Anna and Otis
on Goodreads (36)
What’s inside...
A hugely endearing, very funny story about kindness, friendship and overcoming fears, from award-winning illustrator Maisie Paradise Shearring. Anna and Otis the snake are great friends and they love having fun together. But Otis knows people are scared of snakes, so he usually just plays at home or in the garden. He is nervous when Anna suggests a new adventure. At first people are afraid, and Otis feels he isn't welcome in the town. But Anna encourages Otis not to give up, and it soon turns out that maybe snakes aren't as scary as people thought! The hairdresser enjoys shampooing a reptile for a change, and at the skate shop Sally has a lot of fun fitting Otis with his own set of awesome wheels. Anna and Otis is full of endless rich details to spot and Maisie's artwork is a treat to pore over.
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Anna
Otis
Discussion points
How do you think Otis felt when people were scared of him, and how would you feel if you were in his place?
What does the friendship between Anna and Otis teach us about accepting others who are different?
Can you think of a time when you made a new friend who was very different from you? What did you learn from that friendship?
Why do you think it’s important for Anna to take Otis into town despite what others think?
How did Anna and Otis change the town's opinion about snakes? What does this tell us about fear and understanding?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their personal experiences, helping them connect deeply with the characters and themes. Use the open-ended questions to foster a safe space for your child to express their feelings and thoughts. Highlight the importance of empathy, acceptance, and bravery as demonstrated by Anna and Otis, discussing how these values can be applied in everyday situations. Remind them that like Otis, everyone has unique qualities that make them special.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: In 'Anna and Otis', Anna's friendship with Otis, a snake, showcases how differences should be embraced rather than feared.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the uniqueness of others around them, fostering a more inclusive environment at school or in the playground.
Example Lesson: Courage to Overcome Fear
Explanation: The story portrays how Anna helps Otis overcome the community's initial fear and skepticism towards him.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to face their own fears and help friends who may be misunderstood or marginalized.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Despite the challenges, Anna's unwavering support for Otis exemplifies the strength and importance of true friendship.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to stand by their friends in challenging times, strengthening their interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of Adventure
Explanation: Anna and Otis's adventures around town bring excitement and growth, showing that stepping out of one's comfort zone can be rewarding.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore new activities and embrace new experiences, promoting personal growth and learning.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, Anna empathizes with Otis's feelings and helps others to see him through her eyes.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop empathy towards others, understanding different perspectives and emotions.