Oddbird

by Derek Desierto

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

Derek Desierto matches his inspiring, vibrant art with an equally inspiring, vibrant story. In what’s sure to be a new favorite from the illustrator of the Juno Valentine series, Oddbird is a refreshing, motivational tale about celebrating who you are and encouraging others to do the same.

Oddbird doesn’t fit in…at first. Readers will delight in this story about the joys of being oneself.

It’s SO hot outside. All the fancy birds are gathered around the water, wishing they could cool off. But they don’t want to get wet and ruin their fine feathers.

Oddbird isn’t worried about his feathers; he wants to go for a refreshing dip. But he doesn’t fit in. He’s not fancy, or colorful. He’s just…different. The other birds don't want him around. How can he join them?

Oddbird's story is one all readers will relate to, and ultimately celebrate.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250841728
Publisher:	Feiwel & Friends
Publication date:	05/25/2021
Sold by:	Macmillan
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	990,181
File size:	15 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	2 - 5 Years

About the Author

Derek Desierto is a Vancouver-based designer and illustrator whose books with Eva Chen include the New York Times bestseller, Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes. His animation work has been recognized by the Ottawa International Animation Festival, the National Cartoonist Society, and 9 Story Media Group. Currently, he is living the dream as a freelance artist for animated TV shows and picture books. His ultimate goal in life is to meet Oprah and become one of her Favorite Things. Oddbird is his debut as author and illustrator.
Derek Desierto, illustrator of Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes, is a Vancouver-based illustrator, designer, and overall nice guy from a nice family. His animation work has been recognized by the Ottawa International Animation Festival, the National Cartoonist Society, and 9 Story Media Group. Currently, he is living the dream as a freelance artist for animated TV shows and picture books. His ultimate goal in life is to meet Oprah and become one of her Favorite Things.

Editorial Reviews

"The messaging of self-acceptance and embracing who you are on the inside is welcome...a strong contribution to picture books celebrating diversity and inclusion." —Booklist magazine

"...a little bit of bravery goes a long way.... Young readers will understand the appeal of a cool pool on a hot day and will appreciate Oddbird’s willingness to go against the grain in pursuit of a swim." —Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

05/01/2021

PreS-Gr 2—The story of one small bird learning to love himself. Oddbird is a gray bird living in the jungle full of colorful birds. As the other birds relax by the pool, avoiding getting wet, Oddbird jumps right in. The other birds see him, decide that because of his plain feathers, he does not belong, and shoo him away. Oddbird returns to the jungle and sees all of the colors around him. He decides to use the natural colors of the jungle to change his appearance, hoping for acceptance from the other birds. Desierto uses mixed media to add texture to the illustrations and bring the birds and jungle to life. The use of color and size in the text emphasizes the other birds' disgust at Oddbird and surprise when they see his new appearance. The story unfolds quickly and children will be utterly engaged by Oddbird's journey. Illustrations support and expand the text, depicting the birds' expressions: surprise, curiosity, and joy. VERDICT A great read-aloud, this will have children rapt throughout.—Sara Thomas, New Castle P.L., DE

School Library Journal

2023-03-14
A bird enjoys a cool swim on a hot day despite the judgment from his colorful counterparts.

A group of brightly hued birds are clustered around the pool, but no one is taking a dip—they’re more interested in “showing off their fabulous feathers.” When a diminutive, gray “oddbird” arrives and tries to swim, the others force him out, telling him he doesn’t belong. Oddbird creates some festive new plumage out of jungle leaves, then returns to the pool, where his fabulous colors impress—but they wash off in the water. But by then, Oddbird is “having too much fun to be worried,” and the other birds are inspired to swim, too, realizing that how they feel is more important than how they look. The story is simple and the message a bit heavy-handed, but Oddbird’s confidence doesn’t wash away with his fake feathers; it’s clear that a little bit of bravery goes a long way. The illustrations resemble animation, and there are some dramatic moments, like when the other birds loom over Oddbird and he is literally in their shadow. The textured feathers on the vibrant birds pop effectively against the white of the page. Young readers will understand the appeal of a cool pool on a hot day and will appreciate Oddbird’s willingness to go against the grain in pursuit of a swim. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Fresh presentation of a familiar moral. (Picture book. 2-5)

Kirkus Reviews