Oskar and the Things

Andrus Kivirähk

Summary

One summer, when both his parents are away for work, Oskar is sent to the countryside to live with his grandma. A dreary prospect turns into disaster when Oskar realises he left his mobile phone back at home. What will he do all summer now?
Lonely and bored, Oskar crafts a phone out of a block of wood he finds in the shed and uses it to pretend to call things. To his surprise, the things reply! He speaks to a tough-talking iron, a poetising bin, a bloodthirsty wardrobe, a red balloon that gets tangled in the crown of a birch tree, and many more. Oskar finds himself in high demand, helping the things solve their problems and achieve their dreams.
Oskar and the Things is a charming book about the power of the imagination and friendship, by Estonia's leading children's writer, Andrus Kivirähk. With a lively translation by Adam Cullen, and the original illustrations by Anne Pikkov, it is the perfect gift for an introverted child with a rich inner life.

Available since: 09/29/2022.

Print length: 272 pages.

Other books that might interest you

The Jungle Book

Rudyard Kipling

"Now this is the Law of the Jungle—as old and as true as the sky."

Enter the Seoni region of India, where a "man-cub" named Mowgli is raised by a pack of wolves. Under the watchful eyes of the wise black panther Bagheera and the sleepy brown bear Baloo, Mowgli learns the strict codes of conduct that keep the wild in balance. But the jungle is a place of peril; the tiger Shere Khan seeks the boy's life, and the lawless Bandar-log monkeys threaten the peace. Beyond the Mowgli stories, Kipling takes readers across the globe—from the heroic stand of a mongoose in Rikki-Tikki-Tavi to the frozen bravery of a white seal. These are timeless tales of courage, duty, and finding one's place in an unforgiving world.

The "Man-Cub" Dilemma: The core of the book is Mowgli's struggle between his human nature and his lupine upbringing. Kipling expertly handles the tragedy of a boy who is "too human for the wolves and too wild for the humans," exploring the universal theme of searching for an identity that spans two worlds.

The Philosophy of the Wild: Unlike many animal stories, Kipling's creatures are not mere caricatures. They live by the Law of the Jungle, a rigorous moral and physical code that emphasizes the strength of the pack over the individual. It is a philosophy that has been studied for over a century as a reflection of human social and political systems.

Why It Is a Global Masterpiece: The Jungle Book remains an essential read because of its rhythmic, hypnotic prose and its deep respect for nature. It is an adventure that satisfies the imagination while posing serious questions about civilization, tradition, and what it truly means to be "free."

Return to the wild. Purchase "The Jungle Book" today.

Show book

Fourmile

Watt Key

Twelve-year-old Foster knows in his gut that Dax Ganey, the man dating his widowed mother, is a bad seed. Then a mysterious stranger arrives at their Alabama farm, a former Army Ranger in Iraq rambling across the country, and Foster believes he has found an ally against Dax. The stranger proves a fascinating mentor, full of wisdom and secrets. And Dax soon has reason to resent not just him and Foster but also Foster's mother. A spurned Dax will be a dangerous enemy, but Foster is increasingly aware that the stranger is just as dangerous, if not more so.From the author of one of the most highly acclaimed children's survival adventures of the last decade comes this tautly wound new novel reminiscent of classic westerns, about a boy caught in the middle of a clash that may turn out to be his own battle to fight.This title has Common Core connections.

Show book

Who Can Fly Without Wings?

Drubha Esh, Stephanie Wei

Tithi, Anu and Kushum don't need wings to fly like birds or dragonflies or butterflies. Through the power of play and imaginary wings, they soar as high as a kite or a cluster of clouds. This summer, mom sends Mushroom to grandmothers house.

Show book

Peek-A-Boo At The Zoo Sound Book

Kim Mitzo Thompson, Karen Mitzo...

Children will explore fun facts about different zoo animals with this colorful book featuring real photographs and sounds. Studies show that young learners find it easier to associate real-life animals to photographs than to illustrations.  Did you know a family of lions is called a pride?  Or, that the cheetah is the fastest land animal.  From a lion to a parrot, this book teaches children about all of their furry zoo friends!  Other books in the Photo Fun Fact Series includes:  Monster Machines, Rescue Ready, and Barnyard Babies.

Show book

Bible Stories

Kim Mitzo Thompson

See the enthusiasm your child will have while reading about the Lord with this inspirational and beautifully illustrated book! This book will encourage your child to learn about lessons of faith in the Old and New Testaments.

Show book

Vashon Island Visitors

Stacia Deutsch

FINDING THEIR MISSING GRANDMA   WILL BE  NO SMALL FEAT!    Rubi and her much more daring--and skateboard-obsessed--brother, Quinn, are visiting their grandmother on beautiful Vashon Island for the weekend. It's the first time they've taken the ferry from Seattle by themselves. But weirdly, when they arrive, Nana is nowhere to be found!   Then their Uncle James lets them in on a little secret:  Bigfoot  may have been spotted! And their Nana isn't  any  old grandma--she's the most famous Bigfoot hunter around! Trouble is, Nana should've returned by now. And nobody in all of Puget Sound has seen her! At least... nobody  human.   Rubi and Quinn will have to follow the footprints (and scat!), crack the clues, and rely on each other to find their Nana and bring her home... that is, unless Bigfoot finds them  first !

Show book