Wednesday 6 July 2011

Otto the Book Bear by Katie Cleminson


7th July 2011, Jonathan Cape
32 pages, Paperback
Review copy 

Children's, Picture book 

Books, library, moving house, characters within books, loneliness, friendship, love, excitement, reading, tissues needed, some laughter

Otto is a Book Bear and nothing makes him happier than when people read his book. But he also has a very special secret - when no one is looking he can come to life and explore the house. But one day something terrible happens: Otto's book is left behind when the family moves away, and now there is no one to read Otto! Otto must set off on his biggest adventure yet - to find a new home. But where is the best place for a Book Bear to live?

Nayuleksa's reasons for loving Otto...he lives in a book! He's really cute and I felt sorry when he was on his own, but he uses his initiative and sets out on a grand adventure. 

Are there plenty of plot twists and surprises? Yes - I had no idea what would happen at the end, which was a pleasant surprise. 

What style are the illustrations? Black pen outline with crayon colouring 

Is the book interactive and/or are the illustrations engaging? There's so much expression in Otto's face, I like the comparison of how small Otto is to so many of the places and people he sees. 

Are there any messages put forward to the reader? Sharing the love books is a truly wonderful thing. Never stop reading. Ever! 

One of my favourite parts was...the every end with all the different characters with Otto. I wish I could see book characters coming alive (although there are some which I'd definitely not want to see)

I give this 9/10 

Suggested read
Check out Randy Cecil's Gator, where Gator also gets forgotten about and looks for new friends. 


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