Author: Patrick Jennings
Illustrator: n/a
© Date: 2014
Publisher: Egmont USA
Pages: 149
Chapters: Yes
Illustrations: No
Publisher Recommended Age: 8-12 years
Bonus Activities at End of Book: No
Summary from Book: When the new boy enters their classroom, Woodrow and the other students are shocked into silence.
He wears a full suit, including a vest, and old-fashioned glasses.
He is odd. He is very studious and even wise.
He is weird. His sandwiches are gross-his favorite is mice on white bread!
He is little-but somehow can spike a volleyball like an Olympic star.
The new student is not like any other kid, but he might be just the right friend for Woodrow.
Even if he isn’t human.
Note: This review is done from memory. I originally read this awhile ago.
Page Pig Thoughts: This was a sweet story about a boy that befriends the new student with lots of mysteries. While my mind still hasn’t quite figured out why an owl was at school, I enjoyed reading about Woodrow gaining confidence to be himself. Being around someone else that was unique helped Woodrow stay true to himself. And standing up for someone else opened the door to find confidence to stand up for himself. Maybe we all hope our children find that friend that helps us see the beauty in themselves. And if they are still on that friendship quest, maybe Woodrow and Toulouse will help our children see that their uniqueness can be what connects them to someone else.
Family Unit: Woodrow lives at home with his mother, father, and his little sister, Willow.
Conflict/Social Issues:
- Woodrow had been trying to keep a low profile around the class bullies.
- Woodrow wants to protect Toulouse from the bullies.
Positive Items:
- Woodrow is so focused on protecting his new friend, Toulouse, from the class bullies that he finds his own confidence to stand up for himself in front of the bullies.
- When Woodrow finds his confidence to stand up to the bullies, some of the other kids start doing the same.
- Woodrow gaining his confidence seems to open up other friendships in the classroom.
Items of Interest:
- Woodrow is a bit different in his own ways. He has a stutter when he is stressed, he is clumsy, he has an overbite, he doesn’t like running around games, he likes reading, he keeps treasures in his pockets, and he makes stuff out of duck tape (yes, Woodrow says duck tape for a reason).
- Toulouse is new to school and is from Quebec and is learning English. He carries a briefcase, he wears a hat, he is amazing at art and many other things.
- Woodrow wants to protect Toulouse from Garrett and Hubcap, the class bullies.
- Woodrow quickly bonds with Toulouse. Turns out they have a mutual interest in fishing.