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.