CCBC-Net Archives

Re: Otis by Loren Long

From: binawill_at_aol.com
Date: Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:11:48 -0500

Dave, I see no need to chime in since I think you pretty much nailed it in your post. Maybe I would add that it has a dash of The Little Engine That Coul d. Bina Williams Bridgeport Public Library


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From: David Richardson To: horning_at_education.wisc.edu; ccbc-net@lists.wisc.edu Sent: Thu, Dec 10, 2009 5:52 pm Subject: RE:
 Otis by Loren Long

Kathleen, For me it is a combination of things. The story is one that shows the importance of true friends and tenacity . It is the ultimate underdog story -- Otis having lost his sense of purpo se and usefulness, finds he is not obsolete after all. Maybe it strikes a deeper chord in these unsettled economic times with so many people findi ng themselves obsolete. There are nods to Mike Mulligan in the story and Ferdinand in the art, yet the story is original and heartwarming. There may be a nostalgic feel to it for some, but I prefer to call it a timelessness to the ideas. And Loren's art is astounding. Fresh. Unique, and with a distinct Ameri cana feel to it. And if you really pushed me, I'd say it's because Otis and the calf are just plain adorable. You just can't beat a good story with great pictures. Anyone else want to chime in?

Keep reading, Dave

Date: Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:27:17 -0600 From: horning_at_education.wisc.edu Subject:
 Otis by Loren Long To: ccbc-net_at_lists.wisc.edu

Quoting David Richardson: /Otis/- Loren Long. Hands-down the best of the year (and his best as

well). David, will you (or anyone else) tell us a bit about what you like so much about Otis? I'm seeing it on a lot of Best of the Year lists, and

don't quite understand the appeal. Is it a nostalgia thing, or what?

KT

Kathleen T. Horning Director Cooperative Children's Book Center 4290 Helen C. White Hall 600 N. Park St Madison, WI 53706

Phone: 608-263-3721 FAX: 608-262-4933

horning_at_education.wisc.edu http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/


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Received on Thu 10 Dec 2009 06:11:48 PM CST