Status
Available
Call number
Publication
An Avon Camelot Book
Pages
191
Description
When it comes to stirring up a little excitement in class, Otis Spofford knows just what to do. He can turn a folk dance fiesta into a three-ring circus, or an arithmetic lesson into a spitball marathon. Even his friends George and Stewy can't keep up when it comes to Otis's mischief. Best of all, Otis likes teasing Ellen Tebbits. She's so neat and well-behaved-there's something irresistible about making Ellen mad! But when Otis's teasing goes too far, he feels sorry . . . and then nervous. For now Ellen isn't just mad . . . she's planning something! Beloved author Beverly Cleary brings real understanding to this wonderful story of a "bad boy.".
Description
When it comes to stirring up a little excitement in class, Otis Spofford knows just what to do. He can turn a folk dance fiesta into a three-ring circus . . . or an arithmetic lesson into a spitball marathon. Best of all, Otis likes teasing neat, well-behaved Ellen Tebbits — until the day his teasing goes too far. Now Otis is nervous, because Ellen isn't just mad . . . she's planning something!
Series
Collection
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1953
Physical description
191 p.; 7.5 inches
ISBN
0380709198 / 9780380709199
Similar in this library
Lexile
720L
User reviews
LibraryThing member cmiersma
Summary: Otis Spofford is a mischievous little boy who is constantly causing problems in his class, especially to little Ellen. This story tells of the many misbehaviors Otis partakes in. His reputation one day gets him in trouble when his classmate Ellen gets him back for cutting her hair. Her
Critique: The characters in this book are given great descriptions and it is easy to picture how the character might look and act. For instance, Otis is portrayed as a naughty little boy who even looks like he is constantly searching for trouble. All the main characters in this book have unique personalities that are very vivid throughout this story.
Teacher Use: A teacher could use this book as a read aloud for their class. It would easily grab the attention of a 3rd grade class through the stories told by Otis. This book would also be good for troublemaker children to hear during a read aloud. It might have some kind of an influence that could show the results of being mischievous during class.
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revenge makes him realize that he probably goes a little too far with his teasing. Critique: The characters in this book are given great descriptions and it is easy to picture how the character might look and act. For instance, Otis is portrayed as a naughty little boy who even looks like he is constantly searching for trouble. All the main characters in this book have unique personalities that are very vivid throughout this story.
Teacher Use: A teacher could use this book as a read aloud for their class. It would easily grab the attention of a 3rd grade class through the stories told by Otis. This book would also be good for troublemaker children to hear during a read aloud. It might have some kind of an influence that could show the results of being mischievous during class.
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LibraryThing member dgadkins88
I think Otis is so mischievious that some of the kids in today's society really relateto, especially when Otis talks about how boring school is because a lot of students feel that way and are not interested in school. I was shocked and couldn't believe the stuff he pulled on his teacher, I would
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have been extremely frustrated!! My favorite part int he book was the hair cutting incident. I couldn't believe he actually cut a girl's hair. Wow, what some student's will do for attention! Show Less
LibraryThing member bibliophyte
The delightful tale of a rowdy, imaginative little boy who loves to stir up trouble... and how he gets his comeuppance. I simply adore the characters Beverly Cleary creates. They are a little bit of sugar, a little bit of spice, just a touch of vinegar, and positively bursting with personality.
This was so much fun to read aloud to my own little boy, who I have a feeling is going to be in future an Otis Spofford/Henry Huggins hybrid. I'm okay with this, though, since I tended to take a page or two out of Ramona Quimby's book and I'm pretty sure it didn't cause any long-term damage :) I always said I would rather have an extremely creative (albeit somewhat naughty) child than a boring one, and it appears, especially with the help of Beverly Cleary, I will be getting my wish. I look forward to sharing the adventures of Henry, Beezus, Ramona, Emily and Ralph S. Mouse with my son... just to make sure he's as resourceful and full of personality as possible.
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This was so much fun to read aloud to my own little boy, who I have a feeling is going to be in future an Otis Spofford/Henry Huggins hybrid. I'm okay with this, though, since I tended to take a page or two out of Ramona Quimby's book and I'm pretty sure it didn't cause any long-term damage :) I always said I would rather have an extremely creative (albeit somewhat naughty) child than a boring one, and it appears, especially with the help of Beverly Cleary, I will be getting my wish. I look forward to sharing the adventures of Henry, Beezus, Ramona, Emily and Ralph S. Mouse with my son... just to make sure he's as resourceful and full of personality as possible.
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LibraryThing member fuzzi
Otis Spofford likes to stir up things at school, on the playground, just about everywhere. And his favorite person to tease is his classmate, Ellen Tebbits!
Beverly Cleary takes us back, again, to life as an eight year old. Another fun read from the author of the "Ramona" books.
Beverly Cleary takes us back, again, to life as an eight year old. Another fun read from the author of the "Ramona" books.
LibraryThing member athena.j
The genre of this book is realistic fiction. A boy named Otis Spofford is the protagonist of this story, and he is nothing short of mischief and devilry. He is always yearning for excitement, whether it's making mischief in school, or teasing Ellen Tebbits, a neighbor girl. Otis never feels sorry
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for the trouble he causes, until one of his tricks goes too far, and he has to truly apologize to Ellen. Show Less
LibraryThing member Sean191
10. [Otis Spofford] by Beverly Cleary
First, it made me so happy to learn that Beverly Cleary is still alive. So many of her books have been a treasure to read to my kids. Otis Spofford is no different.
Otis Spofford isn't quite up there with the Ramona or Henry and Ribsy books on my children's
First, it made me so happy to learn that Beverly Cleary is still alive. So many of her books have been a treasure to read to my kids. Otis Spofford is no different.
Otis Spofford isn't quite up there with the Ramona or Henry and Ribsy books on my children's
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list, but it's still so much better than 90% of the books coming out today for pre-teens. That said, this was written in a different time so there are a couple of spots that don't ring right in today's culture - use of the word "indian" and Otis pretending he's going to scalp someone is one example that jumps out. Still, even that can be a learning opportunity, a chance to explain to kids that people used to accept things years ago which aren't acceptable today and how we take steps forward. Show Less
LibraryThing member fingerpost
Six short stories about Otis Spofford. Although Otis is not hateful and cruel, he is sufficiently mean in some of his pranks to make him an unlikable protagonist. In the stories where his is more mischievous, they're all right. But the couple where he is truly mean spoiled the book a bit for me.
Call number
J3E.Cle