  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 04/01/2021 The octopus is fond of life in his comfortable cave, catching crabs and drifting about the ever-changing ocean currents, so he’s shocked when a diver whisks him away to an enormous aquarium. There are some positives to his captivity, though: he is given intriguing tests, watches humans wander by, and never wants for food. It’s not long, however, before the intelligent octopus grows bored, longing for his home, and realizes it’s time to escape. He squeezes and slides his way out of his tank, through the aquarium, and back out to sea, finally settling again in his wilder—but more rewarding—watery world. It’s impossible not to adore the intrepid octopus, drawn realistically, with expressive eyes that tug on the heartstrings. Sala’s vibrant illustrations teem with life when focused on the ocean habitat and are appropriately subdued in the more austere aquarium. Readers will get a great glimpse into the capabilities of the wonderfully brainy octopus in this sweet meditation on the tradeoffs between living in safe comfort and making your own way in the world. - Copyright 2021 Booklist. School Library Journal - 06/25/2021 K-Gr 2—The octopus is content with his life and loves the cave where he lives. He's able to see all the fish and sea creatures around him and can play around in the waves to his heart's content. This all changes when a diver whisks him away from his cave and takes him to an aquarium which the octopus calls a glass house. At first, the octopus loves the challenges the humans give him and all of the people that come to visit him and have their pictures taken. Soon though, the octopus becomes bored with the same life eating the same food. He hatches a plan to escape. His journey back to his cave is not an easy one, but this skilled octopus is not one to step away from a challenge. The art and words complement each other well and each has the opportunity to take center stage when the story warrants it. The pages vary in sentence length and number of sentences giving the reader a dynamic and engaging read, but the art is the real highlight of this tale. Each spread is full of vibrant colors and readers will enjoy being taken along on the journey. VERDICT Stunning artwork and an appealing story is sure to entertain readers, especially those interested in marine life.—Myiesha Speight, formerly at Towson Univ., Baltimore - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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