A review by couillac
Odd, Weird & Little by Patrick Jennings

3.0

This a charming, offbeat look at bullying. While it definitely takes some suspension of disbelief, I found it easy to buy into Jennings' premise, and I think that young readers will enjoy picking up on Toulouse's secret long before the characters. Woodrow's evolving feelings about his potential friendship with Toulouse and what that may mean for his own position in the school pecking order are authentic and relatably presented, and the understated humor that comes from Jennings' descriptions of Toulouse's behavior make for a fun read. It's so refreshing to encounter a book that deals with bullying in a way that is light and funny without downplaying the seriousness of it, and that also focuses just as much on friendship as on bullying. It's absolutely satisfying to experience the budding connection between lonely Woodrow and quirky Toulouse. Surprisingly engaging and unique, and very accessible for a younger elementary school audience.