Octopuses!: Strange and Wonderful - Hardcover

Laurence Pringle has written more than one hundred books for children and teenagers, many of them award-winning science titles. Internationally, his books have sold more than three million copies. He and his family live in West Nyack, New York.
Meryl Henderson has illustrated a number of books for children. She is a regular contributor to Highlights for Children. She lives in Hunter, New York.

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