Try out these games, they're much fun!! And remember, don't feel embarassed ;-)

Footy Oddie likes the last one best, Angel Oddie told me she likes the first one best... Which one is your favourite?

Honey, do you love me?

Players form a circle with one player in the middle (it). The middle person must approach players in the circle and ask, "Honey, do you love me?" The person being questioned must answer, "Honey, I love you but I just can't smile." If s/he does smile or laugh, s/he becomes "it" and the previous middle person joins the circle. The person who is "it" is not allowed to touch other players but may make as many funny faces as s/he wishes.

Quaker Meeting
One person is "It". All the others must sit down and be the audience. It says"Quaker Meeting has begun, no more laughing, no more fun. If you dare to crack asmile, you may have to walk a mile.". Then It makes funny faces, or sounds, or tellsjokes or does anything except touch a member of the audience, to get someone tolaugh. The first person to laugh is at the mercy of It. It can decide some horrible orembarrassing punishment (like walking a mile) for the laugher. After the laugher hascompleted the punishment, s/he is the next It. One variation - all players can decide ifthey want to set a time limit for It to make them laugh. If It does not get someone tolaugh within the allotted time frame, then the audience can decide on a punishment forIt. The next It is then chosen by a picking game (eenie meenie, etc).

Koosh Ball

How to play:

Start with small groups of about 10 people (or smaller). Form a circle.

One person starts with the koosh ball. He/she names a particular person in
the group and throws the ball to him/her.

That person must catch the ball then names another person of the group and
also throws the ball to him/her.

Everyone in that circle will throw the ball to the person they have each
named. This implies that everyone will receive the ball from the same
person and throw it to the same person. (ie: A always throws the ball to C
and C always throws it to G, etc...).

Once the students have completed a full circle of ball throwing (3-4 times)
without dropping the ball, The students will become more familiar with
the activity. The add a second ball and repeat the motion. Then go to 3-4
balls...

Once the students are comfortable with this pattern, form a bigger circle
by integrating all the students, and start throwing 1 kooshball. Make a
complete pattern. Every student will have the opportunity of receiving and
throwing the kooshball. Once the ball has gone around without being
dropped, introduce a second ball, then a third, and so on.
This game creates a pattern of motion, involving concentration, focus and a
lot of fun. I have gone as high as 9 kooshball with 27 students; it's
quite challenging.

A variation:
Students number themselves and call numbers instead of names. The ball can
be thrown up in the air and the number called must catch it before it falls
to the ground.

Have you heard about Cub Scout Oddie? - Wizzo is stuck in Verruca Woods so Sock Fairy sends for Cub Scout Oddie - but will he be prepared for the job and prepared to help?... find it out in our Special Series book "Cub Scout Oddie"

This is a joke I just picked up around the corner:

Two pieces of string meet one day in the park and while one goes on the slide the other goes on the swings. They're having a great time until one string decides to go on the roundabout.

After a while, the string feels really dizzy and falls off, scraping across the tarmac and making as tangled mess of one end and falling in a heap. The second string looked at him and sighed "you're not very good on that roundabout are you?"

The first string looked at himself and said "I'm a frayed knot".

We are enjoying the sun and we hope you are too! Spring is behind the door and everyone in Oddieworld is celebrating as well with some recipes from Chef Oddie.



Banana bonbons

One day Chef Oddie cut a banana into slices, but because the banana was little bit sticky he decided to put it into the freezer for few minutes. He had too much work to do that day so he forgot to take the slices out. The following day he found frozen banana bonbons in the freezer! And from that time on hot days he made frozen bonbons for all the Oddies.

Sweet carrot and apple salad

Chef Oddie likes to use fruit and vegetables in his cooking because they have a lot of vitamins in them. To make this salad he washed and peeled carrots and apples and shredded them into small pieces. He added a little water, a tiny bit of sugar and also lemon juice. Carrots give you vitamin A (which is good for eyes) also C, E and B6 and many more. Apples give you A, B, C and E. This is a lovely sweet salad you can enjoy all year round!

Always ask an adult to help you when preparing food in the kitchen!

Idea of the week:

Sock Puppets!

What you want your sock puppet to look like up to you. But there are a few key ingredients:

Clean old socks! No one wants a wiffy puppet!

Markers and felt tips.

Buttons, wool, coloured paper, scissors and glue... It all depends on what character you're making - glitter for Disco Oddie, wool for Rasta Oddie, leaves for Eco Oddie... The possibilities are endless!

---Then just pull the sock over the hand that you do not use to write.

---Draw a face - remember that your thumb and forefinger will naturally make a “mouth” from which the puppet will talk, sing, recite poetry, yodel.

---Glue on buttons for eyes or ears, added a paper tongue or even glue on wool for hair or a beard. It depends whether you want your puppet to be an animal or monster or ghost or anything!

---Then it's time to start playing... make a theatre out of a cardboard box, get your friends over with their puppets and put on a silly voice!

Have fun! And if that's not enough, there's some colouring in below!

xoxox from Oddieworld

I met up with Pirate Oddie over the weekend and he had a message… and a task for you…

“Ahoy there!!

Shiver me timbers! It’s been a rum day at worrrrk fer me, arrrrr. Luckily that mango smoothie I “borrowed” of Prrrincessss Oddie be fine fine grog! It’s been keepin’ my energy levels up… which I need fer all that piratin I be doin’! It’s been hard steerin’ The Odd Pearl now it be airborne… and I have to meet up with me ol’ hearty Capt’ Jack Sparrow and Long John Silver later this eve.

This morn, I met me ol’ matey Diver to talk about the treasure we be seekin’. Can yer find the differences in each picture? Aye, I can find ten! But I’ll not be tellin’ yer what treasure we be seekin’!”

Email me with all the differences you can find and tell me what YOU think Pirate Oddie is searching for. One thing he’ll be certain to find, though, is mischief!





Can't wait to hear what YOU think Pirate Oddie is seeking - and I don't think it's a missing odd sock!

Lots of hearty love from Oddieworld! xoxox

So I'm back for the New Year and back to work! It's time for you to get back to work too!

Find as many Oddie related words as you can in our word search... they're forwards, sdrawkcab, diagonal, upwards, downwards so it's all very gnisufnoc...oops...confusing!

Email us at pressoffice@oddieworld.com to tell us how many Oddie characters, place names and other Oddie themed words you've found. You may even spot some we haven't spotted!


Keep checking the blog because we'll be adding more games and fun over the next few weeks.

Lots of love from Oddieworld xoxox

Last post before Christmas!

We've both been rolling on the floor laughing at all the jokes you've sent it. We'll know exactly how to entertain everyone at Christmas dinner... if our mouths aren't too stuffed with turkey and mince pies!

So... I know you can't wait to find out... Who are our lucky winners?

Tom Siddiqui who's 6 years old and from Bexley Heath.

"What do you call Fairy when she hasn't had a bath?
Stinkerbell!"

And Sarah Rowley, who's 7 years old and from Manchester.

"Why was Witchy late?
Her broom over-swept!"

So they'll be getting their prizes in the post very soon!

Rita is now off to Portugal and taking a whole suitcase of Oddies to show people how great they are!

Fleur is going to China for Christmas and can't wait!


So what are you guys doing for Christmas? Write in and let us know!

Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

Love,

Fleur and Rita.

More Christmas games!

Click on the image and link all the points! And you could even colour it in after!

You just need to print the image as landscape. Have fun!

To all those budding Leonardo Da Vincis out there – get your brushes (and felt tips) out!

Print out Angel Oddie and colour her in! She's looking a little peaky and needs some colour in her cheeks - and silver on those wings! Or you could really go for it and jazz her up with stars, swirls and stripes – it's up to you!

We're really looking forward to seeing your version of Angel Oddie so, once you've worked your magic, send your masterpiece to us by email (at pressoffice@oddieworld.com) or by mail (to Oddies, Maritime House, Grafton Square, London. SW4 0JW). Who knows, you might get a surprise yourself, in the post, later on!












A tip! We would print the horizontal images on landscape format (change the printer properties).

****Oddies' Competition!!!****

MAKE US CHUCKLE WITH YOUR BEST ODDIE JOKES AND WIN THE SANTA AND ANGEL BOOK AND SOCK SETS!!




When Santa is not busy wrapping Oddie presents - shhh! Ballet Oddie is getting a new tutu - he’s telling jokes… and usually about other Oddies!


"What do you call Witchy when she’s nervous?
Twitchy."


"What do you get if you cross a bird with Wizzo?
A flying sorcerer."


"What did Police Oddie say to his stomach?
You're under a VEST!"


Needless to say, out of all the Oddies, it’s Santa Oddie who laughs the loudest at his jokes “Ho Ho HO!” That reminds me… what goes “Oh Oh OH!”… It’s Santa, when he’s walking backwards!

So what about this competition? Email us your funniest Oddie jokes and the one that makes us chuckle the most will win the Santa and Angel book and sock set.


Just send them in with your contact details to oddieworld@googlemail.com.

Love, Fleur and Rita

Santa and Angel Oddie - finally - arrive!






We’re just back from Oddieworld and what a time we’ve had! The weather’s a bit skew-whiff and it’s not Wizzo’s fault! They’ve also had a few technical difficulties with the fun fair.

But luckily two new Oddie characters are in town!

Welcome Santa Oddie and Angel Oddie!

Our old friends are still getting up to mischief (I’m pointing no fingers… Pirate and Robber Oddie!) but the two new arrivals have still managed to shake things up a little. Santa sorts out the weather as well as being a comedy genius - see the following post for our great new competition.

Angel Oddie arrived just in time to save both the day and Ballet Oddie from her fear of heights – en pointe is as high as she’s normally willing to go!

But we won’t say more and spoil the ending. You’ll just have to pull your socks up and get reading to find out what happens to Santa and Angel Oddie… whilst we’re still trying to guess what Santa Oddie will give us for Christmas.

Hello all, and welcome to the blog. I would like to say that the blog will be continuing but I just can't, I'm afraid. As usual the Oddie office is in such a state of rush and panic that no-one has the time to stand, or indeed sit, still for one moment. Jin is taking a break from designing Oddies characters to travel, but will be coming back soon to help with all the new characters! Sabina is leaving forever though, which the whole team is very sad to hear. I will also be leaving shortly, which I'm sure you will agree is also a tragedy of epic proportions. As such it is all change! New people will be arriving and we can only hope they will enjoy Oddies as much as we have.

In other news, I believe all is well in Oddieworld at the moment. Wizzo was planning some ambitious magic when I last spoke to him but I am sure some good oddie will step and stop him turning them all into feet or turnips. I believe everyone is pretty happy.

We are at the moment contacting publishers and distributors so it may not be long before you see Oddies books on the shelves of your local bookstore!

For more information go to www.oddieworld.com.



Tom out.
x

Hello!

To those of you still checking this blog: congratulations! You have proved yourself very persistent and are now being rewarded with a new post.

My name is Tom and I am yet another new intern, although unlike all before me, I am sure I will keep this blog going.

Oddieworld is as hectic as ever. Popstar Oddie is almost ready to be shown to the world, and the office has been busy with the sound of pencils scratching as we all designed new Oddies. Some were better than others!


Oddies are also all speaking Italian now. Books are being shipped as we speak to the land of Pizza and leaning towers. Don't worry though- the English books are continuing so there is no need to learn Italian just yet.


Thats all for now, check out www.oddieworld.com for more information and games.

T

Dear Oddies Friends

The changes at Oddies headquarters don’t stop…

Last week Michael left us after two fantastic months. I am sure that he will not only be missed at Oddies but also by all the blog readers. Thanks Michael, it was great to work with you!

What else is new? Ah yes, two new Oddies characters are planned for Christmas 2008; Santa Oddie and Angel Oddie.
On top are pictures of the Italian version of the anticipated Oddies books. I don’t know about you, but I really like them. It they are not a reason to looking forward to Christmas!!!

Have a great day!
Salome

Oopf! The other interns are writing the blog today. I am merely in charge of pictures. See below for photographic evidence of the Oddie office team. More exctitingly, I asked for Swiss chocolate yesterday and look what appeared on my desk this morning. Good form.

ODDIES TEAM!


SWISS CHOCOLATE!

All change at Oddie towers.
You’ll no doubt be as disappointed to hear that my time is up at Oddies. Yup, two months have passed and its time to hand the baton onto the next in a long line of Oddies interns. Also departing over the next few days is office supremo Salome “Swiss” Egger who has been handling and packing up your orders for nearly six months now. And an excellent job she’s been doing of it too.
Replacing us is Sabina, who like Salome is also Swiss. I don’t know about you but I’m expecting vast amounts of nice swiss chocolate before I leave. Yum.

On the Oddies character front we’ve been seeing a few designs and covers for new Oddies characters, possibly for release around Christmas. I’ll see if I’m allowed to put the pictures up here tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, there will be a bumper photo post tomorrow. And that’s a promise.

Dear Blogettes, it has been too long, and the fault is all mine. Things have been getting hectic in Oddieworld. SO what is new at Oddie HQ? Well, samples for our new socks continue to pour through the door at a rate of knots, which has been keeping the Oddies staff toes warm during this cold snap.

A big "hello" to those we met at the Basildon Book festival last week. I hope you had as much creating your own Oddies as we did. Admire the selection below [NB: pics will appear ASAP]. A good effort all round I think.

Advanced notice as well for those in the Hampshire area, the Aldershot News & Mail will soon be running a competition to win no less than four (4!) Oddies book and sock sets as well as a free book promotion. Aldershot: Home of the British Army, this Oddies blog writer and fans of the Oddies - Wonderful place!

Word of the Week answer.

Oh dear, I've left you all in suspense rather by forgetting to inform you what the word of the week actually meant.
The answer comes from Gullivers Travels where Gulliver travels to a strange land called Brobdingnag which is full of giants. The word has since come to mean anything of colossal size.

I wonder is Gulliver ever went to Oddieworld?

Another word of the week for you, and its a beauty:

"brobdignagian"

A hearty Oddies round of appluase to Matthew Edwards, aged 9, who sent us the picture below. Matthew explains: "His name is Super Sam, he can fly and is also heat proof so he can rescue Oddies from fires. He has a super power to sense Oddies who are in trouble." Pretty impressive Matthew, we like your drawing skills. Designed your own Oddies character? Send it to us at oddieworld@hotmail.co.uk and it to could be up here before you know it.

Well, I promised the Oddies Office attempt at doing something funny with our socks. This really was the best we could come up with! Send us your far, far, better attempts to oddieworld@hotmail.co.uk and we'll stick them up on the facebook group and a few of the best on here.

Evening Oddies friends.

In celebration of the amusing adventures the Oddies are always up to we want to hear about your Oddies Socks adventures. In picture form. We're looking for the best photos of your Oddies socks in crazy places or doing silly things. The most odd and crazy will get posted up here and at our facebook group page. The Oddie office's attempt will be posted up here later! Send your photos to oddieworld@hotmail.co.uk with "Oddies group pics FAO Mike" in the subject line. And if you haven't got your own Oddies Socks feel free to improvise with your own!

Hello there Oddies Bloggers! Many apologies for the lack of activity here. I promised both fun posts and serious posts last week and have so far provided neither.

So, first things first: BORBORYGMI – who guessed what it means then? As ever, using google doesn’t count. The answer was (of course) that it means the rumbling noises your tummy makes when you’re hungry. So next time you hear someone’s belly rumbling impress them with your knowledge: “Bad spot of borborygmi you’ve got there old sport”.

So, an update on things we have in the pipeline for the blog. We’re working on an exciting competition. The prize is still to be confirmed, but needless to say it will be excellent.

Finally, many thanks also for those who have now joined the Oddies facebook group – just search for “Oddies” on facebook.

Keep it Oddies,
Mike.

An early "word fo the week" blog update today. We're working on some fun things to update with later this week and then some more interesting, serious (surely not?) pieces next week.

The word of this week is therfore:

"BORBORYGMI"

And you have a whole week to guess what it means. Any guesses in the comments section please.

Go go go!

So did you manage to guess what "Slubberdegullion" meant? Using google doesn't count.

Well for those that didn't the correct answer is: "a slobbering or dirty fellow".

Luckily there's none of those in the Oddies Office. And if there were then you can be sure Police Oddie would deal with them.

Bye for now.

Good Afternoon Oddies Fans!

It is of course Friday in Oddieworld which, as any grown up will tell you, is the best day of the week.

I will leave you with a word for the weekend. Do YOU know what it means?

"slubberdegullion"

Answers on Monday!

Exciting times at Oddie HQ! New prototype sock designs have been coming in for us to check out (and try on!)and say "yay :-)" or "nay :-(" to. The main change in design on the prototypes we've seen so far is a change in shape to a new "tube" shape of sock which should help the socks fit better on the foot. Some may even come with a special non-slip sole as well!

Good Morning Oddie Friends! New blogger here at Oddies HQ, its Mike the new intern! And what better way to start than to present the oddies spoiler in glorious technicolour below?! A round of applause to whose who manage to count and name all the individual Oddies featured.

Ooops, I just realised that I did not keep my promise – I have not yet showed you the Pirate Oddie book cover - I am very sorry! I have been very busy during the last week letting people know about our Oddies 'sizzler' – the short animated cartoon on youtube (click here if you still havn't seen it). Of course, there are always many other things to do in the office as well. I was looking at the customer orders the other day and it seems that the character that is the most popular at the moment is Robber Oddie – many Robber Oddie books and socks have recently left the office. His antics at Oddie Castle have obviously been entertaining you all and the stripy socks are obviously a fashion item!

Well soon there will be a contender for Robber Oddie's number 1 position in the Oddie charts. With Pirate Oddie on the way I am sure you will love this character just as much as the loveable rogue that is Robber. I was very fascinated by the adventures of Pirate Oddie who sails through Foot Sea with its sharks and many other dangers. You will learn about Princess Oddie's yummy super mango smoothie – I love mango! The smoothie that helped her in a difficult situation and made Pirate Oddie furious.... I'll say no more. Have I already told you too much about the story? Do not worry - there is much more for you to find out when you read the book.... We hope you like the picture of Pirate Oddie as a taste of what is to come - I also saw the Pirate Oddie socks last week and they are brilliant!

Speak to you soon,
Barbara

Hi there

Today, I was giggling in our office – I've just been watching the latest animated Oddies cartoon. It is great fun! Witchy swishes on her broom through Oddieworld and Wizzo's spell produces a big bang as usual… ;-) But I am not going to tell you further details - you must see it for yourself! Go and have a look at the short 'sizzler' of animation here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFBmyXQ_j-c

We put this online because we are working hard to make sure you see the Oddies on TV as an animated series very soon. Feel free to leave your comments on the site (you will need to register if you've not done so already) and send to your friends to see what they think too.

I can't wait to see what you all think about it. Hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Have a good day!

Barbara

Hi there!

Oddies have got great news – soon have two new books!! PIRATE ODDIE and PRINCESS ODDIE will soon be joining the fun and games in Oddieworld. They will pop out of their bubbles on October 1st – so make a note in your diary now so that you will not miss this new milestone in the history of Oddieworld. I am very curious myself because I have not yet seen any of the manuscripts, only the book covers. But I am sure they will be very funny just like all of Grant Slatter's other books. I am bursting with excitement about 1st of October and I think I will make a special calendar and counting days until then. How will you be spending the time between now and then? Any ideas about what happens to Pirate and Princess Oddie in their adventures?

Have a nice day!
Barbara

PS: I will show you the book cover of Pirate Oddie next week! ;-)

Today, it is a very sad day - it is Arielle’s last day at Oddies! I can not believe that she is going to leave us already - *sniff*… :’(. Therefore I did an interview with her which you can read below. Hope, you will enjoy it:

Barbara: Arielle, it is already your last day at the Oddies. How are you?

Arielle: The time went by very quickly and I am sad to leave Oddies and London.


B: Is there something you will miss?

A: I will miss the responsibility I had at work and I will definitely miss the blogs. I really loved to write those.
(B: and I have enjoyed reading them ;-) – Arielle’s blogs are very funny and entertaining, aren’t they?).


B: You have been in London for more than 3 weeks. What did you like most in the English capital?

A: I really liked the general atmosphere of the city because I come from a suburb and not a bustling, big city. Although, I do go to New York City all the time.
I liked seeing the tourist attractions as well as the night life and going out for dinner.


B: What was your favourite place for having dinner?

A: I loved going to Pizza Express. In fact, I think that I will go there once more before I go back home.


B: You went sightseeing to several places but you did some shopping as well, didn’t you? You told me that you bought lovely gumboots. Which one of the Oddie socks will you wear with them when you are back in New York?

A: Ballet Oddie socks!


B: Why are they your favourites?

A: It is the most enjoyable story to read. And Ballet Oddie is a very cute character.


B: Actually, what are you going to do in New York? I guess you have got summer holidays? Will you go on holidays abroad?

A: Well, I am going to visit my sister at Camp Robindel, a sleep-away camp, which is in Hampshire. I will go there on a little road trip with my friends.
Afterwards, I will fly to Italy and visit several cities with my family.


B: That sounds very exciting. Italy is known for its ice cream, isn’t it? (Mmmhh…. both of us love ice cream! Arielle and I often ate a delicious dish of ice cream after lunch ;-) – we regarded it as our wage for the working day. The ice cream shop is a little French place and it has got MANY different flavours of ice cream. So we just stand there without knowing how we should decide. And there was no Mum who could help us with our decision…)

Arielle, I say thank you very much for the interview and for your work with Oddies. It would be nice if you could stay longer but I am sure your family and your friends are really missing you?!

A: Yes, I miss everyone at home and they miss me as well. But, I am really going to miss all the new friends I made while in London.


B: I wish you all the best and take care! Oddies will miss you!

With Arielle back in America, I will try to post on the blog. I hope you enjoyed the interview!

I will be back soon.

Barbara

Hi Everyone!



My last day at Oddies, where did the time go? I can not believe that I will be returning to America at the end of the week. I am going to miss my time spent surrounded by Oddie characters and colourful stories. It is not everyday that one gets such an experience.



I must thank Kate Bright for the opportunities I was given while at Oddies. She entrusted me with numerous tasks and let me make decisions on my own. I never felt as if I were only "interning" but rather holding a prominent position in the company.



I also want to thank Barbara, the other intern, who I have been closely working with for my almost 4 weeks here. In fact, Barbara will take over the blog when I return to the states. Look out for an interview featuring... Me! Luckily, no photo shoots were involved.



This post is beginning to sound like an award-show acceptance speech!
"And last but not least, I would like to thank..."



Although I miss my bed, my family, and my friends (Did I mention my bed?), I am really going to miss London. I loved the nightlife, the restaurants, the tube, and all of my friends that I made while overseas. Oh, and what am I going to do without Pizza Express and Harrods?! I guess I should bring some tissues with me to the airport... it could get a little teary in the terminal :(



Since this is my last Oddie post, I thought I would tell you about my favourite things while interning at Oddies...



1. I know this is a given but... the hot chocolate, sandwiches, and ice cream from the Boulangerie Patisserie. I come all the way to London and my favourite lunch place is French. What are the "odds"?!

2. The 2 Starbucks that are close to the Oddie headquarters. I felt like a real working woman with my (iced) coffee in hand in the mornings.

3. The shoe store, Bullfrogs, that is directly across from the Clapham Common tube stop.
Yes- I managed to find a "favourite" store for this list... then again, it is me who is making the list. Of course, I found my favourite local store!

4. Sending out all the orders to dedicated Oddie fans. I loved familiarizing myself with the post codes and addresses. 3 weeks later and I can finally spell some of the town names... G-L-O-U-C-E-S-T-E-R-S-H-I-R-E... (just kidding, I peeked to spell that one)

5.My lunch breaks with Barbara. We would discuss all of the Oddie going-ons as well as our exciting London lives.

6. The Oddie office. What am I going to do without being able to gaze up to Oddie characters?! I guess this is a hint, "Barbara, would you please pass me a poster to bring home with me"?

7.ODDIES, ODDIES, ODDIES, AND MORE ODDIES...

8.And finally, this blog and its many readers!



I hope you have all enjoyed reading my posts because I have certainly enjoyed writing them. It is a pretty cool feeling to be able to Google your name and have your very own blog-posts to pop up. It is as if I am famous... well, that could be pushing it.



I plan on staying in contact with Oddies and hopefully I can continue to help with getting Oddies to America.



Speaking of America... See you on Friday!



Anyway, thanks for following my time in London, and more specifically, my internship at Oddies. I loved sharing it with all of you!



Blog you later,




Arielle

Hi Everyone!


Wow... I can not believe that today is my second to last day of my internship. My time at Oddies flew by. It was as if one of the Oddies cast a magic spell to make time go by quickly. The possibilities...
For a laugh, let me tell you all about my morning: My friend and I usually wake up around the same time, and since I never pay attention to my alarm clock going off, she knocks on my door to get me on my feet. Well, I, completely forgot to set my alarm for the right time and she, completely, forgot to remind me that she is done with her internship. When I actually did open my eyes at 9:20 a.m... well, you can all imagine the rush I was in. A 40 minute commute and a workday that begins at 10. I could have really used some help from Sock Fairy this morning. Sigh.


But, don't fret, I am at work and posting on this blog. I could never leave you all hanging, as I said, on my second to last day at Oddies. And, it is actually sunny today! It will be just my luck if London begins to have "summer" weather. But, if my last few days here are nice, I certainly, will not complain. And my pocketbook would be so much lighter.. an umbrella and/or raincoat can be quite heavy to carry around 24/7!


Speaking of rain, yesterday was extremely rainy :(. And, out of all days, I had tickets for the London Eye. Lets just say, my pictures had more rain drops in them than scenery.


I am just finishing up some "odds" and ends at Oddies in these last couple of days. Sending out e-mails and updating and completing databases. I, also, must snag a few Oddies for myself. I could never go all the way back to America without Oddie stories and socks... and maybe even a poster!


Hopefully, however, Oddies will be all over the United States and not just in my possession. I can see it now: "Oddies, Oddies, Come and get your Oddies".


Well, that is a nice image to leave you all with...

Blog you later,


Arielle

Hi Everyone!



Sorry about the lack of posts in the past couple of days... it has been quite crazy around here!



Kate Bright is going to be on holiday for my last week (I can't believe that this time has come) so a lot had to get done during these past few days. Oddie books have been sent out all over America to book reviewers. 36 press packages later and I was rather tired! I even thought to include a slip saying, "Also, please check out our blog at..." Hopefully, this blog will get lots of hits in the next week.



With Kate away, the office is going to be quiet. Luckily, we have our ever-reliable XFM online to keep the office "rockin". Don't worry Kate, things will stay under control! I will, personally, make sure that this office follows the standards of Good Oddie Island... we won't have any Bad Oddies around here.



Yesterday, I had quite the suprise. Kate took Barbara and I out for lunch to a delicious Italian restaurant on the main road. It was a real treat to lunch with my boss. I was full until dinnertime after a lunch consisting of an appetizer and 2 desserts for the 3 of us... I really am always talking about food on this blog (uh-oh)!


After a great day at work, I went to the theatre to see Billy Elliot. The show was phenomenal! I would reccomend it to all of my readers.


I can not believe that this is going to be my last weekend in London. Time, certainly, flies when you are having fun! It is, officially, now crunch time for shopping and dining. I feel as if I have lots to do and see in a little amount of time. Then again, I manage to always shop until I drop... London should be no different (Sorry Dad !).



Lets all cross our fingers that London sees more sun than rain this weekend.



I know, "Keep on Dreaming Arielle"...



Blog you later,




Arielle

Hi Everyone!


Well, here is the post that you all have been waiting for.


THE ODDIEWORLD PHOTO SHOOT: STARRING... ME!



(this is so embarrassing!!)



Unfortunately, Kate Bright was not in a picture-taking mood and left me on my own :(. So, here are the awkward-alone pictures of me at Oddies... Enjoy!!


Here, I am sitting at the desk on the computer. However, I usually work on the computer that is hidden in the corner. The far computer is the one that I am most often on.

If you can get over how awkward this picture is, you will see the Oddie characters hanging on the wall behind me. In my hand is the poster that we send out when you sign up to be an Oddie friend. So, if you sign up for an Oddie membership, you will get this adorable Oddie poster as well!! What more could you want?!?

Directly behind me is the map that was put up when Oddieworld was just created. All the different colored pins symbolize some of the locations of the schools, nurseries, libraries, scouts, and guides that participate in Read With Me Week. Hopefully, one day, there will be a map of the United States right next to the one of the British Isles!



Ok, I think that is enough pictures for one post...



Last night, I was privileged to see the show: Little Shop of Horrors. It was fantastic! I have only ever seen camp and school productions of it so I wasn't really sure what to expect. However, it was a "lovely and brilliant" (how British!?!) show and I would recommend it to all of my blog-readers! And, I can't seem to stop singing the theme song.



"Little shop, little shoppa horrors. Little shop, little shoppa terror..."



Hands down, though, the actors voices are better than mine. And, that, my readers, is a fact. (My family can, MOST certainly, attest).



Anyway, I hope that you enjoyed the photos and captions. It is not everyday that you get to see an insider view of Oddies... (and I am quite thankful for that :) ! )



Blog you later,



Arielle

Hi Everyone!




Hope that all my blog followers had a good weekend. I certainly did. These past couple days have really made me feel like a tourist with all the sights that I saw. I was even fortunate enough to experience high-tea: Harrod's style! What a treat! It is a tough call to decide what my favorite finger food was... a scone with strawberry jam, a miniature chocolate tart, or tea sandwiches (smoked salmon!). Well, now that I made you all hungry...



Besides Harrods, I went to the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace and I visited the Tower of London. The crown jewels really put all other gems to shame! They are breathtaking. But what is even more of a sight to see are the guards who look as if they aren't even breathing! However, my friend managed to get a guard to smile. Believe it or not, a smile is huge!!



And then, to top off my weekend, I saw the Harry Potter movie. It was a really cool experience to see the movie in the country that it takes place in. When the characters were in the tube station, we all had a little yell... "We've been there!"



Oh! I also happened to run into Orlando Bloom. What a surprise! As my friends and I were leaving dinner, he was leaving the play that he currently stars in. You can never complain about bumping into a major British celebrity... especially a good-looking one!



But enough about my going-ons, let me tell you a little bit about Oddie World. The office is quiet now that it is only Barbara, Kate Bright, and I that are working. All the other interns have finished their time here. This week will be one full of anticipation as we are awaiting the response of hundreds of schools to Read With Me Week. I am also going to be sending out emails/ press packages to various Book Reviewers all over the United States. Hopefully, they will have positive things to say about these creative books!



I was very excited to see this morning that my mom had placed an order for oddies. I hope that others are encouraged to do so as well. And.. for all those adults that want Oddie socks, we have them! Such a fashion statement!



Imagine yourself reading the Oddie stories in adorable Oddie socks...




Blog you later,




Arielle

Hi Everyone!


Back by popular demand... I hear that this blog is quite the "hit" back in the states. Since many of you are from America that have been reading my posts, how about you check out the Oddies site at www.oddieworld.com.


Here, you can find Oddie books and socks as well as some online fun. I would love to send out orders to familiar addresses! You wouldn't believe how confusing it is to write out a British address. The postcodes are quite different!


Although today is a Friday and the weekend is right ahead of me, there is a lot of work to be done. We have already had a few New York schools sign up for Read With Me Week, which is very encouraging. However, hundreds and hundreds more emails must be sent out (especially if we want all of the US to be introduced to Oddies)! With all the resources provided for free, I can't see why American schools wouldn't want to participate in such a fun week. And, the Oddies are just SO adorable.

Another Oddie story that I really enjoy is Footy Oddie. In this edition, Sock Fairy needs help from Footy Oddie in order to stop Witchy. Witchy is sending all the rain clouds from Bad Oddie Island to Good Oddie Island and it just won't stop raining. After all this rainy London weather, I really can understand why Sock Fairy wants the sun to come out!!!




A fun fact about this Oddie story is that Footy Oddie is a "footballer". However, for us Americans, he plays soccer. If you check out the picture above you will see that he has a black and white ball rather than a brown and white one. It is funny how there are still so many differences in context despite the same spoken language! Then again, I don't play football or soccer.. so I think that I will be just fine!

Before I forget, today is a very big day at the Oddie headquarters. Sabrina, the intern who posted before me, came back for a visit! She just couldn't get enough Oddies to only say goodbye once. And... there will be a photo shoot at 4:00 pm in the Oddie Offices. Yes, I said photo shoot! A representative from IEI, the intern program that I am on, will be making her way over to Clapham Common to take pictures of me at work. Kate Bright and I both had the same thoughts in mind when we got dressed this morning... we must look nice! Luckily, we even coordinate. Great "Oddie" minds think alike!


Maybe, just maybe, I will upload pictures onto the blog for Monday. That is, only, if today is a photogenic day... easier said than done!

I hope that everyone enjoys their weekend and that good weather comes my way! I could use a little tan...


Blog you later,

Arielle

Hi Everyone!

Allow me to introduce myself... My name is Arielle and I am the new intern at Oddies. However, there is a twist. Unlike Sabrina and Dan, I am not from Europe but from America. New York, in fact. And, I am just sixteen years old. Bet you don't know many sixteen year old Americans who intern so far away from home! Although, I do know about 150 others because we are all part of a program called Intern Exchange International. Why don't you check us out at http://www.internexchange.com/.

Almost 3,500 miles away from my home, Oddies has been very welcoming. Kate Bright, Sabrina (who has left us), and Barbara have made it an easy transition for me. However, the rainy weather hasn't eased my forty minute (so long!) commute to and from work. Who ever knew it rained so much in London?!! I have already purchased Wellington boots and am looking for a new raincoat... any suggestions?

Being the youngest one in the office has both its positives and negatives, as you can imagine. But I definitely think the pluses outweigh the minuses. For one, I get to listen to all the "grownup" going-ons and chats around here -- mortgages, life in London, and the like. I also find that my advanced computer skills (it's what happens when you constantly instant message and facebook) are benefiting me with all the emails and databases that I have to compose. Just in my first day of work, I put almost 200 names into Excel... my hands really needed a break after that!

Luckily, lunch breaks suffice (and I get off work by 4... can't complain!). I have accustomed myself to the Clapham Common area and have even found my favourite little French place to get delicious hot chocolate and ice cream. See, I really am adjusting! Good thing I go to the gym everyday when I get back from work.

I am currently contacting American schools asking if they would like to participate in Read With Me Week (a huge success in the UK from what I hear). I certainly never knew how many elementary schools were in New York alone. I will really be sending out lots and lots of e-mails. I am getting tired just thinking about it!!

Well, since I am new to this blogging business, I don't want to bore you. I will make sure to update you with all of my adventures and going abouts while I am here at Oddies. But before I go... I absolutely LOVE Ballet Oddie. And, America would completely fall in love with her. Just think about all the little girls in pink tutus who love to dance (I actually used to be one back in the day... only for a short time though!).



Now, it is time for me to be a true "Londoner" and make myself a cup of tea. My mom isn't going to know what has gotten into me by the time I return home to New York.


Tea, Wellies, and Oddies...


Blog you later,

Arielle

Creative Partnerships Conference June 28 & June 29 2007

Creative learning: crossing boundaries

“Creativity takes courage”
Henri Matisse

Being creative – that is what we all want to be, right? I was fortunate enough to spend two days at a conference in the north of England (in a remote place called Keele, near Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme) where everything was focused on creativity and how to make learning at schools more creative for both pupils and teacher (yes, although they are grown-ups, they like to be creative as well - sometimes you kids just need to remind them of their creative potential!).
Creative Partnerships (http://www.creative-partnerships.com/) aims to put schools in touch with artists or Creative Practitioners as they are called. The Oddies are involved and Oddies author Grant Slatter and Oddies director Kate Bright regularly visit schools that have joined the Creative Partnerships programme. Maybe Oddies has already been to your school?
As an introduction to the conference, the leader of the conference showed us some examples of definitions of CREATIVITY. My two favourite quotes come from children, no surprise! :-)

“Creativity is when stuff is everywhere”

“Being creative gives you a nice feeling inside”

I like the first quote because it excuses my chaotic trait and it unmasks me as a creative person rather than a messy one, well that’s how I justify it to myself. I like the second quote because it does not use any complicated words to describe one of the nicest things in life… It keeps it simple. Yes, being creative gives you a nice and cosy feeling inside – everyone must remember their childhood paintings, completely absorbed in producing your piece of art, and forgetting about the world around you… your imagination took over!

On the second day of the conference, we had a chance to listen to an interview with Paul Collard (the National Director of Creative Partnerships). He told us a very interesting story about a woman who went to the North Pole and claimed that the power of imagination actually saved her life. Imagine that! In order to stay alive in freezing cold water surrounded by polar bears, she imagined a raging fire inside of her. Obviously, the extent to which your imagination can impact on your life should never be underestimated!!

Then, Jonathan Hare, a well-known physicist (he featured in the programme Rough Science, BBC) gave a speech about creativity from a scientific perspective. His work can be found at: http://www.creative-science.org.uk/ and for all the bookworms among you there is a selection of Jonathan’s ‘good books’ (see “Jonathan’s ‘good book’ guide” under “STORIES OF SCI.”). Don’t worry - they are not all about science! :-)
Jonathan Hare also spoke about Astronomy and the Chemistry between the stars (he did not mention Oddieworld though… maybe he does not know this planet yet!). He informed us that planet Earth would not be here today if the stars had not exploded a very long time ago. Human beings are – to put it in Jonathan Hare’s words – all stardust. What a nice image!!

I really enjoyed this conference as well as my time here with the Oddies and as I say goodbye to you, I hope that each of you all go to the stars and back in whatever it is that you do. And remember… Creativity is key!!

Take care.

Sabrina.

“Herzlich willkommen!”

Ooops – this is German and means “a hearty welcome” to all of you!!
I’m new at Oddies and my name is Sabrina and no – I’m not German – I’m Swiss (and yes I do love chocolate – how can you not? Yummy!). I’m sure you guys know Sabrina the teenage witch??! Unfortunately, I don’t have a talking cat like Salem, Sabrina’s tomcat! That would be fun…

But I can assure you: I am not a naughty witch like Witchy and I would prefer to live on Good Oddie Island and be a friend of Sock Fairy and Wizzo rather than living on Bad Oddie Island and being badgered by Witchy!

I know that I’m challenged by the fact that Dan the superstar of the blog was my forerunner! However, I will try to keep up with his exquisite and bright blog entries!!
Speaking of bright: I’m sure you have always wanted to get to know Kate Bright, the director of Oddies a little better??? Well, I certainly have! That is why I decided to interview her!
Are you curious? I won’t let you wait… Here we go with the questions for Kate the Bright. This is another part of our series "Meet the faces behind the Oddies". But now let’s walk the talk! :-)

Hi Kate. May I ask you some questions about you and your history at Oddies? The readers of our Superblog can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

Katie, where were did you grow up?

I was born in Manchester in 1978 and I grew up in Haywards Heath in Sussex, 20 minutes away from Brighton. I have 2 brothers and 1 sister, one brother is younger than me and I am in the middle. My youngest brother rowed the Atlantic ocean last year. When I was 18, I moved to London. I became fascinated with this city when I used to go on daytrips with my family and I thought it would be very glamorous to live here. The glamour has started to fade slightly 10 years on!

Which profession did you aspire as a little girl?

When I was 13, I was obsessed with maps and I wanted to become a cartographer. But I then while I was studying for my A-Levels I became interested in Marketing & PR and really wanted to work in that field.

What have you done before you started working at Oddies and above all how did you become the director of Oddies?

After university, I worked in children’s TV working for the CEO of Fox Kids TV. I then went to work for a TV presenter doing PR and Publicity. After that, I worked freelance and represented clients I had met throughout my time in London. Then I did an internship for 6 months in an agency in Notting Hill with a former colleague from Fox Kids. This agency specialised in PR for children’s products. When the internship was over, I established my own business and then I was approached to work at ODDIES!

Have you ever been to Oddieworld? If so, which is your favourite character?

Ballet Oddie is my favourite Oddie character as pink is my favourite colour… Also I did ballet myself when I was a girl. I like Popstar Oddie as well because I am absolutely addicted to music!

If you could invent a new Oddie character, what would it be?

I would invent Rockstar Oddie who would have similarities with Mick Jagger. I am a big fan of the Rolling Stones and – believe it or not – I have met Mick Jagger once in person! He is a really nice man and I even managed to make him laugh!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to do Pilates and Yoga (relaxing sports – yes, sports can actually be relaxing too – this is no contradiction J) and Mountain biking. Apart from that, I dedicate a lot of my free time to music: I have been playing the piano for about 20 years (and I used to play the violin) and I love going to concerts and music festivals! More than anything though I like spending my free time with my family and friends.

What are your guilty pleasures?

Food! And even more important to me than food is my Sky Plus. I am addicted to it!


Last but not least, a picture of Kate Bright…with her brother Tom after he had rowed across the Atlantic Ocean!

Take care!

Sabrina.

Some of the geekier socks in Oddieworld aren't happy with simply having two websites and a blog, oh no!! They're invading the net with their very own myspace page - it's exciting news but try to contain yourself!!

You can check it out at www.myspace.com/theoddies

Now, for those in the audience who are (gasp) thirty plus, myspace is the place where all the kidz hang out on the web and check out all the cool new stuff that's jumping onto the scene (so the Oddies will fit in pretty darn nicely!!).

Okay - so facebook is the new myspace, but who can keep up?? And you try typing with your heels!!

So have a look!! Any technophobes can ease themselves in by checking out our other sites first - www.oddieworld.com and www.readwithme.co.uk

Happy Friday!!
Quite a sad post today!! (For me anyway!!).

Next week is my last at Oddies!! My internship is over and some lovely people have offered me a proper grown up job!! Yay!!

I'll be sad to go though, not least because I wont get to keep you good people informed as to what's going on in Oddieworld!! I will, of course, check in from time to time to make sure that the blog has been maintained to the exacting standards that you have come to expect....stop sniggering please!!

But!! I have a week left, so I have a few days of posting to look forward to!! That's it - breathe a sigh of relief!!

The question is...who will I leave the mammoth task of writing the blog to?? Who could hope to even go part way to replacing me?...It's a toughy, leave it with me!!

Have Fun!!
Dan.

Pic: Pirate Oddie and his crew having a bit of target practice.

Arrgh! Ahoy Mateys!!

Ever since I saw Muppet Treasure Island I've had a hankering to be a Pirate (Johnny Depp and Keira Knightley have got nothing on Kermit and Miss Piggy) but then again I tend to get sea sick and am petrified of parrots - talking birds just aren't right!!

Oddieworld has its very own resident Pirate crew who fiercely patrol Foot Sea aboard the 'Good Ship Oddie Sock' and this got me thinking.... There a certain things that every good Pirate Captain has to have; a Parrot (preferably called Polly), a beard (usually blue (?) or black), a hat, a hook and most importantly... a peg leg!!

Now peg legs don't require socks....so our Pirate sock must of come from the remaining foot (stay with me) which means...if you see a one peg legged, one bare footed Pirate on your travels - firstly, hide any gold/treasure maps/potential booty that you have on your person and secondly, give him a nod in the direction of Oddieworld to let him know his missing sock is happily plundering the Good Oddies treasures - that should make him smile!

Fancy finding out your Pirate persona?? go here - www.piratequiz.com

Mine's below!

My pirate name is:

Dirty Morty Bonney

You're the pirate everyone else wants to throw in the ocean -- not to get rid of you, you understand; just to get rid of the smell. You can be a little bit unpredictable, but a pirate's life is far from full of certainties, so that fits in pretty well. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.

Have Fun!!
Dan.

Pic: He might have super powers, but is he strong enough to escape Princess Oddie's flirting?

Grendon Primary School in Northampton have been in touch and asked Grant to come and officiate over the grand opening of the newly refurbished school library!! - get us!! (I say us, I of course really mean Grant - but I have decided to bask in his reflected glory!!).

We have a bit of a special link with this school as Matthew Tatum (one of the lads who penned Cub Scout Oddie) is a student there. So it' s great to be asked back - not only does Grant get to feel like a celebrity for the day but we get to see the work of a school that really invests in providing the essential link between fun and literacy!! So, thank you Grendon Primary School (especially a nice lady called Lynne) for thinking of us!!

When the great event takes place I'll be sure to post a couple of photos!

Have Fun!!

Dan.

Pic: Postman Oddie.

I heard a few discontented rumblings in Oddieworld of late - I'm not going to name names but it's come to my attention that some of the less well-known Oddies think it's about time that they had their moment in the sun and I have to say that I agree with them!!

So...Super Hero has a flying cloak and X-ray vision, Policeman has a whistle and a snazzy hat but there are a lot of other Oddies who do jobs equally as important - its just their accessories aren't quite as glamorous!!

Postman Oddie is up with the larks (and larks get up early!) and out delivering all the Oddie post while most of Oddieworld’s inhabitants are still tucked up in bed. Come rain or shine Postman is dedicated to make sure that all of Oddieworld’s correspondence is delivered promptly and efficiently. This dynamic odd sock makes an appearance in the Robber Oddie book, so next time your leafing through the pages give him a wave just to let him know that you've noticed him!!

Who else??

Mayor Oddie does a fantastic job at running Oddietown (She also has some serious bling draped around her neck!). Politics might not be glamorous, but if wasn't for Major Oddie's relentless efforts to keep Oddietown and its inhabitants peaceful and ordered there would be a lot of miserable odd socks out there!! - and you don't want Ballet Oddie miserable, if she's not happy no-one is!! - except maybe Witchy.

Mayor Oddie can be seen placating some very stressed socks in the Brownie Oddie book which you can get through the website - www.oddieworld.com

Now...there are too many unsung Odd Socks in Oddieworld to mention each individually, so have a look at the books or on your poster and see how many Oddies you hadn't noticed before!! I bet you'll be suprised!!

Have Fun!!
Dan.

Pic: The inside of Grant's sock drawer!!

Who wouldn't want this smiley lot (apart from Robber who is admittedly moody) as friends? Well, now's your chance!!

Sign up as an Oddies Friend on the website - www.oddieworld.com and not only do you get a poster, birthday card and regular Oddies newsletter but (!) now you get the first book in the series - The Story of Oddieworld, absolutely free!! (Apart from postage - we're generous, but we're not silly!!)

Sign up now to be the first to find out all the gossip from Oddieworld!! Well, go on...you know you want to!!

Have Fun!!

Dan

Pic: Beaver Scout Oddie

Beaver Scout Oddie is always eager to get involved, whether he’s singing in the Oddie choir or helping Farmer Oddie wrangle the animals down at Darn Farm he’ll be trying his hardest and grinning from ear to ear! This enthusiastic young Oddie is always on a mission to gain new badges and make new friends along the way, so if you need someone to help carry your shopping or just fancy a chat – this is your sock!!

But with the Oddie circus in town and a ferocious beast on the loose it will take more than good intentions sort this mess out! Check out the book to see if Beaver Scout Oddie is "prepared" to save the day! www.oddieworld.com

Have Fun!!
Dan

Pic: Super Hero Oddie.

Firstly - Sorry for the inexcusable lapse in posting - I hope that you don't feel too neglected!? But it's been very busy in Oddieworld recently....Wizzo managed to turn himself into a hedgehog and it took all our energy just to retrieve him from the undergrowth of Oddie Orchard - he's fine now though (apart from the fact that he keeps trying to hibernate).

Secondly - Meet Super Hero Oddie!!

I shouldn't really have favourites (the Oddies aren't very web savvy, so I doubt any of them will read this) but in truth this Super Sock is without doubt the coolest sock in Oddieworld! He's the strongest, fastest and most secretive sock on Good Oddie Island- and with powers of flight, X-Ray vision and a pretty snazzy suit (with obligatory matching cloak and mask) what's not to like?

He might look the part, but with Princess Oddie stuck in the snowy peaks of the Oddie Mountains and Robber and Witchy doing their best to make sure she stays up there, has this flying foot warmer got what it takes to escape the Bad Oddies and Princess Oddie's kisses?

Have a look at the book to find out - www.oddieworld.com

Have Fun!!

Dan.

Happy World Book Day!! Also, Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus! (Happy Saint David's Day!) for any Welsh Oddies fans!

I actually went to university in Aberystwyth (that's in Wales!! - don't make that face, you'd be surprised how many people don't know!) so am a little bit Welsh (in spirit at least) myself!

How will I be celebrating the convergence of these two monumental occasions? Well, I'll read of course - I'd read in Welsh if I could, but my expertise extends only to inane pleasantries, road signs and greeting cards - I'm a big fan of Welsh cards, you couldn't walk into Clinton's and find a Happy St Georges Day card - although they do a nice line in 'Happy Birthday from next doors Guinea Pig' stylee greetings. I guess the English just aren't as proud of being English as the Welsh are at being Welsh, which is a bit of a shame.....Tangent, I apologise.

So....reading, that's what I'll be doing (possibly while sporting a daffodil or chewing on a leek) and that's what you should do to!! (Leek optional!). Find the time to pick up a book and have a read! Read to yourself and read with your kids!!

Check out www.worldbookday.com to find out more about the event - stuck for book ideas?? You can't go wrong with an Oddie!! - www.oddieworld.com

Have Fun!!

Dan.

Hi Oddie lovers!
My name's Emma, I'm 17 and have been working with the Oddie creators in the amazing Oddieworld, and it has been a true experience!
During my time here I have certainly fallen in love with the books and their characters, they are awesome!
My favourite character is definitely Fairy Oddie because she's just so lovely! And my fav book would have to be the very first one, as that is when Oddieworld was created! And without that book, there would be no Oddieworld!
I think the whole concept of Oddieworld is such an original and cool idea, a great way for kids to see their everyday belongings turn into a magical adventure (even socks!). GOSH, how does Grant Slatter do it!?
Anyway, from this experience, I am now a massive fan of the Oddies and an avid reader of the books (even if I am a little to old for them!) but you can never be too old to enjoy a classic!

Did you know that World Book Day is next week? Thursday 1st of March to be precise.....well, did ya?... me neither, till about five minutes ago - but I thought I'd share my new found knowledge with you good people. Of course there are bound to be the better informed among us who are probably reading this and feeling smug in the knowledge that they've had this pencilled in their diaries for days/weeks/months- Well done you!!

So, whatever you have to do next Thursday sleep, eat, wash, breathe....don't forget to read!! Pick up a book, any book as long as you love it (though if it's an Oddies book all the better!), sink into the pages and take a hour or two to remember how great reading really is! Parents, pin down your children, children, pin down your parents and read, read, read...

Here endeth the lesson.

Have Fun!

Dan.

Pic: Oddies author, Grant Slatter, with Brownie Oddie creator, Charlotte Kitching.

Meet Brownie Oddie! This over achieving Oddie can’t bear to be wrong – but as she never is it’s not a problem! Artistic, clever and with an encyclopedic knowledge of flags not much escapes Brownie Oddie.

But with the Oddieday celebrations fast approaching and the official flag nowhere to be found (and Witchy looking more than a little guilty) can this resourceful Oddie take time out from her important Brownie duties (after all that mushroom isn't going to dance around itself!) to raise the flag and the spirits of the good Oddies in time for the celebrations?!

Check out the book to find out!! www.oddieworld.com

Have Fun!!
Dan.

Pic: Grant with his two children - Tom and Amber (Grant's the one in the middle!)

Righteo - this is the first in a series of "Meet the faces behind the Oddies" stylee posts - which is really just an elaborate ruse to get my own picture up in lights. But fairs fair - I should probably start with our Lord and Master - Mr Grant Slatter.

Grant was born in Ludgershall, on the Hampshire/Wiltshire border in the late 60's (I could say mid-late 60's - but I'll be generous!) and was educated at Embley Park School in Hampshire.

In 1986 he joined the Royal Marines and served a five-year commission during which he studied at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. Upon leaving the Marines he moved to London where he started developing residential and commercial property.

He then had two children, Tom and Amber, who inspired his book series, The Oddies. Launched in October 2004 the adventures of the odd socks are read by children across the world and Grant is currently working on an animated series for the books as well as on other children’s story projects.

He is a keen drummer, windsurfer and mountain biker in his spare time.

There you have it folks - the man behind the socks. Marine, property developer, dad, author, drummer...... a man of many talents - or so he'd have us believe!! I'd ask him if it's all true, but I think he's riding his bike up a mountain while playing the drums and refitting a dated 40's semi at the moment - maybe I'll catch him on the way back down!

Have Fun!!
Dan.

Nurse Oddie is brimming with good advice for all the other Oddies – whether they want it or not! But this bossy Oddie is full of good intentions and just wants everyone to look after themselves a little better. Always concerned for the health of the other Oddies, Nurse Oddie does her best to make sure the residents of Oddieworld are feeling tip-top and after a hard day’s work, she likes nothing better than a nice fruit salad with her friends.

But with Litterbug Oddie with a severe self-induced tummy ache and Wizzo determined to um... help, it will take more then bedside manner to get this sock back on her foot again!

Give the book a gander to see if Nurse Oddie can come to Litterbug's rescue and cure Wizzo of his highly contagious need to interfere! - www.oddieworld.com

Have Fun!!
Dan.

Pic: Oddies author, Grant Slatter on a class visit with Broadway Junior School, Sunderland.

Why not liven up your School day with a visit from non other than Oddies author - Grant Slatter, himself?! ...Ok?... I'll give you a second to cool down...that's it, have a sip of water.... better? Then I'll continue...

Grant works with schools across the UK to tackle all aspects of literacy in the classroom - our specially created resources ensure that the children who take part not only have fun, but learn a little too!! If you fancy a class visit give us a ring on 020 7720 1231 or email she who must be obeyed (she also answers to Kate) on kate.bright@oddieworld.com - mention the blog and I'll get a pat on the back!!

Have Fun!!
Dan.

Meet Footy Oddie - This athletic odd sock has sport on the brain and can always be counted on to help an Oddie in a jam – as long as it doesn’t interfere with his practice!

But with Witchy brewing up a storm (literally!) and Pirate and his crew going canon crazy are Footy Oddie's soccer skills enough to save the day? Or will the Bad Oddies be more than a match (get it?) for this one footed striker?

To see if Footy Oddie's skills are up to scratch check out the book at www.oddieworld.com

Have Fun!!
Dan.

Pic: Oddies creator, Grant Slatter, with Super Hero Oddie author, Emma Pick.

Snow!! - How exciting (I actually am quite giddy despite the fact that it will have invariably melted by the time I get home!)

What is it about snow and airports that makes people all smiley? Airports is an especially strange one - most of the time I'm just picking up/dropping off, but that holiday vibe still manages to get me grinning!

Talking of snow...And flying (this is a tenuous link so I'll put the relevant bits in bold so it makes more sense.)

Have you read Super Hero Oddie?

When Witchy and Robber strand Princess Oddie high up on the snow laden peaks of the Oddie Mountains only a real Super Hero will do and that's when Super Hero Oddie comes into his own. With his supersock powers of flight and speed can he save the heir to the Oddie throne? And more importantly can he escape before she tries to plant a kiss, or several, on this mysterious masked sock. But who is he really? And what is his connection to the mysterious Super Hunk Oddie?

For those without x-ray vision check out the book at www.oddieworld.com

Have Fun!!
Dan.

Meet Ballet Oddie - careful, don't get too close!! She doesn't appreciate sharing her air (or much else) with other people.

Ballet Oddie is a great ballerina and she knows it. This snooty Oddie likes to remind everyone around her how talented and beautiful she is and has a store of tears ready for anyone who denies it! Scratch the surface though and Ballet Oddie is good at heart – caring about the other Oddies almost as much as herself!

But with Princess Oddie sinking in Kizmee Quicksand and Ballet Oddie not wanting to get her toes dirty how will she manage to save the day and still look pretty?

Check out the book to find out - www.oddieworld.com

Have Fun!!
Dan.

Horse Rider Oddie likes nothing better than to saddle up and go for a gallop around Good Oddie Island – side-saddle of course (not having legs!) But with Lucky the horse refusing to go back into his stable and only a horseshoe to help, will Horse Rider be able to get Lucky tucked in safe and warm before Farmer Oddie gets back from his surfing holiday? - yes socks can surf, don't ask silly questions!!

Check out Horse Rider Oddie to find out - www.oddieworld.com

Have Fun!!
Dan

Pic: Oddies creator, Grant Slatter, with Wrestler Oddie authors, Sam Taylor and Danny Wearin.

What is it about having a Y chromosome that drives a wedge between its owner and the joys of reading and writing? A huge generalisation I know, but with literacy standards slipping and boys lagging well behind girls in the reading and writing stakes the facts can’t be denied.

Being of the male gender I find this divide deeply unsettling and not just on the same guttural level that other claims of supposed female superiority hit me. This isn’t a personal attack after all; I am generally considered to be quite articulate (unless you count first thing in the morning or after a bottle and a half of merlot!) But the fact is that with literacy rates slipping boys are not only missing out on the exciting and bewildering world that only exists inside books (especially children’s books) but also on fundamental skills that drive success in later life and that scares me almost as much as the prospect of reaching adulthood without ever having discovered Roald Dahl or C.S Lewis or Enid Blyton or Dick King Smith or…you get the picture.

The question is, without chaining youths to their desks with only breaks for gruel and the occasional knuckle rapping, how do we get boys to embrace the joys of literature? Oddies author and creator, Grant Slatter, has been tackling this very issue with children across the UK for several years and, as an avid reader, draws upon his own experiences of what excited him about reading during his childhood to try and engage and motivate both boys and girls to put down the remote control and pick up a book.

“As a boy I really liked series authors because you knew that if you enjoyed one book there was more of the same waiting for you in a bookshop somewhere. There were 3 in particular I really enjoyed and led to me ploughing through…

12 of the Adventure series – Willard Price
25 of the William series – Richmal Compton
19 of The Three Investigators series – Alfred Hitchcock

That was quite a few books for a boy who grew up in the countryside with its many distractions. The key was that I was mischievous, adventurous and inquisitive so I could identify with all of the characters and storylines. I really felt part of the action as it was all so close to what I wanted to experience and to some extent was experiencing as a growing lad. That said, and despite my body being saturated with almost unhealthy amounts of testosterone, I still enjoyed Charlottes Web and shed a few tears when Charlotte died.

I had a small run on Enid Blyton (not Famous Five though) with The Secret Island being my favourite – the independence and survival stuff really appealed to me and I seriously thought through the logistics of getting three mates and a cow into a rowing boat and finding a secret island to live on. It would have come off but I never managed to find a suitable lake, big enough to have a hidden island on it…sigh!

Then it was onwards with John Wyndham (Day of the Triffids, etc) and Stephen King. After that (around 13) I really started on autobiographies and more factual stuff.

I can’t quite remember the early books, but according to Mum I learned to read with Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss. Quite a psychedelic start really.”

Now all grown up, and thankfully with any bovine smuggling schemes far behind him, Grant’s commitment to raising an awareness of the fundamental need to raise literacy levels and instil a desire to engage with literature has led him to establish a yearly reading initiative, Read With Me Week. Over 400,000 children from schools, nurseries, libraries, Scouting and Guiding groups across the UK take part every year and the event provides a creative forum that encourages children to share their ideas in a nurturing environment. Through group storytelling, games and competitions the act of reading is rendered as a fun and engaging activity as oppose to the insular and demoralising chore that underachieving children are often faced with. Grant developed the free resources on the basis that literature should be fun, it should spark the imagination and it should leave you wanting more; a sentiment that drives the way that he writes.

“Looking back at the books that inspired me as a child I can see where the Oddies comes from and why many boys in particular have enjoyed the series. There is a mix of mystery, adventure, initiative, self reliance, teamwork and mischievousness coupled with some characters they can identify with – even though they are actually socks. I like to think they see The Oddies in the way I saw many of the books I read as a child; very much my own. Boys are happy with a bit of fantasy but I think the reflections of the real world need to be clear and relevant enough to interest them. They can all enjoy reading, but if the content is irrelevant and uninspiring they’ll never see the joy.”

To further the incentive for children to get involved and inspire them to create their own stories a yearly competition runs alongside Read With Me Week – the result being that the best stories entered for judging become published additions to The Oddies series. The formulaic nature of the books makes it easy for children to create and visualise their own stories; the competition isn’t about how well a child writes but is judged on the originality of their ideas. To quantify a child’s potential in terms of academic achievement is both outdated and limiting. English in schools should be less about learning to write and more about becoming a writer; rewarding imagination and originality as much as spelling and grammar.

Wrestler Oddie, one of the most recently published books in this Oddies ‘Special Series’, is testament to Grant’s love of quirky and original ideas. The product of the imaginations of ten-year-olds Sam Taylor and Danny Wearin, Wrestler Oddie is an unconventional character for a series of children’s books and that’s what makes him special. Danny and Sam, avid wrestling fans, invented a character that would inspire and excite them as readers. He is written for boys by boys (another shocking generalisation!) and although Wrestler is essentially a “goodie” his anarchic, testosterone fuelled antics immediately ally him with the mischievous nature of any growing lad. This is essential, if a child cannot find something to relate to in what they’re reading then they simply won’t enjoy it.

“The first new book I ever had was given to me by my Dad. It wasn’t Christmas or my Birthday or any other special day. He handed me the book with hardly a word and I looked at the cover. It showed two men in a small rowing boat that was being upturned by a huge black Whale; mouth open and teeth glinting. I nodded appreciatively then read the Title - Whale Adventure. This really had merit. I don't know if my Dad passed by my room in the next hour or two but if he had he would no doubt have been pleased to see me lying on my bed, on my front, legs bent, feet crossed in the air, toes wiggling, book in hands and eyes hardly blinking. This book was perfect. I was on board an old Whaler with Hal and Roger Hunt. Their father had sent them (at the ripe old age of 18 and 14 respectively) on the last operating square rigged Whaling boat. Set in the (nineteen) sixties I remember pondering how this ship, with it's nineteenth Century ship-law (flogging, etc) and whaling techniques was even allowed to set sail let alone enlist crew as young as 14 - but not for long. The author Willard Price was providing just the sort of adventure that appealed to me at eight years old; exciting, foolhardy, downright dangerous and miles away from parental interference.

It sparked my interest in reading and I really wonder what would have happened if Dad hadn’t bothered to buy me that book. He had been a boy once, he knew me and what I liked, and he had a few quid in his pocket when passing a bookshop one day, and he went in. Dads everywhere, take note!”

Take note indeed – parents are the first and best educators of children in their formative years and if you are committed to finding the books that spark your child’s imagination (boy or girl) then, in turn, they will eventually commit themselves to the joys of reading and an entire world of excitement and adventure will open up for them.

To find out more about Grant Slatter and the Oddies take a look at the website (www.oddieworld.com) or get your school/nursery/library/Scouting or Guiding group involved in Read With Me Week for free at www.readwithme.co.uk

Have Fun!!
Dan.

This cockney tea leaf is none other than Robber Oddie - and very nervous he is too - being so close to Police Oddie! Hopefully that means he'll be on his best behaviour, but I wouldn't hold your breath!!

When Witchy summons Robber to Oddieworld he doesn't bargain on Princess Oddie's lustful glances or Clown Oddie's mysterious parcel getting between him and the crown jewels. But with Witchy on the warpath and toenail soup on the menu if he fails, can he pull off this royal robbery? Or will Fairy, Wizzo and the gang teach him once and for all that crime doesn't pay? www.oddieworld.com

Have Fun!!
Dan.

Ahem, ahem, ahem.....wos goin on ere then?

Meet Police Oddie, the most determined crime fighter in Oddieworld. He might not have a flying cloak like Superhero Oddie but he has got a hat, a whistle and a stern word for anyone who dares disturb the peace on Good Oddie Island.

With Robber Oddie, Scribbler Oddie and Pirate Oddie causing havoc in Oddieworld and a broken whistle to boot, Police Oddie will need all of his detective skills to rescue the good Oddies from their mischief!! Take a look at the Police Oddie story to see if the long foot of the law can save the day!! www.oddieworld.com

Have Fun!!

Dan.

Happy New Year!! I hope that Santa got you everything that you wanted and that all those mince pies aren't making you regret putting those lycra leopard print leggings on your Christmas list! - (I'm not talking from experience, honestly!!)

Now that 2007 has us firmly in its grip and normality is finally returning (as much as it ever does in Oddieworld) it's time to retangle the fairy lights and turn your thoughts back to much less exciting matters - like school!!

Well, if you want give your children a head start at achieving an IQ that would make Carol Vorderman green with envy you could do a lot worse than to have a look at the Oddieworld website - www.oddieworld.com

The main activity for our visitors is to play with the Oddies and see what Oddieworld looks like in our games section. Our games are designed to be fun and help your child learn basic computer skills such as cursor control, click & drag and website navigation. They also provide your child with a chance to create their own colourful pictures, which they can then print and even send Oddiecards to their friends.

The Oddies can provide an excellent focus to get your child thinking and learning, but let them dictate the pace. If kids are thinking and being imaginative then they are learning - don't worry if they get things wrong, move on and encourage them when they get things right! If your children like to visit the website then they'll probably enjoy our books too. You can buy Oddies books and socks from our online shop or call us on (UK) 020 7720 1231 (mon-fri 9-6pm).

Have Fun!!
Dan

Twas two days before Christmas and all through the land,
Odd socks had gone missing - they had other plans.
A good job then that Santa - would soon be on his way
With thousands of parcels all tucked up in his sleigh
With glorious paper, and ribbons and bows,
New socks are coming to warm up your toes!
But who'll pull Santa's sleigh - with the reindeer on strike!?
Will he be reduced to riding his bike?
But what's that I hear? - that familiar jingle?
Is it, can it be... the voice of Kris Kringle?
"Now Fairy...Now Wizzo...Now Witchy...Now Robber"
Socks pulling a sleigh - I've seen nothing Odder!!
So on Christmas Eve, when you're tucked up in bed
Happy and sleepy and warm and well-fed
While Mum and Dad munch on mince pies and hot toddies
Above all our heads will be flying The Oddies!!
Making sure Santa gets from the first house to the last
And on top of all that - that he does it fast!!
Lets hope they fly straight and lets hope they fly right!!
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!


Merry Christmas everyone!
From all at The Oddies X

10 days to go!! My tree's going up this weekend and very excited I am too! Why not make some Oddies themed Christmas cookies to hang on your tree?! If they last that long they'll make a tasty snack for Santa and the reindeer on Christmas Eve! The recipe I'm afraid is plagiarised from Nigella - she who must be worshipped!! - and can be found in its original form on the BBC food website. Word of advice - and in the immortal phrasing of Blue Peter - ask an adult to help!!

Ingredients
For the biscuits
100g/3½oz unsalted butter, softened
100g/3½oz soft dark sugar
300g/10½oz plain flour, plus extra for dusting
pinch of salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
2 large free-range eggs, beaten
4 tbsp clear honey
set of Christmas cutters, or make cardboard sock shapes to cut around.

For the icing and trimmings
300g/10½oz instant royal icing sugar (made to packet instructions)
3 tbsp watergold or silver sugar balls or sprinkles
florist's ribbon or wire for hanging


Method
1. Preheat oven to 170C/325F/Gas 3.
2. Place the butter and sugar in a clean bowl and mix together vigorously with a wooden spoon until the colour and texture of the mixture becomes pale.
3. Place the mixture into the bowl of a food processor and add the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves and freshly ground black pepper. Blend the mixture. While the food processor is blending, gradually pour the eggs and honey down the funnel of the food processor's lid into the bowl until a dough has formed (you may not require all of the liquid if the dough has come together before it is used up). If the dough is too dry add a little water to the mixture. If the dough is too wet add a little flour to the mixture.
4. Halve the dough. Wrap one half of the dough in cling film, place it into a freezer bag, and place it into the fridge.
5. Place the other half of the dough onto a floured work surface. Roll the dough, with a rolling pin, into a disc to about 0.5cm/¼in thick.
6. Using a set of Christmas biscuit cutters, cut sock shapes out of the dough. Re-roll the remaining dough and cut out more shapes until the dough is used up. Remove the second half of the dough from the fridge and repeat this process.
7. With the pointed end of a small icing nozzle, puncture a hole just below the top of each decoration (through which ribbon or wire can later be threaded to hang them).
8. Arrange the decorations on a baking sheet lined with a layer of reusable silicon baking parchment and cook for 20 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden-brown in colour. Transfer the decorations to a wire rack to cool.
9. Prepare the icing according to the packet instructions (the icing texture should be liquid enough to be easy to apply but thick enough not to run off the decorations).
10. Ice the decorations using a teaspoon (use the tip of the spoon for dripping the icing onto the decoration and the back of the teaspoon for smoothing).
11. Sprinkle the gold or silver balls over the decorations and press them gently onto the icing. Cut the ribbon into short lengths and thread the ribbon through the holes in the decorations. Tie the decorations to what ever needs decorating with the ribbon.

If any of you make these, why not send me some pictures - or even better, cookies - so I can be in charge of...um...Quality control!

Merry Christmas!!
Dan.

Friday!! At this time of year that can only mean one thing - A weekend of Christmas shopping!! Crowds and queues and bad tempered Dads - the spirit of Christmas prevails!!

Well...If you want to avoid jostling with the great unwashed then why not do your shopping via the wonders of the internet!? Leave the post...Person (my posty is a very nice lady so I don't want to subscribe to gender stereotypes!) to carry your bags and put your feet up with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie!

With this in mind The Oddies have just introduced a new super fast next day delivery option on the website - www.oddieworld.com leaving you with plenty of time to get your prezzies suitably festooned with paper and ribbon and shipped off to the North Pole before Christmas!!

Still thinking of tackling the crowds?! My advice...Take a pram, great for clipping the ankles of those who dare to get between you and the last (insert most important gift on your list here)!!

Have Fun!!
Dan.

Ps. - Happy Birthday Kate and Sam, who both turn twenty something this Sunday!!

Picture: Cub Scout Oddie

Roll up, Roll up!! Any struggling graduates out there?? - Did you know that The Oddies could be your springboard to fame, fortune and (slightly less glamorously) career stability?! Seriously though, the rolling internship programme at Oddies is a really good way to get some essential work experience whether you're looking to get into publishing, marketing or....Sock manufacture.

If you're finding it hard to break in to the career of your dreams and you're passionate about kids books then drop us a line!! It might take a while for a position to open up - no, you can't have my job!! But I can tell you from personal experience that you get taken a lot more seriously when you've got some practical work experience under you're belt!! - Notice that I don't actually have a job yet....But I am getting a lot more interest, I promise!!

So...If you're interested get in touch through the 'contact' section of the website - www.oddieworld.com or if you have any questions leave me a message on here and I'll get back to you!!

Have Fun!!

Dan.

December!!! A big candy cane shaped, gingerbread scented Christmas greeting to everyone!! I know it's a little bit early - but the first door on your Advent calendar will be opening today and anyone who's been anywhere near a shop in the last week will know that the season of good will has well and truly arrived!!

Our office Christmas decorations went up today! - which is probably why this post has such a festive theme!! - the mere sniff of tinsel and I revert to my five year old state!! Unfortunately Christmas doesn't affect us all with such jolliness!! Kate, the helmswoman of Oddieworld (if Grant's the captain!!), is apparently allergic to Christmas trees!! It's a genuine problem - the whiff of a pine scented air freshener and she's bunged up till New Year! - maybe these Grinch like tendencies mean that I shouldn't reserve a space on the mantel for her Christmas Card!!....

For those of a less Scroogey disposition have a look at the website - www.oddieworld.com for loads of Christmas pressie ideas as well as fun games and activities to keep yourself busy whilst Mums doling out the Christmas chores!! Better have a look quick or you'll be stuck peeling brussels!!

Have Fun!!
Dan.

Wrestler Oddie has been nominated for the Cybils Awards - www.cybils.com
Exciting stuff!! The list is made up of books nominated by bloggers with an interest in Children's literature - like you good people!! So a big thank you to all Oddies fans!!

Have Fun!!
Dan.

Pic - Wrestler Oddie.
Did you know that in the wrestling world the term "sock" is used to describe a masked wrestler?? Well did ya??...Random trivia I know, but bizarrely relevant when considering that our own masked Wrestler Oddie is in fact a sock!!

Now my own wrestling knowledge is pretty poor - this may go someway to explaining why I was looking at a wrestling lingo dictionary....I'm very busy really!! But quite a coincidence if, as I suspect, only hardcore wrestling fans talk in this strange vernacular!! Right I better get back to work before this turns into a slobberknocker!!

(source http://www.britain.tv/wikipedia.phptitle=Professional_wrestling_slang)

Have Fun!!
Dan

Image -Brownie Oddie

Ello Ello!! As Christmas approaches in Oddieworld (and down here too of course!!) have you asked Santa for your favourite Oddie book and socks set to go in your stocking?? If not then get cracking - have a look at the site www.oddieworld.com and pick out your favourite. Remember to be fast as Mr Claus has to get all the way to Oddieworld and back to get them to you for Christmas day!!

Buying for Mum or Dad?? Why not put a twist on the traditional christmas socks and get them some matching odd socks from Oddieworld?!....Right that's my parents sorted which ones would my sisters like....

Have Fun!!
Dan.

Hello everybody!
I'm Alexandra-well, everybody calls me Alex, so you can too- I am 25 and I come from Greece!
This is my first day in the magic world of Oddies and Sam is my magic partner and my tour guide for the day! I already have a favourite Oddie and that is the Ballet Oddie, as I used to be a young ballerina myself. What's your favourite Oddie?..
I'm more than fascinated to begin my adventure journey to the Oddieworld and I hope that we all together enjoy it!
Have fun whatever you do!
Lots of love,
Alex.

Image: Scene from Footy Oddie.

Sorry for the mundane nature of this post but there's not much to report from Oddieworld today!! We had a team lunch - Grant couldn't make it as he's busy working on a free ebook that'll be available through the website soon!! So keep your eyes peeled for that!

Our Rainbow socks arrived - we've had some problems getting them delivered but if you've got any on order they'll be winging their way to you in no time at all.

We have another new team member starting on Monday - a young lady going by the name of Alex - so welcome Alex!! Actually whilst I'm knattering about my Oddie colleagues I feel I should mention Kate, a very important lady in Oddieworld!!, and Louise the longest serving Oddie intern - now you've met us all!! Read through the other posts to find out about the rest of the team!!

I'm busy writing a nomination for The Independent Publishing Awards - which isn't very exciting but we could win something shiny!!

Anything else?.... I'm making Christmas pudding this weekend, Delia says I need barley wine but I can't find it anywhere - any ideas? ....hmmm.....perhaps it's best I finish there!

Have Fun!!
Dan

Picture: Young author Sana Khan, writer of Rainbow Oddie, with Oddies creator Grant Slatter.

Fancy being a published author?? Not you Mum or Dad - this is kids only i'm afraid!! Did you know that Grant Slatter, creator of 'The Oddies', has so far worked with 8 budding authors to get their stories on bookshelves nationwide!!

The young writers all got involved with 'The Oddies' through our annual 'Read With Me Week'. So if you've got an imagination that makes people look at you funny then why not get involved!!

What you have to do is get your School, Library, Beavers, Cubs, Rainbows or Brownies to sign up for Read With Me Week - www.readwithme.co.uk and join the 200,000 other children having fun with 'The Oddies'.

Have fun!!
Dan

Sock it to me!! Have you seen the Oddies' socks?? These friendly faced foot warmers can be purchased with their stories on the website - www.oddieworld.com
Great for keeping your feet toasty, although I can't guarantee that they wont try and escape back to Oddieworld!!

Mum and Dad feeling left out?? (You know that you are!) Why not get yourself some adult sized socks and make a style statement all of your own - good for Dad's who enjoy embarrassing their kids, which is all Dad's isn't it?! Currently available in Super Hero, Cubs Scout, Beaver Scout, Rainbow and Brownie characters! - More characters to follow so keep checking back!!

Have Fun!!
Dan

Firstly I just want to say thank you to all the fans of the 'Oddies' who visited us at 'The Spirit of Christmas Fair' last week!! You kept us entertained over a very long five days!!

Secondly.. A quiz!!

What would your feet say about you?? Hmmm?
So you stick your socks in the washing machine - chug chug, whir, chug chug, whir and their soon zooming into space on route to Oddieworld - with me so far??

The question is - what character would your sock be and what special skills would it bring to Oddieworld? Are you a good Oddie or a bad Oddie? Right - answers on a postcard please! What are you waiting for?

Me? - well it'd have to be something that reflected my most prominent characteristics; good looking, intelligent, funny, modest.... leave it with me!!

Before I go can I ask you all to join me in a quick goodbye and hello?! Guy - one of 'The Oddies' team has returned home to Switzerland where he will no doubt continue to spread the word on all things Oddie!! Bye Guy - we will miss you!!

But... Guy has been succeeded by another very pleasant chap called Sam - who has come to weave his own brand of Oddie magic!! So - Hello Sam and Goodbye Guy! If you're not waving at the screen then please start!

Have Fun!
Dan.

Who feels like a singalong? Hurry up - practice your breathing, get your vocal chords warmed up!! Ready? - Right, this is the Oddie theme tune and a catchy little number at that! If you want to hear it to music go to the games section of www.oddieworld.com and turn up your speakers!!

Okay - I'll count you in....one....two....three

'Where Do All The Odd Socks Go?'

Where do all the odd socks go?
Listen up its in the tune
Far away behind the moon
Oddieworld is where the odd socks go?

Where do all the odd socks go?
When they’ve finished with your toes?
With Witchie, Fairy and Wizzo
Oddieworld is where the odd socks go

When you put the powder in the washing machine
Discover an adventure while you make your clothes clean

Where do all the odd socks go?
They’re not like your other clothes
They say goodbye they say hello!
Oddieworld is where the odd socks go

Every day you hear the whirring washing sound
Close the door and all the clothes spin round and round

Oddies!! Oddies!! Oddies!! Oddies!!

So if there are some bubbles and a magic swirl
You’ll know your sock has flown through space to Oddieworld

Where do all the odd socks go?
The story started long ago
They go round fast they go round slow
Oddieworld is where the odd socks go

Where do all the odd socks go?
Listen up its in the tune
Far away behind the moon
Oddieworld is where….
Oddieworld is where the odd socks go.

Have Fun!

Dan.

New Books!! Check out these new additions to 'The Oddies' series!! They're both available now and can be ordered through the website!! - www.oddieworld.com (What are you still doing here?!)

Wrestler Oddie - He might look mean but Wrestler Oddie is on a mission to help Wizzo survive the dastardly tag-team of Witchy and Robber Oddie! But is Wizzo strong enough for this rumble in the tumble(dryer) - a bit vague I know!! A must for all young wrestling fans - and anyone who's ever doubted that wrestling is anything but real!!

Rainbow Oddie - When all the color is stolen from Queen Oddies' castle Rainbow Oddie is on hand to work her Rainbow magic! But with Queen Oddie a hard customer to please and Wizzo sticking his wand in where it's not wanted this quickly starts to resemble a bad episode of Changing Rooms!! Can Rainbow rally the troops and get the royal residence looking fit for a Queen?! Take a look!!

Have Fun!

Dan.

Meet the ... author!! This Ladies and Gentlemen is none other than Grant Slatter, creator of 'The Oddies', himself!! And even though you can't see his feet I guarantee he's sporting a pair of odd socks!!

Grant first dreamt up the odd sock utopia of Oddieworld and its colorful inhabitants to quench his own children's desire for new and exciting stories. Grant's children enjoyed his stories so much that they encouraged him to share his characters with others - and so 'The Oddies' was born.

If you fancy getting your hands on some signed Oddies books why not come along to 'The Spirit of Christmas Show' from the 1st-5th of November (see below) where Grant will be signing books and answering questions on all things Oddie!!

Have Fun!

Dan

Take a look at Oddieworld!! Give the map a click for a larger image.
Where would you like to live?? Among the lush greenery of the Oddie Orchard or are you more likely to feel at home in the dark dank Verruca Woods? Myself? Well I'm a bit squeamish around ugly feet - if you saw my sister's you'd understand! So I'd definitely try and stay on Good Oddie Island - whether or not Fairy would let me stay or not is another story!!

The exact location of the planet Oddieworld is a big secret, I don't even know! In fact I'm not even sure Grant, creator of the Oddies, is that sure himself. Unless you're an Oddie there's not much chance of finding out either. But if you do happen to look up and notice an Odd sock whizzing into space on its way to Oddieworld try and catch a glimpse of where it's heading!!

Have Fun!
Dan

Fancy meeting Grant Slatter, creator of 'The Oddies', in person? As well as me and the rest of 'The Oddies' team of course!! Why not come along to the Spirit of Christmas Fair?? It's running from the 1st-5th of November at London Olympia. As well as 'The Oddies' (as if that wasn't enough!) there are loads of fun gift and foody Christmas ideas!! You're guaranteed to emerge cinnamon scented and feeling fuzzy!! Scrooges need not apply! www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk

Have Fun!
Dan

Meet Fairy, Witchy and Wizzo - I'll leave you to figure out which one's which! This family of socks were the first inhabitants of the planet Oddieworld and quickly split it into two factions; Good and Bad Oddie island!!

Witchy - Naughty to the core. Witchy whips around Oddieworld on her broomstick causing mischief everywhere she goes!! Founder of Bunion Town, home to all the bad Oddies (with the exception of the Pirates who prefer to stay afloat) Witchy's delightful neighborhood includes Pus Pond and Callus Caves - Yum!!

Fairy - Witchy's sister, Fairy, is her opposite in every way! Fairy has made it her mission to keep the peace in Oddieworld and she regularly conjures up visitors to help her foil Witchy's cunning plans!

Wizzo - The Father of Fairy and Witchy doesn't share their natural magical ability! In fact his clumsy attempts at magic often make bad situations a lot worse! Full of good intentions Wizzo should retire from all this wand waving business - the problem is everyone else realises it except him!!

To read more about the three founding members of Oddieworld and their exciting journey to this far flung planet check out the first story in the series - 'The Story Of Oddieworld' available through the webpage at www.oddieworld.com

Have Fun!
Dan

Firstly welcome!! Hello, how are you? Nice to make your acquaintance!! Etc. Right, pleasantries done with, what's this all about I hear you cry!!(humor me.)

Well for the most part my intentions are to make all you good people aware of a series of children's books I am lucky enough to be involved in. The Oddies!! You may have heard of them and if you hadn't then now you have - which is kinda the point of this blog.
Mission accomplished - bye!

Or maybe not...

The series is really great for young readers, in fact your kids may have already used them at school as part of 'Read With Me Week' - not sure what I'm talking about? Look here - www.readwithme.co.uk
and get your kids school/nursery/library/Cubs/Brownies/Rainbows/Beavers etc involved!! Really any group that revolves around educating and entertaining kids can take part for free!! And at the end of it there's a chance for them to become published authors - fame and fortune here they come!

Hmmm, what else?? Keep checking back to keep up to date with all things Oddie, I aim to put up some character profiles and story info to tantalise your tastebuds!! In the meantime take a look at the website - www.oddieworld.com where there are loads of games and activities for your kids to enjoy in a safe environment as well as loads of info about the books!!

Have Fun!
Dan.