Otto's Orange Day by Jay Lynch
Bibliography:
Lynch, J. Otto's Orange Day. RAW Junior, LLC. (2008).
Summary:
Otto the cat LOVES the color orange. He wears it, colors with it, even writes songs about it. Thinking that orange-loving Otto would like the orange lamp she found, Aunt Sally Lee sends Otto a package full of surprise. As Otto dusts off his new orange lamp, a genie appears to grant him one wish. Otto wishes the whole world to be orange. Initially thrilled by this new orange world, Otto soon discovers that a single-color world may not be the best idea. Problems crop up here and there due to the world's orange state, and Otto and his Aunt Sally Lee must put their minds together to right the world to its natural, colorful state. This book, presented in comic-like, graphic novel layout, moves quickly and appeals to the eye as attention is drawn from block to block of illustration and bubble texts. Illustrations move from colorful to orange as Otto's wish is granted, then to blue when Aunt Sally Lee's is granted. The reader begins to understand the monotony of singular color and is ready for the world (and illustrations) to be changed back into its' multicolor state. Otto's Orange Day is a quick and easy read, yet is not "dumbed-down" or too childish for the reader.
Thoughts:
Otto's Orange Day was my introduction to the graphic novel, a genre I was reluctant to read. Not a fan of comic books myself, I imagined that illustration would dominate and quality writing would take a back seat in this book. I was proved wrong. Otto's Orange Day is a delightful and humorous tale of a cat whose wish for an orange world is granted by a genie, much to Otto's pleasure. However, as Otto lives out his day, the downfalls of such a world become more and more apparent. The reader is introduced to problems created by this orange world that they may not have thought of before, such as orange food tasting wierd, and orange traffic lights causing wrecks. I love that the clever illustrations highlight this orange world, and last long enough in the book to make the reader want a change of color- which is what Otto ultimately decides. This book is shelved in the "Easy Reader" section of our public library, and I feel that it is a more than appropriate choice for young readers. The language is simple yet not condescending, and the story moves in a logical and accessible pace. I can see how graphic novels such as these appeal to both young and youth readers alike, as they play on visual appeal, yet still offer quality stories and thought-provoking writing.
Reviews:
"Two veteran cartoonists collaborate to create a comic-strip-style book for beginning readers. Otto, an orange cat, recieves a mysterious lamp from his aunt. While dusting it off, he releases the genie that resides within and is offered a wish as a reward. Otto declares that he would like everything in the world to be orange, his favorite color; however, after his wish is granted, the results- including a bad-tasting orange lamb chop and an orange-only traffic light that causes car accidents- soon cause him to have second thoughts. With the help of Aunt Sally Lee, Otto outsmarts the genie and sets things right. Each page features one to four panels and the bulk of the story is told through dialogue balloons. The cartoons are lively and colorful. Clear chapter divisions, a clean graphic design, and large-size print makes this title more appropriate for early readers than most comic-book offerings. Still, true beginners may have some trouble with some of the vocabulary and struggle to follow the narrative flow. Offer this book to readers with a bit of experience under their belts and an interest in comics and cartoons." -School Library Journal
" Written by '60's underground comic guru Lynch and Eisner-nominated Cammuso, who also did the artwork, this book in the new TOON imprint gives emerging readers a high-quality comic that is both loads of fun and easy to read. It's a simple, archetypal story- Otto, a little orange-loving cat wishes 'everything was orange,' but when a genie grants his wish, he realizes that he should have been more careful what he wished for: orange lamb chops... 'Blaach!!!' This is a textbook example of how to use page composition, expanding panel size, color, and stylized figures to make sequential art fresh, energetic, and lively. With the particular pedigree of the book's creators, however, one can't help but miss avant-garde subversiveness that made Little Lit books (e.g. Strange Stories for Strange Kids, 2001) for older children so thrilling and unique. Even without that element, though, this book is sure to engage a new generation in the art form; kids will want to read it once, then return to it again and again." - Booklist
Ideas for Use:
This graphic novel provides an interesting look at different formats of quality writing. A teacher of mid-level to upper-level elementary students can use this book to introduce the comic-strip style of writing. Students can analyze comics, their layout, how stories are told (dialogue boxes), and how illustrations play into the telling of the graphic story. Inspired by Otto's orange wish, have students work in groups or independently to think of a wish they might have for the genie, or what would happen if they wished for a different color for the world's landscape. As they compose their story, the final product should be told in graphic style, either comic-strip or graphic novel form like that demonstrated in Otto's Orange Day. Other graphic novels should be made available for reference and comparison.
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