Brave Ollie Possum

(35 reviews)
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Ethan Nicolle

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Ollie must learn to be brave or end up a bowl of soup.

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Ollie Mackerelli is determined to face his fear of the dark once and for all, but he gets more than he bargained for when his therapist turns out to be an actual monster. To make it even worse, Ollie is transformed from a boy to a possum and locked in a cage.

With no way to call for help, Ollie must learn to be brave (with the help of some furry friends) or he will be the main course. 

Adventurous, imaginative, and fantastically illustrated, Brave Ollie Possum is the debut children's story from author and screenwriter Ethan Nicolle. 

Canonball Books is the children's imprint of Canon Press. At Canonball, we believe stories are soul food, so you can expect excitement, danger, loyalty, virtue, and family in your Canonball books. Feed your kids the right books!

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What Reviewers Are Saying:

"A wild, imaginative tale with lively illustrations that readers will find humorous yet encouraging." -WORLD Magazine

"Brave Ollie Possum is fantastic. Overflowing with imagination and heart. Consistently surprising and really, really funny." -Brian Lynch, screenwriter of Minions, Puss in Boots, and The Secret Life of Pets

"Brave Ollie Possum is just what youth lit needs today: an aspiring hero, a sense of humor, and the kind of adventure that older readers will enjoy as much as the young!" -Doug TenNapel, author of Cardboard, the Nnewts series, Earthworm Jim, and Tommysaurus Rex

"A funny, inspiring story about learning to face your fears that my daughter and I loved reading together and helped her finally stay in her own bed at night." -Frank J. Fleming, columnist for The New York Post and author of Punch Your Inner Hippie

"Brave Ollie Possum is something special: a story that walks alongside children and all their faults, never talks down to them, and in the end affirms that love overcomes their deepest, darkest fears. At once deliciously zany and refreshingly honest, these pages spill over with adventure, danger, and laughter for kids and those of us who never grew up." -Kyle Mann, editor of The Babylon Bee and author of How to Be a Perfect Christian

"Brave Ollie Possum is a delight! I first knew of Ethan Nicolle as the co-creator of Axe Cop and his other comics, all of which are filled with wit and absurdist humor. In his debut novel, Brave Ollie Possum, he has shown that his talents transfer well to extended prose. Reading Ethan’s writing made me feel like I was reading the work of a modern-day Roald Dahl. It is sure to be a fun read for adults and children alike! Ethan isn’t afraid to take us into dark and scary places and find humor therein. If you liked 'Witches' or 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' you are bound to like this book." -Trevor H. Cooley, author of The Moonrat Saga, The Jharro Grove Saga, The Dark Prophet Saga, and Noose Jumpers

"A funny and original adventure about a boy’s quest to find courage... Generously filled with Nicolle’s gorgeous pen and ink illustrations." -Paul Noth, writer and cartoonist for The New Yorker

"Ethan's book is super creative and deals with a subject close to my heart: childhood fear. I read this to my children and they were riveted to the characters and story the entire time. Love this book and would suggest it to anyone." -James Kennison, host of That Story Show podcast

Ethan Nicolle is the author and illustrator of several kids' comics including the award-winning Axe Cop, which he created with his little brother. He has also been a screenwriter for multiple television shows on Fox, Netflix, and Cartoon Network. He lives in Rancho Cucamonga, CA with his wife, kids, and various pets. Brave Ollie Possum is his first children's novel.

Look Inside the Book

RELEASE DATE: October 29th, 2019

IMPRINT: Canonball Books

GENRE: Middle Grade (Grades 4-9)

AUTHOR and ILLUSTRATOR: Ethan Nicolle

PAGE COUNT: 384

SIZE: 6x9"

Hardback ISBN-10: 1947644483

Hardback ISBN-13: 9781947644489

Paperback ISBN-10: 1947644599

Paperback ISBN-13: 9781947644595

BINDING: Hardback and Paperback

Customer Reviews

Based on 35 reviews
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O
Olivia Crow
For "kids" of all ages!

We listened to this book on the Canon App while traveling across several states - one adult (me) and 5 kids under 9. The ride was so quiet, everyone waiting to hear the rest of the story. As soon as the story ended, the car erupted into a mass of chatter - who was the best character, who wanted a stuffed coyote for Christmas, would you want the power to talk to animals, how could a spider have a mustache, and so much more. The story was a great tale of real courage, a loving family that are just people, and what overcoming fear looks like in a practical way. I loved every part of it. My kids are begging me to buy the hard copy so they can re-read their favorite sections whenever they want.

C
Carl Neidengard
Incredible story

My boys started listening to this and then after hearing their excitement, the whole family listened together. Then I listened to entire story again. Thrilled with the hard copy, easy to find favorite parts and quotable character moments. Great themes and plot development.

J
Julie Smyth
Engaging story

The story was engaging and creative. The art was well done. Kids will come away with a with sound lessons in courage and doing what’s right even in the face of danger. Fun and meaningful without being preachy.

L
Lydia
6 year old loves but should have waited til he was older

My 6 year old absolutely loves this book ...but I also think it is scaring him a bit too and putting things like monsters in his head which I’m frustrated with myself having read it to him. I wished we would have waited.
It’s very well written and creative but I just am not excited about the monster aspect and wished that wasn’t in his head 👎🏻.
Even though he is a little afraid of monsters now, he begs to keep reading this book. We are 3/4 way done. He loves it.

A
Aubrey
Fun read

A creative book, and all about just reading for fun. Probably the only moral children can get out of it is to cherish their family. There is lots of action and the story is very far-fetched. I liked the pictures, but some of them didn’t match up with the storyline. It’s hard to judge much though when the author and illustrator are the same person. 😁

A
April Heim
We love this story!

Our family has listened to Ethan Nicolle's narration of his book on the canonplus app over 8 times! My children were overjoyed when I ordered the book in hardcopy and were so excited to read it themselves. Examining the pictures comparing it to what they have imagined thry wear engrossed immediately. This story, once you submit to the unique and crazy villain, is an excellent story of a whimpy boy becoming heroic and brave. Hilarious and exciting, Brave Ollie Possum is a family favorite.

A
Anonymous
Fantastic book!

We have 3 kids, our oldest being 7, and we all thoroughly enjoyed the book. The author’s word choices were playful and a over the top, quite fun. I’d say 6 year old up is the sweet spot. Adults will also enjoy it, my wife probably enjoyed it more than the kids! (We listened to the audiobook)