Oswald the Almost Famous Opossum

by Sara Pascoe, Varya Kolesnikova (Illustrator)

When a goose crashes onto their roof, the lives of Oswald, a fame-seeking opossum, and his best human friend, shy, ten-year-old Joey, are turned upside down. Oswald's persistent attempts at stardom alienate all his friends, human and animal, and threaten to ruin Joey’s life when his mother is wrongfully arrested for animal cruelty. Horrified into thinking about someone other than himself, Oswald enlists three raucous raccoons and a sarcastic cat to put things right.

Genres: Animals

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

I come to writing fiction after a career in psychology. I've had great fun in a lot of interesting jobs including bicycle mechanics, teaching chimps language, studying brains under the microscope, and working in the US Congress. I also worked as a clinical psychologist which was rewarding and moving.

I have lived on the East Coast, West Coast, and in the middle of the US. I now live in the United Kingdom, in a beach town where my husband and I have hosted lots of amazing English language students. I'm involved in climate action, and I write.

Reviews

[Penny lurkykitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway and just loved it. It is a kids book but there is a lot in here for adults. It is set in a world where some humans can understand animals. In a series of mishaps and adventures, Oswald the opossum learns what it means to be considerate and kind to others, especially his human friend Joey. The story and characters were delightful and the illustrations were wonderful. They really enhanced the story and I wish there were more of them. Highly recommended.

[Jaye Tomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. The story, the characters, the illustrations. Oswald is not your usual anthropomorphized opossum. He learns, he grows, he changes and makes mistakes. The storyline is interesting (trying hard not to include spoilers) and identifiable. Not a fairy story type of tale, but I was absolutely charmed. The artist who did the illustrations is also a genius. I am now busy looking up anything else Sara Pascoe has written. Do yourself a favor and read this now.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just received an advanced copy from goodreads and a personal letter from the author Sara Pascoe. HOW NICE. I loved the illustrations and the characters. Well written story for animal lovers. Children will love this book.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as a giveaway through GoodReads.
- - - -

This was so cute.

I really enjoyed this story. I liked Joey and Oswald's friendship.
The illustrations were really adorable too.

[Ben Goodman]

MY WIFE & 12 YEAR OLD SON HAVE BOTH READ THIS BOOK AS WELL AND WE ALL LOVE READING ABOUT OSWALDS ADVANTURES

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. When I received this book I began reading it at once. I really enjoy the authors writing style. This book was a very interesting read. The authors writing style kept me interested from the first chapter to the very last. It pulls you in quickly and keeps you hooked wanting to read and find out more of what is happening. I loved everything about this book. This is a charming tale, and an easy read. Children of all ages, and those 'young of heart' will all enjoy the story & the life lessons learned. This is a children’s book but that doesn’t mean that teens and adults wouldn’t also enjoy this. There is a lot in here for teens and adults. It is set in a world where there are some humans who can understand animals. In a series of mishaps and adventures, Oswald is not your usual opossum. He learns, he grows, and he changes and makes mistakes. Oswald the opossum learns what it means to be considerate and kind to others, especially his human friend. The story, the characters and events were delightful and interesting. It was absolutely charming. The artist who did the illustrations did absolutely wonderful. They really enhanced the story. I highly recommend this book to all young and old alike. I have read Sara Pascoe books before and again she hit the ball out of the park on this one. I will be reading this book over and over it was such a wonderful read. So do yourself a favor and read this one now.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I think it includes such great vocabulary and a fantastic lesson for kids and adults alike. I would have like to have seen a little more detail from the author, but otherwise, I thought the plot was fantastic!

[Jack Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the book. A good read.

[M LYALL · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book, beautifully illustrated but wasn't quite sure who it was aimed at. In a world where some people speak animal and others don't, felt it was an in between ages book

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Oswald, the Almost Famous Opossum" is a MUST read for children and the young at heart alike!

I am forever on the lookout for books I think my 11-year-old will enjoy, and this one definitely falls into that ever-growing category.

After winning "Oswald" via Goodreads Giveaways, I explained to my son that I was going to read it and review it before passing it on to him (I will edit this review at a later date to add his thoughts on it, an idea that excites him to no end.), even though I was under no obligation to do so. Perhaps my thoughts will help others (as they have helped me) find this treasure of a read for their children (or even themselves). One can only hope, in any case.

"Oswald" is a charming story filled with life lessons we all can stand to learn -- whether young or old -- and do well to remember. Talented author Sara Pascoe, with the gorgeous illustrations of Varya Kolesnikova, weave an enlightening tale that teaches just as much as it entertains.

Do yourself a favor and give it a read! I promise, you won't be disappointed.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boy who can talk to animals, and an opossum seeking fame. Add in a cat, 3 raccoons and various human and non human characters, and you have a story great for reading aloud.

[Charlene Connors · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delight! I read it to my granddaughter and she did not want the story to end. It is well written, with characters who grow and learn from their mistakes. The illustrations are amazing. My granddaughter has tasked me with the mission to find other books by this talented author.

[Cairine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only started to read this book but it promises to be really entertaining. Love the drawings. I wanted this book for my niece but I believe all ages would appreciate this tale.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet book left me feeling warm and fuzzy