Total Pageviews

Monday, August 28, 2023

Behold the Octopus! Written by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez. Peachtree, Penguin Random House. 2023. $24.99 ages 5 and up


"The blue-ringed octopus (Hapalochaena lunulata)
may be small, but it's very powerful. Though its body
is around the size of a golf ball, about 2 inches (5 
centimeters) across, it produces extremely dangerous 
venom - potent enough to kill people. When hungry, the 
blue-ringed octopus wiggles an arm to imitate a worm 
and attract fish and crabs.
"

What remarkable creatures octopuses are, and what wondrous photorealistic artwork makes them come alive in this book of nonfiction for young readers! Its bulbous eye and curving tentacle provide the perfect invitation for kids who have a passion for the ocean and its inhabitants to turn the pages and begin a new adventure in learning. 

Except for the opening and closing spreads, every other full spread begins with a single word (verb or adjective) on the verso, facing a recto that features extended notes on different octopus species. An outstanding illustration of the particular species presented fills the rest of the space with the beauty of its ocean habitat and other fine details of its surroundings. The opening and closing spreads offer simple sentences that describe an octopus in general terms. 

There is much to learn about these intelligent sea creatures. There are roughly 300 known species. 11 are described here. This stunning book is perfect for reading aloud with a group, and includes clear information concerning anatomy, defense, habitat, egg-laying, feeding, and life span. 

Four pages of back matter show photographs of several species, provide additional facts and a list of resources that might help fascinated kids learn even more than they have learned here. 

What a wonderful introduction to a singular and surprising creature! 

https://youtu.be/LIB86oJi3Bg
                                                                              

No comments:

Post a Comment