The Odd Egg
on Goodreads (2,471)
What’s inside...
When Duck finds an egg of his own, he believes it’s the most beautiful egg in the world! However, all the other birds think it’s a very odd egg indeed. Everyone is in for a BIG surprise when the egg hatches. Children and adults alike will love the witty outcome and Emily Gravett’s playful watercolour and pencil illustrations. The cleverly designed cut pages allow the visual jokes to unfold as each of the birds, except for Duck, has an egg of their own. But when Duck finds a beautiful egg and is delighted, even though the other birds make fun of it, the witty text and playful illustrations build up to a surprising and humorous conclusion.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-3
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the duck's egg odd?
How do you think the duck felt when his egg was different from the others?
What was your favorite part of what happened when the egg hatched?
Why is it important to accept and celebrate differences?
How would you feel if you were in the duck’s place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine curiosity about your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking.
Relate the duck’s feelings to personal experiences your child may have had with feeling different or special.
Praise your child's ideas and insights to build their confidence in sharing.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: In 'The Odd Egg', the duck finds an egg that looks different from others and cares for it despite its odd appearance. This demonstrates acceptance and love for things that are unique.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diversity and be open to friendships with peers who may look or act differently from themselves.
Example Lesson: Patience and Perseverance
Explanation: The duck patiently waits for the egg to hatch, showing dedication and persistence. Eventually, the egg hatches revealing a surprise, teaching children that patience can lead to unexpected rewards.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain patient and persistent with their tasks or with others, understanding that good things take time to develop.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Despite skepticism from other animals about the egg, the duck remains committed to caring for it. This showcases resilience and confidence in one’s choices.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of standing firm in their beliefs and actions, even when faced with doubt or ridicule from others.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Individual Achievements
Explanation: When the odd egg finally hatches, all the animals celebrate the remarkable outcome. This highlights the joy of achievement and success after hard work.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to celebrate their own and others' accomplishments, fostering a positive environment of encouragement and support.