The Den That Octopus Built
CCBC Review:
“This is the ledge of sandstone and lime, / layered with shells cemented by time, / that shelters the den that Octopus built.” Marvelous word choice anchors this captivating account of an octopus in its habitat. Octopus gathers food, uses camouflage (“These are the shells she wears like a sheath, / keeping her safe from Tiger Shark’s Teeth”), and evades a predatory seal with a squirt of black ink. Clever, playful, and informative, the full-circle story concludes with one of Octopus’s hatchlings searching for a place to build a home of her own. Additional information about these “Cephalopod Superstars” is provided along with a glossary and author’s note. The handsome undersea illustrations are a winning accompaniment, blending realism with a hint of whimsy. ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Anne Hunter
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 4-8
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Animals (Informational)
Cumulative Stories
Marine Life
Patterned text/Repetition
Publisher:
Candlewick
Publish Year: 2024
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781536226546
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Sonenshine