  | Den that octopus built (Animal Habitats (Candlewick)) Author: Sonenshine, Randi | |
| Price: $23.78 | ||
Summary:
Using creative methods of hunting and construction, the octopus prepares for the biggest task of her life: motherhood. With one last, poignant gesture of love, the mother octopus sends her hatchlings on their way, starting a new cycle of life for the tiny offspring who face peril of their own.
| Illustrator: | Hunter, Anne |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (04/15/24)
School Library Journal (00/02/24)
Booklist (04/15/24)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 02/01/2024 Gr 2–5—An octopus may be the closest thing to an alien on Earth, which makes the species fascinating but difficult to relate to. Using the familiar rhyme scheme of "This is the House that Jack Built," Sonenshine introduces readers to the birth cycle of the octopus, from making its den, to laying eggs, to releasing its babies into the world. The word choices for the rhyme are quite advanced, making this an excellent read-aloud for older grades. Hunter's ink, watercolor, and colored pencil illustrations bring warmth and accessibility to the subject, inviting readers into the pages. The illustrations depicting the end of life for the mother octopus are particularly moving; these scenes and their use of color convey sadness, sacrifice, and hope. An "octo-knowledge" section at the end provides fun facts, glossary, and an author's note. VERDICT A great read-aloud choice for older readers, recommended for most collections.—Kadie Seitz - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 04/15/2024 Using the rhyme scheme and meter (minus the cumulative format) of This Is the House That Jack Built, Sonenshine offers readers an informative look at octopuses. This is the ledge of sandstone and lime, / layered with shells cemented by time, / that shelters the den that Octopus built. Later verses detail enlarging her den, wearing shells for disguise, capturing a crab, blinding a hungry seal with ink, tending to her eggs, and blowing the emerging juveniles out to sea. Hunter's ink, watercolor, and colored-pencil artwork favors pastel shades and feathery textures that help to convey the moving currents in this underwater setting. Although most of Octopus' fellow reef-dwellers are not identified by name, readers will recognize a few (sea horses, jellyfish, sea stars, turtles), be intrigued by their variety, and be impressed by Octopus’ ability to camouflage herself while away from the den's protection. Appended with extensive octo-knowledge and glossary, this will be equally welcome in story hours and science units alike. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.
