Otto: The Story of a Mirror

By Ali Bahrampour

Book Overview

Otto is a mirror who lives and works at Topper's Hat Store, but who dreams and schemes of traveling around the world to exotic destinations. The preposterous humor of Otto is taken a step further in the gleefully subversive watercolor illustrations. Full color. Accelerated Reader: Reading Level 4, 0.5 Points.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374270783
• ISBN13: 9780374270780
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.0" x 0.5" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

absolutely unique

First time I read this to my then 5 yr old daughter, I was confused by the story. But she was mesmerized. We read it over and over and over and over and OVER. By the 100th time of reading it, I was very grateful for the humor and uniqueness of the story, and the absolutely entertaining pictures. There are many stories going on inside the pictures, and, unlike most mainstream kids books, this story was totally original, and riveting, and didn't have a moral that hit you over the head, (unless it was something like, be brave, be adventurous, and don't be afraid to question the boss). I can see how younger children could stare at this book for a long time. Since reading Otto, I've been waiting patiently for the author's next book, but haven't seen it yet. Will have to keep my eyes open.

Fairest mirror book of them all

A pleasure and a delight! I read this book to about sixty second graders and they loved it...and why not? This is an exciting and offbeat adventure with plenty of surprises, laugh out loud moments and even a little romance. The zany, cartoonish pictures are in the tradition of Seymour Chwast, and I agree with the other reviewer, every time the children look at them they will find some new detail worth marveling over. I read a lot of children's books but this was definitely a stand-out for originality and humor, reflecting the best in children's picture books (pun intended...ouch).

Ingenious and Completely Original

Sure to be read over and over. Each time something new is discovered. The artwork is beautiful and the characters are new and delightful. Everyone can relate to Otto, the mirror, and his predicament. Curly Joe is hilarious. These are classic characters and the story is brilliant. The pictures are so cunningly and painstakingly done that you will be sure to find amazing new details with each reading. I can't recommend this book highly enough and am looking forward to more.