Ilustrator: David Heatley
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends (June 4, 2013)
Source: Copy for Review
Audience: Grades 2nd to 4th
Fiction * Humor * Making New Friends
Description from GoodReads:
HARDY-HAR-HAR!
Meet Otis Dooda. Yes, that’s his name. Go on and have a good laugh. He’s heard it all before. He’s been called things like Otis Poopy Stink and Otis Toilet Twinkie. That’s right, yuck it up and get it out of your system. We’ll wait.
All right then. This is the story of Otis and the Dooda family (including their rat named Smoochie) moving to New York City, and the incredibly strange, but true, things that happened to them. It all started with Otis getting cursed by a guy in a potted plant in their apartment building lobby, and then meeting a bunch of their neighbors, including a farting pony named Peaches who was disguised as a dog. And that was just the first day.
My thoughts on this book:
Ellen Potter has ventured into new waters with her latest book, OTIS DOODA. Her book is more along the lines of what I have come to expect from David Lubar (Weenies Series) or Dan Gutman (My Weird School Daze). In an effort to create a story for her 8 year old son and his friends, Potter brings us OTIS DOODA, STRANGE BUT TRUE.
In the beginning, Otis acknowledges the humor behind his last name. The Dooda family (mom, dad, older brother - Gunther, and Otis) have moved from Hog's Head to the big city. Their new apartment building comes equipment with a doorman, a potted plant guy, and a whole cast of quirky characters. After unknowingly insulting the Potted Play Guy, Otis is saddled with a curse about "breaking all of his bones by the next full moon". Welcome to New York City.
Of course the story doesn't end there. Otis meets and makes friends with Perry Hooper, Ben and Cat. Perry's father works as entertainment for children's birthday parties. The Hoopers, also, have a minature horse named Peaches who they try to disguise as a large dog. Between the Hoopers, Otis' older brother Gunther, and the Potted Plant Guy, there is never a dull moment. Each funny encounter, mishap, and antic is certain to make every 7 to 9 year old laugh out loud.
Accompanying Potter's humorous text is David Heatley's illustrations. Heatley captures the characters and spirit of the story so perfectly.
If you know any 7 to 9 year olds, then I suggest picking up a copy of OTIS DOODA to share.
Check out the official book trailer here:
Stop by tomorrow for two special blog posts. Illustrator, David Heatley will share about how he created not only the illustrations for Otis Dooda but a soundtrack too. Also, Ellen and her son, Ian, share some favorite books.
