The Odd Egg

Every book Emily Gravett has written is original, witty, and a little quirky, and this one is no exception. Kids will like the story, and the watercolor and pencil illustrations are up to the usual Gravett award-winning standard. Both are simply put forth, somewhat muted, but cute and genuine. Gravett adds little artistic touches here and there that add an expressive emotional depth to the tender tale that is told with an economy of language.

For example, as the duck sits atop his large spotted egg, the reader can almost hear the cackling of the other birds as they gawk and tease him while the owl searches the guide to spotted eggs for information. Not much is said beyond a few teasing remarks, but just the way the birds are huddled, how the neck of the duck bends down searchingly, and the eyes of the lounging owl look as though they are rolling in his head says so much. Even the flamingo's beak seems to grin sarcastically. Anyone who has ever felt out of step with the group will know exactly what is going on.

The watercolor and pencil illustrations are up to the usual Gravett award-winning standard. Drawings are simple and somewhat muted, but very cute and genuine. Little artistic touches here and there...a sarcastic grin, a leering eye... add an expressive emotional depth to the tender tale that is told with an economy of language