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A review by annsantori
Odd Dog Out by Rob Biddulph
Biddulph’s picture book tells the story of ‘Odd Dog’ — a dachshund who can’t seem to find a way to fit in where she lives and decides to travel to ‘Doggywood.’ No, this is not the doggy day-care facility at Dolly Parton’s famed theme park, Dollywood, which shares the same name, but a fictional version of Hollywood . . . where, to ‘Odd Dog”s surprise, she’ll find she might not actually enjoy being the same as everyone else.
The rich, saturated color of the illustrations and the way that Biddulph utilizes each inch of the page (including in several showstopping double-page spreads) is eye-catching enough to attract even very young toddlers. What’s more, since the subject is an adorable animal, the fact that these youngest readers obviously won’t quite grasp the message of celebrating individuality won’t prevent them from enjoying the story.
I am generally skeptical of a rhyming picture book because, often, the narrative suffers at the hands of forcing itself into the rhyme. In this respect, Odd Dog Out is no exception. Though it does scan well for reading aloud (despite breaking the rhyme structure several times throughout) and the rhyming doesn’t exactly harm the narrative as a whole, it doesn’t add any value either.
Overall, this book is a good addition to a library or personal collection and holds re-read value as well. Great fit for storytimes themed around: dogs; self-esteem/identity.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The rich, saturated color of the illustrations and the way that Biddulph utilizes each inch of the page (including in several showstopping double-page spreads) is eye-catching enough to attract even very young toddlers. What’s more, since the subject is an adorable animal, the fact that these youngest readers obviously won’t quite grasp the message of celebrating individuality won’t prevent them from enjoying the story.
I am generally skeptical of a rhyming picture book because, often, the narrative suffers at the hands of forcing itself into the rhyme. In this respect, Odd Dog Out is no exception. Though it does scan well for reading aloud (despite breaking the rhyme structure several times throughout) and the rhyming doesn’t exactly harm the narrative as a whole, it doesn’t add any value either.
Overall, this book is a good addition to a library or personal collection and holds re-read value as well. Great fit for storytimes themed around: dogs; self-esteem/identity.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.