Book Review / Ottoline series by Chris Riddell

I've been a fan of Chris Riddell's work for awhile now, and I finally got a chance to read the latest book in his Ottoline series, Ottoline at Sea, which turned out to be just as charming as the rest of the series.

The Ottoline books are some of my favorites to give to the 2nd-3rd grade crowd.  Ottoline herself reminds me a bit of an older Eloise, with an eccentric, independent lifestyle.  With her mysterious companion Mr. Munroe, an ever-growing collection of shoes(she keeps one and wears the other) and frequent postcards from her parent's far flung travels Ottoline has plenty of quirk and charm to share.  It's Chris Riddell's illustrations that really make the story pop for me.  Detailed line drawings and diagrams invite readers into every aspect of Ottoline's enchanted life from her flat on the 24th floor of the Pepperpot Buiding to the "mysterious objects of various kinds" that her parents sent back from their travels.

In this latest installment, Mr. Munroe disappears leaving Ottoline with only a mysterious note as a clue to his whereabouts, sending her on a whirlwind journey to find her dear friend and bring him back home.

Perfect for independent readers who are fans of the Cam Jansen or Nate the Great series.