Oddly
What’s inside...
Meet the Lostlet, twirling a golden leaf, and asking the questions: Where am I? What do I hope for? Meet the Stranglet, holding a smooth white pebble, asking: What am I? What do I dream of? Meet the Oddlet, listening intently to a pink seashell, asking: Who am I? What do I wish for? Lost in their own little worlds, the three creatures are powerless to find answers until a little boy appears, asking the very same questions - and who seems even stranger, odder, and more lost than they. Offering comfort to the child, the Lostlet, the Strangelet and the Oddlet discover their hearts' deepest desires - and their new friend helps make their wishes and dreams come true.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Oddly was named that way? What makes someone or something 'odd' to you?
How did Oddly feel when he met the Night Mouse and the Scary Lady? What would you do if you met someone who seemed very different from you?
What lesson did Oddly learn by the end of the story? How do you think this lesson could help him in the future?
Can you think of a time when you felt out of place like Oddly did? What helped you feel better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own feelings about 'oddness' and differentness, relating it to Oddly’s experiences.
Discuss the various characters in the book, asking your child what they think about each character’s actions and what they might have done differently.
After reading, relate the story to your child’s personal experiences with new environments or meeting new people, drawing parallels to Oddly's adventures.
Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding when encountering others who might seem 'odd' at first, reinforcing the book’s themes through personal examples.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: In 'Oddly', the protagonist, a little creature named Oddly, feels different from everyone around him. The story explores his journey of self-acceptance and celebrates his unique qualities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own unique traits and understand that being different is not only acceptable but valuable. This helps in boosting self-esteem and encouraging self-expression.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As Oddly interacts with other characters who are also 'odd' in their own ways, the book teaches children about empathy by showing how Oddly learns to understand and respect the differences in others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to be more accepting and tolerant towards their peers who may look, act, or think differently, fostering a more inclusive environment at schools or playgrounds.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: The story demonstrates how Oddly overcomes various challenges and obstacles due to being different, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their own challenges, understanding that obstacles can be overcome with determination and resilience, important traits for personal development.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Oddly makes friends who accept him as he is. These friendships provide support and companionship, highlighting the importance of building relationships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of forming meaningful connections with others, which can provide emotional support and contribute to their social and emotional growth.
Example Lesson: Joy in Exploration
Explanation: Oddly's adventure in discovering where he truly belongs leads him to wonderful discoveries and new experiences, capturing the joy and educational value of exploring the unknown.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and explore the world around them, promoting learning through discovery and expanding their understanding of the world.