WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: The Den That Octopus Built by Randi Sonenshine & Anne Hunter
ABOUT THE BOOK
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.
REVIEW
Sonenshine's lovely rhyming text highlights the world of a common octopus as she tends to her den and prepares to lay her eggs. With the repeated refrain of "the den that Octopus built," the text reads a loud well with a nice rhythm. Information about the creation of the den, the scattered collection in her front yard, as well as information about hunting, escaping predators, and finally releasing her young. And then the cycle begins again with a hatchling finding a place to establish her own den. Hunter's soft watercolor and colored pencil on tinted paper art beautifully complements the text. The back matter includes additional information about octupuses, a short glossary, an author's note, and acknowledgements. A great resource and read a loud for teachers and librarians, but also a great book for young animal lovers.
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