Ollie's Odyssey by William Joyce

Ollie’s Odyssey
by William Joyce [j Joyce] 

Blend The Velveteen Rabbit, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, a bit of Calvin and Hobbes, and a fair dose of Toy Story, and you’ll have some idea of what this new book from William Joyce is like. Ollie is a homemade plush toy, partly like a teddy bear and partly like a rabbit, who has many pretend “A-ventures” with his boy, Billy. But his status as Billy’s favorite draws the attention of the “Creeps,” the frankentoy-like minion creations of Zozo, an evil toy clown. The Creeps kidnap Ollie and take him to Zozo’s lair, but Ollie escapes even as Billy sets out alone in the middle of the night to search for him. By the end of the book both Billy and Ollie find themselves changed in significant ways. The story is enhanced by Joyce’s own gorgeous illustrations.

The publisher suggests that this book is for ages 7-11, which seems about right; parts of it are probably too dark for younger readers. But there’s plenty here to keep adults engaged as well, including pop-cultural allusions to Star Wars, King Kong, The Wizard of Oz, and even The Magnificent Seven.

[If you like this item, you might like these too – The other titles mentioned in the review.]

[ publisher’s official Ollie’s Odyssey web site ] | [ official William Joyce web site ]

Recommended by Peter J.
Virtual Services Department

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