Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

At last: a humorous, useful and pedantry-free book about bullying! Woodrow and his classmates are surprised at the old-fashioned clothing and the tiny, delicate appearance of Toulouse, a newly arrived student from Canada. Is this Woodrow's opportunity to pass his own victim status to someone else? Woodrow openly admits his acknowledged dorkiness, as in his fondness for "duck tape," his hesitant speech patterns and that time he got chopsticks stuck in his throat pretending to be a badger. His first-person account of befriending someone even weirder than himself divulges such truths as school-playground hierarchies, adults' proficiency or lack thereof at handling bullying behaviors, and "kid rules" that enable bullies. Woodrow risks regaining his place as top victim as he decides to befriend and protect Toulouse, who has drawn unwanted attention to himself with such anomalies as his bowler hats and his furry vomit. While enjoying every minute of Woodrow's slow discovery that Toulouse is actually an owl--and the even more amazing fact that no one else reaches that conclusion--readers also learn about the psychology behind bullying and about self-empowerment. The rhythm of the prose is perfect for independent readers and for reading aloud; clever art, music and literature references add to the fun. Jennings does not skip a beat as he builds realistic relationships and problem-solving around an outrageously funny premise. (Fiction. 8-12)

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6 Toulouse Hulot, a new kid in school from Quebec, wears dapper outfits, carries a briefcase, and even uses a quill pen to write his lessons. He is a talented painter and musician, an accomplished fly fisherman, and the victim of the class bully and his henchman. His only friend is Woodrow, who shares his love of fishing and finally becomes the one to stand up to the mean kids and ultimately see Toulouse for who he really is. Woodrow is a most unlikely narrator, one who embraces his own nerdiness and stammers through most of his conversations. Fans of Jennings's Guinea Dog (Egmont USA, 2010) will find this a delightful book, one that stands with classics such as Avi's Poppy (Orchard, 1995). A remarkable story and a great read-aloud. Wayne R. Cherry, Jr., First Baptist Academy Library, Houston, TX

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Ten-year-old Woodrow Schwette is the weirdest kid in his class until quiet, tiny, suit-wearing Toulouse Gulot shows up by way of Quebec. Jennings (My Homework Ate My Homework) creates a sympathetic underdog in Woodrow, a boy all too used to being relentlessly teased by class bullies Garrett and Hubcap, whose casual cruelty will likely make some readers shudder with recognition. Woodrow must decide if he will stand aside while Toulouse-with his -old-man hat,- -wide, round eyes,- and vocabulary that-s initially limited to the word -Who--becomes the bullies- new punching bag, or if he will stand up for his new friend. Jennings gives Woodrow a relatable voice and laces the story with clues that hint at the twist that is confirmed in the book-s final chapters. The author does such a nice job of building to the big revelation that it-s unfortunate that the book-s cover treatment basically spoils the surprise. Nevertheless, it-s a warm and funny story about being true to oneself and standing up for what-s right. Ages 8-12. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Jan.)

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

At last: a humorous, useful and pedantry-free book about bullying! Woodrow and his classmates are surprised at the old-fashioned clothing and the tiny, delicate appearance of Toulouse, a newly arrived student from Canada. Is this Woodrow's opportunity to pass his own victim status to someone else? Woodrow openly admits his acknowledged dorkiness, as in his fondness for "duck tape," his hesitant speech patterns and that time he got chopsticks stuck in his throat pretending to be a badger. His first-person account of befriending someone even weirder than himself divulges such truths as school-playground hierarchies, adults' proficiency or lack thereof at handling bullying behaviors, and "kid rules" that enable bullies. Woodrow risks regaining his place as top victim as he decides to befriend and protect Toulouse, who has drawn unwanted attention to himself with such anomalies as his bowler hats and his furry vomit. While enjoying every minute of Woodrow's slow discovery that Toulouse is actually an owl--and the even more amazing fact that no one else reaches that conclusion--readers also learn about the psychology behind bullying and about self-empowerment. The rhythm of the prose is perfect for independent readers and for reading aloud; clever art, music and literature references add to the fun. Jennings does not skip a beat as he builds realistic relationships and problem-solving around an outrageously funny premise. (Fiction. 8-12)

ALA Booklist

Despite, or maybe because of, the concealing gloves and bowler hat that enigmatic new arrival Toulouse Hulot wears to school every day, 10-year-old outsider, Woodrow, is compelled to be his friend. The two discover shared interests both in fly-fishing (though Toulouse's catches never seem to make it into his creel) and in coping with the attentions of class bullies Garrett and Hubcap. Jennings never comes out with an explicit revelation, but readers would have to be comatose to miss the huge clues om the first letters of the title words and all the chapter headings on at Toulouse is no ordinary, or even human, student. Eventually, separate confrontations by Toulouse and, later, several classmates cow the bullies with unrealistic ease. Still, in general the modeled coping strategies are at least feasible, and as for Toulouse, the continuing cluelessness of all the grown-ups and children (even Woodrow doesn't grasp the truth about his predatory buddy until the end) add broad overtones of hilarity.

Horn Book

Ten-year-old Woodrow Schewette tells of the arrival of Toulouse Hulot, an unusual new student in his class. Extremely short with huge eyes and a pointy nose, Toulouse wears a suit, gloves, and bowler hat and carries a briefcase. He also has a secret (that's spelled out in the book's title). There's genuine humor and heart here, with pacing well suited to middle-grade readers.