I enjoyed this story about a "strange" child who finds someone to be strange with. Very detailed and fun illustrations - often with lots of interesting things to note in the backgrounds. Rewards re-reading and closely looking at with "do you see the..." play. ( )

Oliver by Birgitta Sif

Summary: Oliver is a boy who lives in his own world. He feels different but copes with entertaining himself with books, toys, and puppets. Oliver starts to feel lonely eventually. One day on one of his many adventures he meets a neighbor and starts to play with her. Then Oliver isn't worried bout "being different" any more because he has someone to be different with.

Personal Reaction: I like how Oliver is able to entertain himself. I also like how the book doesn't read Oliver is different, it reads Oliver feels different. However, not everyone will find a friend like Olivia who they can feel different with so it may be misleading to a child who really does feel different.

Extension ideas: discuss ways we can entertain ourselves.
Join into groups of two and discuss what makes each person feel different. ( )

Response - A simple story that reminds us that it is okay to be different because we are all different.

Curricular connection - read aloud

Oliver likes to play alone with his toys/friends, but one day when he is playing tennis against a wall, the ball goes flying, and in following it, he meets someone new.

The illustrations use a dim, muted color palette, almost murky, but this gives the story a cozy, indoor feel rather than a spooky one. ( )

I really enjoyed this book. It tells children that it is okay to be different. There is a friend out there for everyone. In the End Oliver found a friend named Olivia who had the same interests as him. ( )