oh yes, the YA book Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. A similar idea, but a very different story and tone.
Oddfel ...more
Nice bedtime chapter book for young children. It reminds me of something from the early 1900s. Little vignettes of characters who live in the orphanage tell pleasant stories, focusing on the main character, a mute girl named Delia. The orphans live an enchanted life enjoying picnics, playing with dancing bears and studying astronomy, fairy tales and cryptozoology. Great read-aloud for parents who enjoy reading a chapter book at bedtime. Martin's sketches are as beautiful as usual.
...more
I enjoyed this very much. It is sweet and quaint. I admit I rather spent the entire book waiting for something to pop out and eat an orphan or someone to do magic (my mind could not cope with all of the sweetness, I guess).
I think this book would be adored by the odd child who finds Series of Unfortunate Events too scary and Winnie the Pooh too babyish.
I think this book would be adored by the odd child who finds Series of Unfortunate Events too scary and Winnie the Pooh too babyish.
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.
...more
Every once and a while I crave a gentle, feel good read, and this is it. All the children at Oddfellow's Orphanage have a unique trait, whether it be a physical characteristic like having an onion head, or personality characteristic, like being the head of the Golden Rule Society. We have twins, a girl who doesn't speak, and a hedgehg, plus adults, who are good examples.. Will the reader be swayed to see the good in all, to not judge by appearances? I think this would be a nice read aloud in a c
...more
Loved this little gem of a book. I just wish it had been longer...I wanted to get to know these wonderful characters better.
This would make a great read-aloud for younger children too.
May 14, 2012
Jennifer
marked it as to-read
Dec 11, 2014
Lisagarden
added it
