MaiStoryBook Library

MaiStoryBook: Odd Dog Out + I’m an Odd Dog Out Craft

by MaiStoryBook

Introducing a story challenging us to stand out, be different, and embrace the essence of *You*~ featured in the MaiStoryBook Library Collection:


“Odd Dog Out” by Rob Biddulph

*~Click here to purchase your own copy of *Odd Dog Out* to start on your own reading adventure! (This is an affiliate link~ 5% of your purchase will go to MaiStoryBook to help create Reading Resources for your littles)~*

Book Synopsis and Review

In a city of busy dogs, with busy days of busy work and busy play~ Odd Dog just doesn’t quite fit in. Amidst a mass of orderly black suits and polished cars, Odd Dog stands out with her rainbow hat, pom-pom beanie, guitar strumming, and bright blue bicycle. Perhaps the city just isn’t where she belongs. However, when Odd Dog packs up, and heads to a new town where every other dog looks and acts *just like her,* she’ll meet a new friend who helps her see that ~ actually, it’s be better to stand out from the rest.

The bright and bold illustrations are what caught my eye with this book. They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but with it’s neon yellow background and three goofy Weiner dogs, I judged this book right away~ The verdict: if the cover is this eye-catching, just imagine how enticing the insides must be~ definite must-read. And with this one example, I must say I have very good judgement. This book is not only pleasing to your eyes, with colorful patterns and blocks of rainbow colors, but reading it aloud is also music to your ears! With a natural rhythm and clever rhyme, author Rob Biddulph weaves a quirky tale of an odd little dog finding her place in the world, while encouraging readers to *blaze their won trail* and stand out from the crowd.

Vocabulary

  • scout (p. 4) member of a group that learns wilderness skills
  • tune (p. 18) song
  • tilts (p. 20) tip to the side
  • pricks (p. 20) to move to pay more attention
  • blaze (p.28) to start

Themes/ Main Ideas

  • Be proud of who you are: Don’t try to blend in with the crowd. Be different and stand out from the crowd.
  • Blaze your own trail: Be the brave one who tries something different and new. You’ll find that others will follow too.

YouTube Video: Guided Shared-Reading Read Aloud Example

Example of a shared-reading, interactive Read Aloud of “Odd Dog Out” – how to subtly introduce the vocabulary list words within the text, ask guided questions, and spark conversation!

*~Check it Out~*

Subscribe: MaiStoryBook Youtube Channel for additional read aloud videos!

*I’m an Odd Dog Out* Craftivity

It’s hard to be an odd dog out when people don’t always appreciate difference. It can feel safer to blend in, to fit the mold and go with the flow. Or maybe who you are fits in naturally with those around you~ but if you find that you have to actively change *you,*~ how you want to dress, act, talk, move, etc. then this becomes a problem. In the classroom, *including our online classroom,* we read about, learn about, talk about the value of differences, and the importance of accepting and appreciating people just the way they are. This is not something that comes easily, to adults as well~ we are hesitant amidst the absence of familiarity. However, it’s when we learn to embrace others that we can truly begin to embrace and share our true selves with the world. Be proud to stand out, and encourage others to blaze this new trail with you. To help get you started, check out MaiStoryBook’s bookish themed craft inspired by the story, “I’m an Odd Dog Out,” to practice sharing what makes you different and unique!

Materials

Directions

  • Choose an “Odd Dog Out” template. There are colored and black and white versions. (Also plain coloring pages option without the “cut-line”) 
  • If you chose the black and white version, color it in with a *Unique* pattern and design that represents YOU.
  • Cut the dog template in half on the dotted line so that you have two pieces. The writing template will go in between the two pieces and attach them together. 
  • Next, choose a template. There are colored text versions, or black and white versions. 
  • There are also different fill in template versions: a fill-in version with prompts, aversion with empty lines, ablank version for a picture or your own writing.
  • Fill in the template and then cut it out. **Keep the white side tabs on**
  • To connect the writing template to the wiener dog, tape the tabs to the back of the middle-insides. (the left tab attaches to the back of the right-side of the tail half, the right tab attaches to the back of the left-side of the head half. )
  • Fold the wiener dog halves together so they touch to create a whole-wiener dog. Crease to fold the writing prompt flat underneath as well. 
  • The  wiener dog should fold together to both halves, and then unfold to “Stretch” out the wiener dog and reveal the writing prompt underneath. 

Enjoy Your *I’m an Odd Dog Out* Craftivity

  • Read the story again with your new reading buddy, stretching your buddy open to share your own unique traits when Odd Dog realizes it’s better to stand out
  • Share your reading buddy with family and friends (over zoom*) and proudly tell them how you are different and unique
  • Share your reading buddy and encourage others to share how they are different and unique.
  • Hang up your reading buddy on your wall to remind you to be proud of who you are and to *blaze your own trail*

*~Overall, I hope you all are staying safe, staying healthy, and supporting each other through these times! Tag me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary, Twitter @MaiStoryBook  – post on FaceBook – or contact me via email to share your photos of your own *Odd Dog Out* Crafts, and your own reading adventures! I’d love to hear from you!~*

*~Until next time, Happy Reading~*