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Amazing Octopus: Creature from an unknown world
A delightful exploration of the faszinating octopus, taking young minds on an interactive journey of discovery.
What do ocean and space have in common? How did octopuses and humans evolve? What exactly are cephalopods - and why do they have such a funny name?
Octopuses are the oldest and most intelligent creatures on our planet, true aliens whose abilities amaze us. Michael Stavarič and Michèle Ganser have created a non-fiction book full of surprising twists and turns that offer much more than just imparting knowledge
What do ocean and space have in common? How did octopuses and humans evolve? What exactly are cephalopods - and why do they have such a funny name?
Octopuses are the oldest and most intelligent creatures on our planet, true aliens whose abilities amaze us. Michael Stavarič and Michèle Ganser have created a non-fiction book full of surprising twists and turns that offer much more than just imparting knowledge
144 pages, Hardcover
Published March 12, 2024
1 person is currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 8, 2024
Rating: 5* of five
The Publisher Says: Dive beneath the waves and explore the amazing world of the octopus with this fact-filled book for middle grade readers who can’t get enough about marine animals!
What do ocean and space have in common? How did octopuses and humans evolve? What exactly are cephalopods - and why do they have such a funny name?
Octopuses are the oldest and most intelligent creatures on our planet, true aliens whose abilities amaze us. Michael Stavarič and Michèle Ganser have created a non-fiction book full of surprising twists and turns that offer much more than just imparting knowledge.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: I appear to be a middle-grade reader "who can’t get enough about marine animals". I loved reading this book, as ably translated by Oliver Latsch, and I reveled in the illustrations. They're done in an approachable, informative way:
These three were provided by Pushkin Children's Books to show just how astonishingly rich and fascinating all the illustrations are; Michèle Ganser is a major talent. Many more from this pen, please.
Since I'm a firm believer that the Tentacled Americans of all species are as close to alien inteligences as we're going to get for the moment, I was very happy with the choice to link them to outer space in this book.
It's all like this, told as though your science teacher is a fun, funny storyteller with a lot of knowledge to make your learning painless.
The best part of this approach is that the astounding intelligence and real-life coolness of the cephalopd tribe gets hold of you quickly and, if I read this right, permanently. Your budding marine scientist will love the experience of reading this. It's not like most science books for this age group are...brightly colored and written down...so it'll appeal to the serious about science while not repelling the casually interested.
Parents will enjoy it, too, in large part because they'll recognize the Socratic teaching style of asking questions, of probing for the reader's existing knowledge. It's the best way I know of to get new facts to stick: Locate them in the child's existing nexus of information.
The physical book must be a delight to hold. The DRC is a delight to look at, a real visual feast. It marries the beautiful art with an effective, elegant page design. You generally won't go wrong with Pushkin Press's output. This book is no exception.
The Publisher Says: Dive beneath the waves and explore the amazing world of the octopus with this fact-filled book for middle grade readers who can’t get enough about marine animals!
What do ocean and space have in common? How did octopuses and humans evolve? What exactly are cephalopods - and why do they have such a funny name?
Octopuses are the oldest and most intelligent creatures on our planet, true aliens whose abilities amaze us. Michael Stavarič and Michèle Ganser have created a non-fiction book full of surprising twists and turns that offer much more than just imparting knowledge.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: I appear to be a middle-grade reader "who can’t get enough about marine animals". I loved reading this book, as ably translated by Oliver Latsch, and I reveled in the illustrations. They're done in an approachable, informative way:
These three were provided by Pushkin Children's Books to show just how astonishingly rich and fascinating all the illustrations are; Michèle Ganser is a major talent. Many more from this pen, please.
Since I'm a firm believer that the Tentacled Americans of all species are as close to alien inteligences as we're going to get for the moment, I was very happy with the choice to link them to outer space in this book.
Octopuses, as we know by now, are cephalopods—their legs, or rather their tentacles, are directly connected to their heads. This may give them a somewhat sack-like appearance to our eyes. Basically, they only consist of a huge head, two big eyes and eight arms, which are equipped with suckers on the underside. So it is not surprising that octopuses are also often called “aliens”.
