Otto the Ornament

August 28, 2023
A braggadocio Christmas ornament finds its branch in this tale of humility and holiday heart. It’s December 23, and all is calm and bright for a tree trimmed with well-loved treasures. But things shift into high gear when shiny new ornament Otto bursts out of a rush-delivery box ready to “BEDECK THE HECK OUT OF YOUR TREE!” Though the established ornaments extend Otto a warm welcome, the newcomer deems their offer of a spot on a middle branch a grave insult: “But a superstar like me belongs on the top of the tree.... I’m snazzy! I’m jazzy! I’m Christmas-pizzazzy!” When the ornaments demur, Otto’s quest to find a tree of his own turns into a journey of emotional generosity and literal self-reflection that leads him back to where he started—newly cracked, humbled, and smiling. Running throughout the playful prose is Cummings’s thorough accounting of seasonal exclamations (“Aw, chestnuts,” “O holy night”), while the digital art’s stylized, retro aesthetic provides both zingy and gentle notes. Ages 3–7.

Starred review from September 1, 2023

PreS-Gr 5-With bright, exuberant illustrations, and an ornament named Otto as the main character-who goes from cocky to reflective over the course of a grand adventure-this story has charm, humor, delightful dialogue, and several important messages. Otto is a colorful, shiny, round ornament who believes he is so special that he deserves to be at the top of the Christmas tree. Upon his arrival, he gleefully shouts, "I'm here to bedeck the heck out of your tree!" Otto is warmly welcomed by the other ornaments and told he can hang in the middle of the tree. But he is outraged; he is a "superstar" and belongs at the top. Otto proceeds to belittle the other ornaments and stalks off to find the perfect tree for his brilliance. After trying a variety of trees in a hilarious sequence, Otto discovers an enormous, glowing tree and scrambles to the top. Once there, he realizes he is lonely. Then, he receives an electric shock and tumbles into the gutter. His beauty is destroyed. Finally, when Otto is at his lowest, he performs a heroic rescue, apologizes for his behavior, and reflects on the beauty of others. VERDICT A wonderful holiday story that highlights the importance of belonging rather than bravado.-Sally James

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 1, 2023
A glitzy ornament searches for a tree worthy of him but finds his real place where he least expects it. "Merry Christmas, bulbs and baubles! I'm Otto! I'm here to bedeck the heck out of your tree!" And "bedeck the heck" he tries! When Otto is told there's space for him in the middle of the tree, he scoffs--only the top will do for an ornament like him. After he mocks his fellow ornaments, they refuse to make room for him, so he heads out to look for a new place to shine. He takes a scarring tumble down into the sewer, where he encounters an unlikely precious item. Returning with his find, Otto no longer sparkles but still manages to shine at home on the tree. This is a well-paced, appealing tale that will make for a great preschool read-aloud come December. Arrogant Otto has a satisfying redemptive arc that will resonate with readers. The dialogue and wordplay are pitch-perfect, bringing the characters to life. A mix of cartoonish vignettes and full-page spreads effectively depicts action and movement. Otto is multicolored and patterned with big eyes and a winning grin; the other ornaments on the tree also have personalities that match their styles. The few humans who appear are racially diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An Otto-rly successful modern Christmas story. (Picture book. 4-6)

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November 1, 2023
The tree ornaments are enjoying a "peaceful and calm" Christmas Eve when Otto, a brand-new, "snazzy...jazzy...Christmas-pizzazzy!" ornament, shows up and insists: "A superstar like me belongs on the top of the tree." Glittery Otto is rebuffed by the group (after obnoxiously pointing out the others' flaws) and sets out to find his own tree. But the perfect tree is missing something: "What's the point of being at the top if I don't have anyone to share it with?" The journey home is harrowing, and Otto returns chastened and lacking his previous luster but with a new appreciation for community. Lively cartoonlike illustrations depict Otto's adventures with flair and heart. Kitty Flynn

(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)