Description
On a visit to the ocean, a curious little girl goes searching for a seashell and meets a new eight-armed friend
While at the ocean, a curious young girl goes searching for a seashell and finds an octopus friend instead. The encounter turns into an afternoon full of play and discovery. From eating, to napping, to playing, octopuses are just like us … aren’t they? Well, maybe not quite …
For instance, when you spot an octopus, you might be tempted to shake its hand. Please don’t! A friendly wave is just fine. A sidebar explains that all octopuses have eight arms, and some can even detach an arm to escape when trapped or threatened. (Don’t worry—the arm will grow back!)
Throughout this underwater adventure, fun-to-read sidebars add context by describing a variety of fascinating facts about octopuses, while colorful, movement-filled illustrations perfectly capture the charm and gentle humor of this informational picture book.
Author Bio
DEBORAH KERBEL is an award-winning author who writes picture books, middle grade, and YA novels. Her recent books include Fred & Marjorie, Whirl, This House Is Home, and When Molly Drew Dogs. Deborah lives and writes in Thornhill, Ontario, with her husband, two teens, and a rescue schnoodle named Freddie.
Born in Hong Kong, DAWN LO is an illustrator currently based in Vancouver, the unceded lands of the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. In addition to illustrating picture books, her work has appeared on stationery, greeting cards, public art installations, murals, and more.
Prizes
- Dogwood Nonfiction Reading ListCommended 2025
Review Quotes
"There are two books in one in this fun, attractive introduction to octopuses ... An enjoyable addition to early science collections."
— Booklist"Strongly recommend."
— Canadian Review of Materials"Enthralling fare for budding naturalists."
— Kirkus Reviews"A delightful, beautifully illustrated, and whimsical story about friendship beneath the sea."
— Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database