"You'll want to give the octopus
lots of space to swim around.
Then when it gets tired from
all that exercise, you can sing
it a lullaby and wait for it to
fall asleep.
FACT: Like humans, octopuses have two
stages of sleep. For octopuses, the first is a
quiet stage, when they remain very still
and pale. The second is an active stage,
where their skin darkens and their muscles
twitch."
This book, designed for young readers, offers advice for a visit to the ocean. A young girl is the recipient of that advice as she snorkels in ocean waters looking for a seashell. Imagine her surprise when she encounters an octopus. While wanting to be friendly by shaking one of its arms, she learns that it is better simply to wave at it. The octopus, if sensing danger, can detach that arm. Worry not, it will grow back.
Each page turn suggests a friendly idea on the left-hand side, and a related FACT box on the right. She learns about sleep patterns, sensitivity, and its three hearts. Upon awakening, the octopus is hungry, and is well-equipped to take care of its own needs. A meal is sure to remind the octopus that it needs the bathroom, and privacy. Luckily, it can squeeze itself into small, dark spaces.
If she is interested in having some fun, the octopus is likely to want to play.
"FACT: Octopuses are extremely smart animals.
They've been known to figure out mazes, do tasks
for rewards, and even play games."
Readers are sure to be fascinated by all of the information provided here. The watery illustrations invite careful observation concerning the ocean habitat, and the sea life that lives below the surface. A bulleted list of Extra Octopus Facts follows.
If you know someone who loves to learn about various animals, this would be a great gift.
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