Oddrey

PreS-Gr 2—Oddrey is an independent thinker who likes to stand out from the crowd. Sometimes, though, she is lonely, and her uniqueness is not always appreciated by her teacher. Disappointed with her minor role in the class production of The Wizard of Oz, Oddrey rescues the performance when classmates forget lines, hide behind a prop, and experience a clumsy moment. Though her teacher is not appreciative of the child's additions to the play, her schoolmates are grateful. Later, they, too, find individual ways to express themselves, and Oddrey still manages to shine. Whamond's watercolors with black-line enhancements expand the narrative. Characters are depicted with disproportionally large heads, and the illustrations are filled with lots of activity and busy children. End pages, patterned with circles, show off an assortment of Oddrey's poses and facial expressions. A quick-paced, comical read.—Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH