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Vendor
Mohrbooks Literary Agency
Sebastian Ritscher
Original language
English
Categories

THE BRIGHT SIDE

Chad Otis

This endearing picture book about making the most of any situation is also a heartfelt and meaningful portrait of houselessness that's just right for young children.
Sometimes it's hard to stay positive: when you live in an old school bus instead of a normal house; when you have mostly just bread and ketchup to eat; and especially when you have to go to a new school where all the other kids already have friends. But the sweet and creative boy in this story discovers that he can do things he never thought possible, by using the skills his parents have taught him: imagining... and trying... and finding a way to look on the bright side.

This honest, accessible, and compassionate story is based on the author's own childhood. Its message about resourcefulness and courage will resonate with every reader.

Chad Otis received his BFA in design from the University of Washington and then worked with Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Disney, Mattel, Hasbro, Nintendo, and DreamWorks for over twenty years as an animator, illustrator, and creative director. He now devotes himself to writing and illustrating children's books. He lives with his wife in Boise, Idaho.
Available products
Book

Published 2023-02-21 by Rocky Pond Books

Comments

The author, whose experiences mirror the character's, honestly acknowledges the physical and emotional difficulties of the family's situation while still leaving room for joy and avoids evoking feelings of pity by granting full agency to the sympathetic lead. The art is blocky and simple, with great use of repetition and subtle but powerful facial expressions... An honest yet uplifting and deeply empathetic child's-eye view of houselessness.

TIME for Kids interview Chad Otis on THE BRIGHT SIDE Read more...

A sensitive story infused with optimism and perseverance, this will encourage wholesome conversation with children of all socioeconomic backgrounds; it's an essential purchase.

Check out Chad Otis' heartfelt chat with Idaho Today from March 1st Read more...

Q & A with Chad Otis Read more...

When the child eventually enters school, they quickly run afoul of classroom rules and find themselves friendless, but they also find that they possess imagination, resilience, and the power to define 'the bright side' for themselves... Digitally enhanced, watercolor-textured pencil and ink drawings keep the mood relatively light throughout this reportorial, child's-eye view of changing circumstances and financial precarity.