Otis (by Janie Bynum)

A pig that doesn't like the mud? Otis prefers to stay spotless, though his family loves the mud. But Otis befriends a frog that dislikes mud as well. A humorous story, with serene illustrations, about individuality and friendship should entertain both parent and child.

 

Otis knows that he's different, but he is determined to be himself. His brothers and sisters accept him, although he chooses not to play in the mud with them. This gentle lesson of being oneself and being accepted is valuable for children. And kids will enjoy the twist in this story -- a pig not wanting to be messy, as opposed to a child not wanting to be neat.

Watercolor-and-ink illustrations are framed in white with text overlaid on the pictures. Cartoon-like art portrays Otis and his rotund family humorously but sympathetically. The obvious joy of his fellow pigs sliding down a mud hill contrasts perfectly with the illustration of Otis, with a most unpleasant look on his face, imagining himself covered in mud.

Author: Janie Bynum
Illustrator: Janie Bynum
Publisher: Harcourt Brace
Publication date: April 1, 2000
Number of pages: 34
Paperback price: $6.00