It's all like this, told as though your science teacher is a fun, funny storyteller with a lot of knowledge to make your learning painless.
The best part of this approach is that the astounding intelligence and real-life coolness of the cephalopd tribe gets hold of you quickly and, if I read this right, permanently. Your budding marine scientist will love the experience of reading this. It's not like most science books for this age group are...brightly colored and written down...so it'll appeal to the serious about science while not repelling the casually interested.
Parents will enjoy it, too, in large part because they'll recognize the Socratic teaching style of asking questions, of probing for the reader's existing knowledge. It's the best way I know of to get new facts to stick: Locate them in the child's existing nexus of information.
The physical book must be a delight to hold. The DRC is a delight to look at, a real visual feast. It marries the beautiful art with an effective, elegant page design. You generally won't go wrong with Pushkin Press's output. This book is no exception.
April 21, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
"Amazing Octopus: Creature from an Unknown World" by Michael Stavaric is a captivating journey into the depths of the ocean, exploring one of the most enigmatic creatures of the sea—the octopus. This book is not just a mere collection of facts; it's an interactive odyssey that invites readers, especially the young and curious, to ponder the similarities between the vastness of the ocean and the mysteries of outer space.
Stavaric's narrative is educational and engaging, making it accessible to a wide audience. The book delves into the evolution of octopuses alongside humans, raising thought-provoking questions about our shared history with these "true aliens" of our planet. The term "cephalopods" is explained in a manner that is as entertaining as it is informative, shedding light on why these creatures have such a peculiar name.
The illustrations by Michèle Ganser are a standout feature, complementing the text with vivid imagery that captures the otherworldly essence of the octopus. The book's design encourages interaction, making it a dynamic read that goes beyond passive learning.
With a perfect blend of humor, fact, and narrative, "Amazing Octopus" stands out as a non-fiction work that is as unusual as its subject. It's a book that promises to amaze not just children but adults as well, offering a fresh perspective on the oldest and most intelligent creatures of our world.
"Amazing Octopus: Creature from an Unknown World" is a beautifully crafted book that serves as an amusing and informative guide to the fascinating world of octopuses.
It's a delightful exploration that is sure to spark curiosity and wonder in readers of all ages.
"Amazing Octopus: Creature from an Unknown World" by Michael Stavaric is a captivating journey into the depths of the ocean, exploring one of the most enigmatic creatures of the sea—the octopus. This book is not just a mere collection of facts; it's an interactive odyssey that invites readers, especially the young and curious, to ponder the similarities between the vastness of the ocean and the mysteries of outer space.
Stavaric's narrative is educational and engaging, making it accessible to a wide audience. The book delves into the evolution of octopuses alongside humans, raising thought-provoking questions about our shared history with these "true aliens" of our planet. The term "cephalopods" is explained in a manner that is as entertaining as it is informative, shedding light on why these creatures have such a peculiar name.
The illustrations by Michèle Ganser are a standout feature, complementing the text with vivid imagery that captures the otherworldly essence of the octopus. The book's design encourages interaction, making it a dynamic read that goes beyond passive learning.
With a perfect blend of humor, fact, and narrative, "Amazing Octopus" stands out as a non-fiction work that is as unusual as its subject. It's a book that promises to amaze not just children but adults as well, offering a fresh perspective on the oldest and most intelligent creatures of our world.
"Amazing Octopus: Creature from an Unknown World" is a beautifully crafted book that serves as an amusing and informative guide to the fascinating world of octopuses.
It's a delightful exploration that is sure to spark curiosity and wonder in readers of all ages.
December 13, 2023
“Octopuses, as we know by now, are cephalopods—their legs, or rather their tentacles, are directly connected to their heads. This may give them a somewhat sack-like appearance to our eyes. Basically, they only consist of a huge head, two big eyes and eight arms, which are equipped with suckers on the underside. So it is not surprising that octopuses are also often called “aliens”. Moreover, they have no skeleton”
My thanks to Pushkin Children’s Books for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Amazing Octopus’ by Michael Stavarič and illustrated by Michèle Ganser. It was translated from the German by Oliver Latsch.
