Review by Booklist Review
This entry in the Strange and Wonderful series details the most intelligent of all cephalopods. Yes, all of an octopus' most astounding abilities of shape-shifting, color changing, and ink squirting are here. Adaptations that dictate feeding habits and defense against predators are emphasized, but oddities of locomotion and mating are also included. Other mollusks are mentioned, and the octopus' natural prey and predators are featured. Some common historical myths about octopuses are discussed, along with areas of possible future study. A full-color illustration is devoted to basic cephalopod anatomy, while all of Henderson's work here alludes to the diversity of ecosystems that the text describes. A glossary defines unfamiliar terms, and websites listed in the end matter offer connections to up-to-date multimedia sources. Celebrating the octopus as a master of adaptive survival, Pringle and Henderson offer a picture book of beautiful illustrations that are rivaled only by its fascinating content about one of nature's most unusual creatures.--Anderson, Erin Copyright 2015 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-5-Pringle adds another volume to the many books on octopuses published over the last few years. This title differs from the others in that it features illustrations rather than photographs and presents material in a straight read rather than compartmentalized sections. Pringle compresses a surprising amount of factual material into this informational picture book. His writing style flows well, with details smoothly woven into a cohesive read. Pringle discusses this intelligent invertebrate's body parts, explaining how this amazing creature can change shape and color, as well as skin texture. He also identifies predators, introduces different species of octopus, and sheds light on how these animals catch their food. Henderson's charming watercolor artwork effectively reinforces the material within the text. Readers are invited them to locate six octopuses hidden within a spread; an answer key has been appended. Those seeking volumes with more structured organization and photographs should consult Kevin Pearce's Being an Octopus (Gareth Stevens, 2014), Colleen Kessler's Octopuses (Abdo, 2014), or Anna Claybourne's Octopuses (Raintree, 2013). Aimed at younger audiences, Cari Meister's Octopuses (Bullfrog, 2013) also contains photos but is briefer in scope. In contrast, Melissa Gish's Octopuses (Creative Education, 2013) is for older students. A worthy introduction.-Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Pringle (Scorpions!, rev. 1/14) introduces readers to another utterly amazing animal: the octopus. The text's thorough descriptions present scientific information about these mollusks, including impressive facts about their versatile bodies and "smart" behaviors (e.g., shooting a decoy cloud of octopus-shaped ink to fool predators; solving mazes) along with the basics about physiology, reproduction, and habitat. How cool is it that an octopus can fit its entire body through any space that can accommodate its relatively small beak, or change its skin color and texture in the blink of an eye? These and other adaptations are carefully explained to showcase octopus survival in the face of their many predators, as well as the techniques they use to feast on prey, including fellow mollusks. Henderson's illustrations feature a colorful range of octopus species, deftly conveying the beauty, flexibility, and motion of the octopuses and their squishy, tentacled bodies as they navigate their watery environments. The book ends with a paragraph that considers some unanswered questions about octopuses. A reading list and websites, glossary, and index are appended. danielle j. ford (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A veteran science writer introduces the most intelligent invertebrate of all, the octopus, master of camouflage.These shape-changing, ink-squirting, ocean-dwelling cephalopods are "strange and wonderful" in many ways. Their lives are short, culminating in a one-time mating after which neither adult will eat, though the female stays alive to guard her eggs. In captivity, they reveal particular personalities and surprising intelligence. The author covers the basics of size and shape, habitat, feeding, relations with humans, survival mechanisms and reproduction in a smooth narrative that flows from page to page, carrying readers along. Like most titles in the Strange and Wonderful series, this inviting introduction is graced with Henderson's detailed and accurate watercolor illustrations. A spread describing octopus relatives reinforces the distance among their connections, showing a variety of hard-shelled mollusks on the left-hand page and the octopuses' closest kinthe nautiluses, cuttlefish and squidson the right. Another double-page spread asks readers to find six octopuses camouflaged in various ways on a reefscape. (Answers are in back.) Even the octopus on the back cover is not obvious at first look. A glossary, index and suggestions for further reading and Web research conclude this stellar example of nonfiction for middle-grade readers. Pringle inks another winner in a long series of engaging, informative invitations to explore the natural world. (Informational picture book. 5-10) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
