Otto the Book Bear Hardcover – Picture Book, January 31, 2012

I love books and I love bears, so it's no surprise that I would anxiously await the coming of Otto, the Book Bear. It's a simple story with medium-simple pastel illustrations - easy on the eye, but not as visually detailed as some styles. The plot is similar to many other children's books: a character - in this case, a miniature bear who lives in a book and comes to life when no one is around - is abandoned by the family who owned and read his book, and he sets out on his own to find a new, less lonely home. After ambling through a busy city, he finally succeeds in his quest. The illustrations are charmingly vintage in spots, including such things as an old-fashioned telephone (rather than cell phones) and manual typewriters (rather than laptops), making me think this book was intended just as much for the middle-aged children's book aficionado as it was for actual children, who indeed might need some of those things in the pictures explained to them. Then again, neat old phones and typewriters never truly go out of style, giving the book a timeless quality.The main reason I only gave this four stars was that it was a little too short. I would have liked to see Otto have a couple more pages of adventures in the city before he found his happy new home. Since I see the Disney imprint on this book, perhaps there will be a sequel.

I will start by saying I have 4 children ages 7 yrs and under. We have read ALOT of children's books. I have to say it does take some time to find what I would consider a "good" children's book. In our home the focus is not on commercial toys and or characters. At times this in itself can be a challenge when trying to buy a quality toy or book that isn't based on the latest show or movie that say Pixar put out that summer. It's just not our families preference.We checked this book out at the library and have had it for over 5 weeks. We read it about 4 times a week. It is easy enough that my son who just turned 7 yrs is able to read it to us no problem. The length is perfect for a bedtime story. The illustrations perfect. Beautiful to look at. Simple, yet stimulating for a young ones imagination.I have never liked a book so much in the way I like this one. I am serious when I say it brings me to tears. It is not a sad book really, just so amazingly sweet and innocent.This is a great price for this book. i would have gladly paid double.You can read the description about the book. No need for me to rehash it for you.I am now purchasing this book as part of a birthday gift for two sisters.I hope they love it as much as we do!

We borrowed this book from the library first and my two and a half year old son really liked it so we decided to purchase it. It’s a cute story with nice illustration. Highly recommended.

Can't wait for her birthday to give her this book. I just want my granddaughter to understand how improtant it is to have a library and to hold a REAL BOOK in you hand. Her Parents started reading to her before she came into this world and now she has a mini library of her own.We all get books for her so she can pick one new to have each day and before bed.Even at 3 she has her favorites and can tell the stories to us. So important for a child to learn to read at a young age.

Loved this charming little book! After reading it to my preschool classes several of them went back to their classroom and drew me pictures of Otto - complete with a red book bag! I'm on the lookout for a similar small bear who could live on our library shelf. Lots of opportunities for imaginative play here!

I'm a librarian at a K-2 school and read this book to students the first day they came to library last week -- perfect for starting off the school year with its themes: love of books; the library as "a place of light and hope"; resilience and courage; and the power of friendship. None of which are presented in a heavy-handed manner -- primarily this is a whimsical tale that really really engaged my students (and me!). Highly recommended in or out of a school setting.

I purchased this book after I reviewed it for a Children's Literature class I was taking as I couldn't imagine not having it in our home library. The simple artwork of Otto the little bear alone is enough to win anyone over! The story is simple but Cleminson writes enchantingly and effortlessly takes you into Otto's world. HIghly recommend!

My grandfather's name is Otto so that initially attracted me to this book. Secondly, the plot sounded cute to me so I thought I would take a shot on an author I didn't know. The illustrations are cute and you cheer for the sweet bear. I'm not exactly sure why my 4 year old daughter didn't really latch onto it. Maybe the storyline is too simple or slow? Whatever the reason it seems to be one of those books that I like more than she does.

Katie Cleminson is the author of  Box of Tricks  and  Wake Up  as well as this wonderful picture book. Otto is a Book Bear, who lives in a book, but enjoys climbing out to explore the house he lives in and practice his writing. One day, while he out of his book, the family move and leave him stranded. Otto doesn't like being alone, so he heads out to try to find a new home and a warm book to live in. Luckily, he comes across the library, where he finds many, many books, as well as many book creatures, including another book bear to be his friend.This is just a wonderful story for young children, perhaps best suited for the 2-4 age group. It has a lovely warm texture and feeling - not only to the story, but also to the illustrations. It also encourages a love of books, libraries and reading. What could be better? This author just keeps on getting better and better, a lovely bedtime story. Box of TricksWake Up

Purchased this with 2nd book about Oscar -sent to 2 year old daughter of my godson she loves them - illustrations are lovely great story about finding your place in a big world . Beautifully told . Totally Recommended

My 1 year old daughter has listened to us reading this to her for the last few months and she is obsessed with this charming little bear - her first word was bear! I love that the library is the hero - quite apart from the beautiful illustrations and the wonderful story. The edition is big enough for little hands to turn pages and the quality is great. Overall I am considering buying it again just in case it disappears as it is an absolute joy and we would be lost at bedtime without it.

Loved this book. It's a great read and that a bear lives in a book and finds other animals that also live in books brings another dimension to it. The illustrations bring the book alive... Like the book bear!

Superb great appealing story adds some magic for children to ponder