About the Book and Author
Set in a very unusual village, the Curious Tales series introduces a new character in each book and a strong theme that children can recognise such as greed, anxiety and caring for the environment.
The tale of Otto is the fourth book in this illustrated series published by Tiny Tree Books and the story of his ultra-busy life is told in rhyme with detailed imaginative illustrations on each page.
D.M. Mullan studied fine art at the University of Ulster before travelling through India and South America and working as a teacher in Spain. Upon returning to Belfast she began writing the Curious Tales. She used these books as a form of therapy to work through her own insecurities around the themes of loneliness, greed, worry and the environment.
Kirsteen Harris-Jones left school at 16 and went straight to art college in North Wales, after 4 years studying graphics and illustration and then went straight into employment at a design studio in Chester called Station house. After taking a break to bring up my children for a few years I eventually went back to Glyndwr University and gained a BA Hons in children’s illustration. Now she enjoys collaborating with lovely writers and publishers.
Book Review
I liked the fact he had itchy feet
This story rhymes. I think the story is about how Otto misses out on things because he is always so busy. He has to keep the clock going by riding his bike, until he learns that the pigeons can do this while he is away.
The pictures went well with the story and you could look at them and imagine the boy in the clock working so hard that he was really tired at the end of the day.
I liked the fact he had itchy feet I didn’t know what this meant until I spoke to my mum who said that when someone gets itchy feet it means they might want to go travelling or try something new. I think the story explains this idea well.
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Reviewer Profile
- Name: Storm
- Age: 8 years
- Likes: Harry Potter, dancing and karate
- Dislikes: wasps
- Favourite Book: Barb the Brave by Dan & Jason
- Favourite Song: Oi! New Kid from Matilda the musical
- Favourite Film: Descendants
