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captkaty's review
4.0
A great surreal yet universal early chapter book about bullying. An outcast at school decides to stick his neck out when the new kid in school (who is odd, weird & little) attracts even more attention from the classroom bullies than he does. Smartly observed.
lorathelibrarian's review
4.0
I didn't know how to react to this book at first, but in the end I found it very funny. I know kids will really enjoy it. It reads like a realistic fiction book, but there is obviously something not realistic about it at all.
kellerm's review
4.0
Good book. Dealt with bullying in a good way. Nice to see changes in the characters but not unrealistic - even when story was unrealistic. Reminds me of Santa Claus. Just need to believe.
readingthroughtheages's review
2.0
I really liked what this story wanted to tell. It's about bullying and fitting in. It's about being brave and being different. I loved the idea of that story. The author did a great job of capturing that middle grade voice. The things the kids do and say happen at school. It's that line kids cross all the time - being that secretive bully - the one where what you're doing is mean and hurtful but doesn't cross the line of getting suspended or expelled. Some kids think it's a right of passage, and they are allowed to cut other kids down like that. But it's not ok. And it shouldn't be tolerated. So great idea to the story, but I wish the author had stayed on the realistic fiction side of the story.... It made it seem ridiculous.
yapha's review
3.0
Woodrow has always been picked on by the bullies at school. When new student Toulouse shows up with his eccentric ways, Woodrow thinks that perhaps this will redirect the torment away from him. Toulouse is very small, wears a bowler hat and suit, and carries a Mary Poppins-esque briefcase that seems to always have what he needs in it. With his big round eyes and his odd way of speaking (perhaps because he is from Montreal?), Toulouse is a clear target for the bullies. But Woodrow finds he likes Toulouse, even though he knows that befriending him will turn the bullies' attention towards the two of them. Finally having a friend he can relate to gives Woodrow the courage to stand up for not only his friend but himself. An excellent look at bullying and the true meaning of friendship. Recommended for grades 3-5.
2kimi2furious's review
2.0
I had heard such good things about this book, but it's sorta stupid. The message is good but the actual plot is dumb.
couillac's review against another edition
3.0
This a charming, offbeat look at bullying. While it definitely takes some suspension of disbelief, I found it easy to buy into Jennings' premise, and I think that young readers will enjoy picking up on Toulouse's secret long before the characters. Woodrow's evolving feelings about his potential friendship with Toulouse and what that may mean for his own position in the school pecking order are authentic and relatably presented, and the understated humor that comes from Jennings' descriptions of Toulouse's behavior make for a fun read. It's so refreshing to encounter a book that deals with bullying in a way that is light and funny without downplaying the seriousness of it, and that also focuses just as much on friendship as on bullying. It's absolutely satisfying to experience the budding connection between lonely Woodrow and quirky Toulouse. Surprisingly engaging and unique, and very accessible for a younger elementary school audience.
missyp's review against another edition
4.0
Imagine being a 5th grader with the name Woodrow Schwette. And orange hair and an overbite. And no interest or ability with sports. Woodrow accepts being outside even the outer circle of students; he likes his family, reading, and making things with duck (not duct, as we learn) tape. When a new student arrives at school, Woodrow is surprised to see a kid even quirkier than him. Toulouse (?!) Houlout (!?) speaks French (sort of) is wearing a black suit, round glasses, a hat(!), and is carrying a briefcase (!!?). Woodrow thinks, "no doubt about it: he's weird. But in a weirdly cool way." Birds of a feather and all that; Woodrow and Toulouse become friends and oddity ensues.
Author Patrick Jennings respects his characters; even the bullies -- often the most stereotypical characters in a school story -- have their own quirks and individualities. Woodrow and his family are lovely, interesting people. As a reader, I enjoyed spending time with them. And Toulouse is, well, strangely compelling. Woodrow's voice as the narrator is earnest and a little bit droll.
The story opens up some questions and never closes them: How did such an unusual student such as Toulouse end up in an average American school? Does Mr. Longwood know a bit more about Toulouse's background than he lets on? Woodrow figures out part of the secret, but he swears that "no one will ever find out from [him]." The abrupt and ambiguous ending gives me hope that a sequel is one the way. Perhaps I will have a chance to spend a bit more time with Woodrow and learn more about Toulouse.
Author Patrick Jennings respects his characters; even the bullies -- often the most stereotypical characters in a school story -- have their own quirks and individualities. Woodrow and his family are lovely, interesting people. As a reader, I enjoyed spending time with them. And Toulouse is, well, strangely compelling. Woodrow's voice as the narrator is earnest and a little bit droll.
The story opens up some questions and never closes them: How did such an unusual student such as Toulouse end up in an average American school? Does Mr. Longwood know a bit more about Toulouse's background than he lets on? Woodrow figures out part of the secret, but he swears that "no one will ever find out from [him]." The abrupt and ambiguous ending gives me hope that a sequel is one the way. Perhaps I will have a chance to spend a bit more time with Woodrow and learn more about Toulouse.
thisgrrlreads's review against another edition
3.0
Odd, weird and little book about an owl going to school. Only no one at school knows he's an owl! There are lots of clues, obvious to anyone who sees the cover but people in Woodrow's class only know how weird he is. Woodrow begins to stand up for himself when he realizes how much his new friend is picked on and stands up for the both of them. No easy answers here but the addition of the owl is definitely odd. I think it could intrigue kids as we don't confirm the owl's identity until the last 2 pages. It's a mystery! Sort of. Still thinking about how to sell this book to kids and curious how they'll receive it.