Gentle Giant Octopus: Read and Wonder

by Karen Wallace, Mike Bostock (Illustrator)

Overview

Discover the mysterious, magnificent octopus!

Follow a goggle-eyed octopus as she jets through the shadows, tentacles flying behind her. Finally she finds a well-hidden den in which to lay her eggs, which will dangle from the roof like grapes on a string. In silky verse, Karen Wallace explores the mysterious world of the octopus, while Mike Bostock’s flowing illustrations bring that world vividly to life. Back matter includes an afterword, resources for further information, a glossary, and an index.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780763617301
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	04/01/2002
Series:	Read and Wonder
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	654,163
Product dimensions:	9.06(w) x 9.81(h) x 0.15(d)
Lexile:	AD680L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Karen Wallace says octopuses have always had a special place in her imagination, from the storybook monsters of folklore to the young octopus she once watched escape from a fish trap, climb down a ladder, and sink back into the safety of the sea.

Mike Bostock, while illustrating GENTLE GIANT OCTOPUS, became fascinated by his subjects—the delicate changing color and texture of their skin, the rubbery, rippling way they move, and their transparent soap-bubble-like babies.

Editorial Reviews

A wonderful tie-in to nature or science units about the sea and its inhabitants.
—School Library Journal

In a picture-book format, this science book presents information on the giant octopus . . . The bold, bright watercolor illustrations help the odd-looking creature become more accessible to young audiences, making this excellent for reading aloud in a classroom setting.
—Booklist

Brief text and watercolor paintings describe how a female giant octopus moves, protects herself, and lays her eggs . . . With its striking artwork, it will make an enticing read-aloud for children interested in this fascinating sea creature.
—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

K-Gr 2

In this collaboration (Candlewick, 1998) between author Karen Wallace and illustrator Mike Bostock, youngsters are introduced to the gentle giant octopus, a sea creature that jets through the water and "slides over the seabed" and whose body "stretches like taffy over the stones." Wallace's poetical phrasing accompanied by the gentle, yet vividly compelling watercolor illustrations make this more than just an informational read. The picture book format will keep the interest of young children while presenting the facts about this lesser-known inhabitant of the sea. Narrator Alan Marriott, best known for his voices on the TV show Bob the Builder , provides a well-articulated narration; sound effects and background music enrich the telling. The CD can be listened to with or without page-turn signals. An additional track provides more information about the sea creature. A wonderful tie-in to nature or science units about the sea and its inhabitants.-Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

School Library Journal