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Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
Oh, My ODDyssey! by Hilda Youssef is a children’s adventure story about six adventurous boys on a creaky old ship that is headed out to sea. Their playful mischief quickly turns into an unexpected voyage full of surprises, from a run-in with seagulls on a rock to playful dolphins in the sea. As the ship rocks and rolls, jumps and slumps, the boys think they are in for a scary ride. Then the ship lands on top of a giant whale. Instead of danger, though, the boys discover a new friend in the lonely whale, who invites them to stay and play. Their adventure unfolds with games of Go Fish, Greek songs and dances, and even a feast of tiropita and spanakopita. By the time they set sail again for Crete, the boys learn that every journey offers laughter, friendship, and unexpected joy.
Reading Oh, My ODDyssey! feels like sitting in on a delightful story time session. Hilda Youssef’s poetic story is lighthearted, silly, and musical, perfect for reading aloud, as she suggests, for fun. Trena Brannon’s illustrations add an extra layer of warmth and humor on every page. The playful mix of Greek and Arabic words (ela, opa, yala) adds cultural flavor, making the story both entertaining and lightly educational. The pacing flows moderately and keeps young readers engaged with fun refrains and comical twists, while the characters, specifically the curious boys, the wise captain, and especially the gentle whale, stand out with a lot of charm. The recipe for tiropita and the glossary of terms are a nice touch, making the story interactive and accessible to young readers and families who want to share the fun. This whimsical story offers a fun way to learn while appealing to fans of Julia Donaldson’s The Snail and the Whale and Jon Scieszka’s The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, stories that balance laughter with heart. It’s a delightful read for children who love rhymes, adventures, and unexpected friendships.
