So what exactly *is* normal anyway?We're not even sure there is such a thing and that's why we're overjoyed that Steven Butler and Jarvis have collaborated to create this wonderful book entitled 'Odd Bods'.

In this rather raucous rhyming tale, we meet a number of characters, each with their own quirks.

Celebrating an alphabet of every weird and wonderful child out there, whoever they are and where ever they may be.

It acknowledges their foibles, recognises their quirks and gives a massive high five to their oddities.
From smelly Edie to Percy who's mute, there's someone in here that many of us can relate to.

Butler's punchy rhyme is supported effortlessly by Jarvis's almost luminous palette. Inspired use of block colour backgrounds and vibrant pops of colour make for an engaging read. Coupled with the jaunty cadence of this ditty, these two elements carry the reader through this humorous song-like tale with ease.

It's a story that's sure to spark conversation and hopefully highlight the wealth of oddities that exist among us all.

With diverse themes including humour, inclusion, friendship and surrealism, this makes for a great read for all audiences, young and old.

The ending is both sublime and unexpected and we can't wait to share this with our pre schoolers.

We get through a LOT of books. The girls each have their ever shifting favourites, currently the Snail and the Whale and I need a wee have been frequently requested.

This week we were sent Odd Bods, a rhyming story that introduces a host of bizarre children. The press release has this to say:

In this hilarious new rhyming tale, comedic genius Steven Butler and incredible illustrator talent Jarvis take us on a raucous romp through the quirks and oddities of a whole alphabet of children!
The weirdest and most wonderful personalities play together in a wacky world, encouraging children and parents alike to celebrate strangeness and embrace individuality.
For anyone and everyone with a beloved wild child!

Odd bods is a joy to read. The rhymes are natural and the mixture of character traits on display from the odd bods are interesting and entertaining. The odd bods are nicely drawn, showing great amounts of character in a single image. The girls have asked to read it several times this week, a very good sign! There are certain books that they ask me to read them that fill me with dread.

Odd bods is definitely not one of them, it's a real treat!

I'm pretty sure I've never been called 'normal' so this book was perfect. Odd Bods is a celebration of every weird and wild child. Written by Steven Butler with colourful and quirky illustrations by Jarvis it was a joy to read.

As soon as we started to read this Clem was attracted by all the wonderfully colourful pages. Working its way through the alphabet from Ava to Ramona to Percy and Franklyn, it celebrates each childs oddness and weird ways. I enjoyed the rhymes, Clem loved all the colours and there were even a few ewws.

As someone who likes being weird this book is definitely a favourite of mine. Since it arrived we've read it quite a few times so I'm guessing that Clem enjoyed it too.

Painted in expressive, moody watercolours and beautifully reminiscent of the Polish fairy tales that the author and illustrator listened to as children, Hortense and the Shadow is deeply captivating and atmospheric. The message - that we all have a shadow side, and it's part of us, not to be ignored and denied - is simply and effectively expressed. There's both a real sense of originality and a classic quality here that is impressive for a debut picture book. Ideal for winter bedtime reading for children and grown-ups.

This contemporary fairytale has the feel of a timeless classic... with a strong female protagonist and an empowering message, this is a book to be read to all of your sons and daughters.

Natalia O'Hara's lyrical prose and Lauren's delicate, muted illustrations, sometimes ornate, sometimes stark and looming, together make for a story to have you tingling with delight. Absolutely beautiful.

Full of the landscapes one both expects and looks forward to in Russian fairytales, Hortense and the Shadow is both elegant and ominous, poetic and dark, and enchanting.

A beautiful story of identity and self-acceptance... an utterly lovely picture book with an empowering message.

Hortense hates her shadow - crooked, tall and always there - and tries to ditch it in this hauntingly beautifully illustrated fairy tale. But one night, in the dark woods, bandits come a-calling and Hortense realises she needs her shadow after all. Entirely gorgeous.

A delightful picture book... could be read time and time again, becoming a treasured book.

Hortense detests the dark shadow that follows her wherever she goes. Until, on a lone walk one night, she comes upon a group of bandits in the woods and her shadow proves an invaluable ally. Stunning illustrations and sparse text combine to create a fascinating, nuanced tone in this tale that touches on themes of fear, friendship, and self-acceptance.

The lilting text and gorgeous spreads of snowy landscapes in pastel shades, with touches of bolder colours, create a magical atmosphere that is perfect for this carefully crafted fairy tale. The story gently touches on themes of self-perception and facing your fears. This is a stunningly beautiful debut picture book from two sisters who first discovered a love of stories and fables through the tales told to them by their Polish grandmother.

It's a classic in the making, real new talent, original, and set in a perfect fairy tale world. What more could you want from a bedtime story?

Had I owned this book as a little girl, I would have read it over and over, looking for hidden details.