"Oddrey didn't mind being
different from the other kids.
She believed it was important
to think for herself.
But not everyone appreciated
her unique style.
Sometimes,
Oddrey felt lonely."
When young ones hear and love stories about 'different' children, they begin to think. They might see that child from a window. They can look through it, appreciate who Oddrey is, what makes her special and come to know how she feels. Those who share Oddrey's willingness to be who they are, despite nonconformity, see that reflected in a mirror. This allows a chance to see themselves as others see them, and can heighten their resolve to be who they are, too.
Oddrey likes being who she is. Her shiny black pageboy, her bright smile, and her love of life as she lives it is evident from page one, where we see her in her highchair piling peas in a precarious pyramid before eating them...or maybe eating them isn't even on her agenda. Her hopscotch layout is innovative, her bathtime bubbles are a source of pure enjoyment. Her parents appreciate who she is:
"Her dad said she danced to
the beat of her own drum.
Her mom said she always
liked to do the unexpected."
As you can well imagine, not everyone likes her independence and lack of concern for the conventions. Her classmates are unsure about her endless enthusiasm. Oddrey perseveres. When she doesn't get a starring role in the class production of The Wizard of Oz, despite wanting it badly, Oddrey soldiers on and is determined to the be the best tree she can be...and the most unique. Even that doesn't work out for her. As the curtain goes up Oddrey has misgivings and, when her classmates experience a serious case of stage fright, it's Oddrey to the rescue!
She is an inspiration!
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