on Goodreads (88)
What’s inside...
Otis is a little pig with a big problem. He doesn't like mud. His mama and papa are convinced he will someday love the stuff, but Otis isn't so sure. And in the meantime, he's lonely. It's not easy being the only pig in the county who hates getting dirty. Will Otis ever find a friend? From a winner of the Benjamin Franklin Award for Best Children's Picture Book, Children's Book-of-the-Month Club Selection, and in the spirit of 'Ferdinand the Bull,' this book introduces an endearing character who does not like the very thing he's supposed to love. Junior Library Guild Selection. Because Otis likes to stay clean, he is different from the other pigs and has trouble finding friends who hate the mud as much as he does. By the creator of Altoona Baboona. Children's BOMC. Jr Lit Guild.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Otis the Opossum feels when he tries something new?
How do the other animals react to Otis and why do you think that is?
If you were Otis, what would you have done differently in the story?
What does this story teach us about friendship and trying new things?
How do you think Otis changed by the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading session more interactive and enjoyable for your child.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling or what they might do next, encouraging them to think critically and empathetically.
After reading, relate the story to your child’s life by discussing a time they tried something new or were nervous about a situation, linking the themes of the book to their personal experiences.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene or character from the book. This helps them process the story creatively and express what stood out to them.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and exploring new things, as depicted in the book, to instill confidence in trying new activities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Otis the tractor builds a strong friendship with the little calf in the story, showcasing mutual care and support.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining friendships, understanding how to be supportive and caring towards others.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: When the little calf is stuck in the mud, Otis overcomes his fear to save his friend, demonstrating bravery and courage.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and shows that bravery can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Otis does not give up in the face of difficulty while attempting to rescue the calf, illustrating determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in achieving goals, regardless of the obstacles they might encounter.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Otis uses creative thinking to successfully save the calf, highlighting resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think critically and solve problems creatively in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Otis shows a deep understanding of the calf's distress and acts to help, portraying empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop empathy towards others' feelings and situations, fostering emotional intelligence.