Follow one of the ocean’s most mysterious animals in this warm but candid look at its dramatic life cycle, from the creators of The Nest That Wren Built.
These are the shells she wears like a sheath, keeping her safe from Tiger Shark’s teeth when she’s far from the den that Octopus built . . .
The solitary and ingenious octopus is a master of disguise and invention, creating her den out of the objects of the ocean, from shells and rocks to tiny glass shards. 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.
Offering deeply informative back matter, including an author’s note, a glossary, and fascinating “octo-knowledge” (did you know that octopuses have nine brains, including one in each of their independently operating arms?), this third in a series from author Randi Sonenshine and illustrator Anne Hunter continues the work of gently introducing children to the reality of the animal world.---from the publisher
32 pages 978-1536226546 Ages 5-8
Keywords: octopus, habitat, marine life, zoology, animals, 5 year old, 6 year old, 7 year old, 8 year old
Also in this series: The Nest That Wren Built; The Lodge That Beaver Built
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The Den That Octopus Built
Randi Sonenshine
Anne Hunter
Candlewick Press, 2024
32pp., hbk., RRP $A34.99
9781536226546
This is the ledge of sandstone and lime
layered with shells cemented by time
that shelters the den that Octopus built.
This is the rubble she siphons and funnels
cleverly clearing the way as she tunnels
to widen the den that Octopus built...
To the rhythm of that well-known rhyme about the house that Jack built, young readers learn how the solitary and ingenious octopus, a master of disguise and invention, creates her den out of the objects of the ocean, from shells and rocks to tiny glass shards. Using creative methods of hunting and construction, the octopus prepares for the biggest task of her life: motherhood, because once hatched, she will die. So, with one last, poignant gesture of love, she sends sends her hatchlings on their way, starting a new cycle of life for the tiny offspring who face peril of their own.
It is well-known that octopuses/octopi are smart - after all, they have nine brains, including one in each of their independently operating arms - and there are many stories about their abilities, including that of Inky who escaped from the National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier and out to the open ocean, so this one in the informative Animal Habitats series (including The Nest that Wren Built and The Lodge that Beaver Built) from this team, is a welcome addition, particularly as it includes lots of "octo-knowledge" that can inspire deeper investigation either into this intriguing creature or animal homes generally..
Recommended by: Barbara Braxton, Teacher Librarian, New South Wales AUSTRALIA
See more of her recommendations:
500 Hats http://500hats.edublogs.org/
The Bottom Shelf http://thebottomshelf.edublogs.org/
