Ollie's Odyssey
on Goodreads (1,586)
What’s inside...
From the creator of The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore and The Guardians of Childhood comes an epic adventure about courage, friendship, and the secret world of toys. In this world, toys follow the ancient Code of the Toys and aspire to become a child's favorite, a prestigious honor. Ollie, handcrafted by Billy's mother, becomes Billy's treasured confidant and favorite toy. However, the villainous clown king, Zozo, and his henchmen, known as the Creeps, kidnap favorite toys to make them forget their children. When Ollie is captured, Billy embarks on a daring rescue mission through various obstacles to save his beloved toy from Zozo's lair. This thrilling tale also inspired a Netflix animated series.
Age
6-10
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ollie
Billy
Zozo
Discussion points
How do you think Billy felt when he was searching for Ollie?
What do you think makes Ollie different from the other toys?
Why do you think Zozo wanted to take Ollie away?
If you were Billy, how would you have handled the situation with Ollie?
Can you think of a time when you felt a strong bond with something special, like Billy does with Ollie?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use emotive questions to help your child understand and express feelings. Discuss Billy’s emotions and relate them to times your child has felt similar.
Highlight the relationship between loyalty and friendship as depicted in the book. Ask your child about their friendships and what loyalty means to them.
Discuss the theme of adventure and overcoming fears. Align the discussions with any fears your child might currently have, and brainstorm ways to overcome them together.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings for the book to foster creative thinking.
Build empathy by discussing the characters’ perspectives. Ask your child how they think Zozo feels and why he acts the way he does.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Ollie's Odyssey', the bond between Ollie, the beloved toy, and his owner, Billy, highlights the unwavering loyalty and affection inherent in true friendship.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture relationships, understanding that true friends stick together through thick and thin, just like Ollie and Billy.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: As Ollie embarks on a perilous journey to return to Billy, his courage in overcoming obstacles serves as a central theme.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to face challenges bravely, reassuring them that it's okay to be scared and that courage means persevering even when things are tough.
Example Lesson: The joy of imaginative play
Explanation: Throughout 'Ollie's Odyssey', the adventures of Ollie spring from the imaginative play that brings toys to life, showcasing the creativity and emotional expression facilitated by imagination.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in imaginative play, enhancing their creativity, emotional skills, and ability to solve problems creatively.
Example Lesson: Resilience and determination
Explanation: Ollie’s relentless effort to reunite with Billy teaches the value of persistence and never giving up, no matter the odds.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that perseverance is key to achieving goals and overcoming difficulties in life.