Odder
What’s inside...
Meet Odder, the Queen of Play, a fearless otter known for her impressive underwater acrobatics off the coast of central California. Acclaimed for spinning quirky stories and performing daring moves, Odder's life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters a great white shark. Her beliefs about herself and the humans trying to save her are put to the test. Inspired by a true story from the Monterey Bay Aquarium's surrogate program.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-11
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Odder unique compared to the other characters?
How did Odder's actions affect the other characters in the story?
What would you have done if you were in Odder's situation?
How do you think Odder felt during the important moments of the book?
What is the most important lesson Odder learned and why do you think it's important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story by asking how they would feel in Odder’s shoes.
Highlight the moral lessons by discussing the consequences of Odder’s decisions and actions.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book, fostering a deeper connection with the story's themes.
Create parallels between the book and your child’s life to make the themes more relatable and understandable.
Reinforce the importance of empathy by discussing how understanding the character's feelings can lead to kinder actions towards others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through the interactions between characters, children see how understanding others' feelings leads to stronger relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply empathy by considering their friends’ feelings when they play together, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The protagonist's problem-solving with imaginative solutions showcases the importance of creativity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination in crafting projects or solving everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters are given tasks which they must complete, teaching accountability and reliability.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in a child’s life by taking care of their belongings or completing homework.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story highlights how characters overcome obstacles through persistence, emphasizing that not giving up is key to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence in challenging tasks at school or in learning new skills.