Odd, Weird & Little

October 21, 2013
Ten-year-old Woodrow Schwette is the weirdest kid in his class until quiet, tiny, suit-wearing Toulouse Gulot shows up by way of Quebec. Jennings (My Homework Ate My Homework) creates a sympathetic underdog in Woodrow, a boy all too used to being relentlessly teased by class bullies Garrett and Hubcap, whose casual cruelty will likely make some readers shudder with recognition. Woodrow must decide if he will stand aside while Toulouse—with his “old-man hat,” “wide, round eyes,” and vocabulary that’s initially limited to the word “Who”—becomes the bullies’ new punching bag, or if he will stand up for his new friend. Jennings gives Woodrow a relatable voice and laces the story with clues that hint at the twist that is confirmed in the book’s final chapters. The author does such a nice job of building to the big revelation that it’s unfortunate that the book’s cover treatment basically spoils the surprise. Nevertheless, it’s a warm and funny story about being true to oneself and standing up for what’s right. Ages 8–12. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio.

January 1, 2014

Gr 3-6-Toulouse Hulot, a new kid in school from Quebec, wears dapper outfits, carries a briefcase, and even uses a quill pen to write his lessons. He is a talented painter and musician, an accomplished fly fisherman, and the victim of the class bully and his henchman. His only friend is Woodrow, who shares his love of fishing and finally becomes the one to stand up to the mean kids and ultimately see Toulouse for who he really is. Woodrow is a most unlikely narrator, one who embraces his own nerdiness and stammers through most of his conversations. Fans of Jennings's Guinea Dog (Egmont USA, 2010) will find this a delightful book, one that stands with classics such as Avi's Poppy (Orchard, 1995). A remarkable story and a great read-aloud.-Wayne R. Cherry, Jr., First Baptist Academy Library, Houston, TX

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