PPBF: Octopus Acrobatics

While snorkeling, I’ve had the good fortune to spy a few octopuses in their native habitat. They never cease to amaze me! When I saw the cover of today’s Perfect Picture Book, I knew I had to read and share it with you.

Title: Octopus Acrobatics

Written By: Sue Fliess

Illustrated By: Gareth Lucas

Publisher/Date: Albert Whitman & Co./2024

Suitable for Ages: 4-8

Themes/Topics: Octopuses, marine life, non-fiction, rhyming, STEM

Opening:

Underneath the ocean’s waves,

Deep in coral reefs or caves,

Wedged in crevices or shells,

A fascinating creature dwells.

Brief Synopsis: An exploration of octopuses and their incredible undersea world.

Links to Resources:

• Visit an aquarium to view and learn about octopuses and other ocean creatures;
• Check out the Glossary, Author’s Note, and diagram of an Octopus in the back matter;
• Discover these Octopus Facts;
• Create a colorful counting octopus craft.

Why I Like this Book:

With engaging rhyme and spot-on sidebar facts, Fleiss explores one of the world’s most fascinating creatures: the Octopus. Younger readers will delight in the fast-paced rhyme. Who knew that odd rhymes with…cephalopod! For older readers, Fleiss dives deep to provide further facts in the sidebars.

Whether used as a classroom resource or read at home to budding marine scientists, Fleiss’ text combined with Lucas’ rich, colorful illustrations are sure to capture the imaginations and hearts of kids everywhere.

A Note about Craft:

As mentioned above, Fleiss shares broad facts about octopuses in fast-paced rhyming couplets that can hold the attention of young listeners. For older children, the sidebars and glossary provide further information. This combination broadens the target market and the appeal for purchasers.

Interestingly, the word “acrobatics” appears in the title, but not in the main text. But Lucas’ fluid illustrations capture octopuses in so many positions that the title seems totally accurate.

This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!