The Adventures of Odd and Elsewhere
#1 in Odd and Elsewhere Series
What’s inside...
Odd, a small bear, and his new-found friend Elsewhere, a circus clown, live with Collander Moll and Hallelujah Jones in Fenton House. Each day is an adventure for the two friends as they set off exploring and soon Odd discovers that Elsewhere just can't resist the temptation to show off. From the day they meet, they have the wildest adventures as they tour London, encountering new experiences and learning more about each other and the world around them.
Discussion points
What do you think Odd felt when they discovered the magical world of Elsewhere?
How would you solve a problem like the one Odd and his friends faced?
Can you think of a time when you felt different like Odd? How did you handle it?
What did you learn from the adventures of Odd and his friends?
If you could choose, would you visit Elsewhere? Why or why not?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, fostering personal connections with the characters and their journeys.
Ask open-ended questions to promote critical thinking and explore the book’s broader themes beyond the surface narrative.
Pause at pivotal moments in the story to predict outcomes or discuss alternatives, enhancing problem-solving skills.
Discuss the moral lessons of the story and how they align with values you want to instill, such as bravery, friendship, and acceptance.
Use the magical elements of the book as a fun brainstorm exercise, asking your child to imagine their own magical world or powers.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'The Adventures of Odd and Elsewhere', Odd and Elsewhere tackle various challenges by collaborating and combining their unique strengths.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with their peers on group projects or shared tasks, learning that cooperation can lead to achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Embracing differences
Explanation: The characters Odd and Elsewhere are from different backgrounds and have distinct perspectives, yet their friendship flourishes because they accept and embrace each other's differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate the diversity among their friends and classmates, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: In each adventure, the protagonists face obstacles that they must overcome through creative thinking and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach difficulties in their own lives with resilience and ingenuity, building critical thinking skills that are essential throughout their education.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity
Explanation: Odd and Elsewhere's journey is driven by their curiosity and desire to explore unknown territories and learn new things.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to be inquisitive about the world around them can lead to a lifelong love of learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and making ethical choices
Explanation: The protagonists often face moral dilemmas and learn the importance of making decisions that are not only good for themselves but also beneficial for others around them.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the consequences of their actions and to make choices that reflect ethical and moral considerations.