This book is intended for Middle School readers (aged 8-12) and seeks to introduce them to the amazing world of the octopus.
It opens with a section on outer space and the beginnings of life on Earth, then moving onto the evolution of cephalopods.
The author addresses his readers directly as if teaching a class and includes a few quips, jokes, and anecdotes. I especially enjoyed the amusing alternative version of Metamorphosis. I felt that this style made the book more of an interactive experience. He presents a few picture puzzles as well as their solutions following the main text.
Also included are suggestions for further reading as well as films and online resources. I found Michèle Ganser’s highly detailed black and white illustrations were very striking
Overall, I found ‘Amazing Octopus’ an amusing and informative guide to these fascinating creatures. Perfect for its age group though even as an adult I still found it an informative introduction.
My thanks to Pushkin Children’s Books for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Amazing Octopus’ by Michael Stavarič and illustrated by Michèle Ganser. It was translated from the German by Oliver Latsch.
This book is intended for Middle School readers (aged 8-12) and seeks to introduce them to the amazing world of the octopus.
It opens with a section on outer space and the beginnings of life on Earth, then moving onto the evolution of cephalopods.
The author addresses his readers directly as if teaching a class and includes a few quips, jokes, and anecdotes. I especially enjoyed the amusing alternative version of Metamorphosis. I felt that this style made the book more of an interactive experience. He presents a few picture puzzles as well as their solutions following the main text.
Also included are suggestions for further reading as well as films and online resources. I found Michèle Ganser’s highly detailed black and white illustrations were very striking
Overall, I found ‘Amazing Octopus’ an amusing and informative guide to these fascinating creatures. Perfect for its age group though even as an adult I still found it an informative introduction.
December 7, 2023
Amazing Octopus is an AMAZING READ!
We have never come across a non-fiction book which reads like this one. It is packed with wonderful facts, as any non-fiction book worth it's salt should be, brimming with information and yet it is all written by Michael Stavarič as a chatty narrative in a story-esque (we know this isn't a word but when you read the book you will see that it should be) manner that presents all things octopus in the most beguiling way.
If you expect lists of facts laid out in tables and charts with labelled diagrams and photographs, you are barking up the wrong shipwreck because this book spins a charming tale and interweaves everything you would ever need to know with humour, delectable adjectives and there is no way you could ever reach the end without a) learning a great deal about these amazing creatures, b) falling in love with the beautiful illustrations by the very talented Michѐle Ganser, c) being in awe of the intellectual ability of octopuses and d) feeling relieved that you are not a mother octopus - they devote themselves so completely to protecting their eggs that they do not eat, eventually dying of starvation and exhaustion when her babies finally hatch.
There are interactive sections and we learned so many facts unrelated to octopuses whilst reading, we feel that we would probably qualify for Mensa now!
A brilliant book, 8 is our new favourite number.
Thank you to Net Galley and Pushkin Children's Books for sending this eBook for review consideration. All opinions are our own.
We have never come across a non-fiction book which reads like this one. It is packed with wonderful facts, as any non-fiction book worth it's salt should be, brimming with information and yet it is all written by Michael Stavarič as a chatty narrative in a story-esque (we know this isn't a word but when you read the book you will see that it should be) manner that presents all things octopus in the most beguiling way.
If you expect lists of facts laid out in tables and charts with labelled diagrams and photographs, you are barking up the wrong shipwreck because this book spins a charming tale and interweaves everything you would ever need to know with humour, delectable adjectives and there is no way you could ever reach the end without a) learning a great deal about these amazing creatures, b) falling in love with the beautiful illustrations by the very talented Michѐle Ganser, c) being in awe of the intellectual ability of octopuses and d) feeling relieved that you are not a mother octopus - they devote themselves so completely to protecting their eggs that they do not eat, eventually dying of starvation and exhaustion when her babies finally hatch.
There are interactive sections and we learned so many facts unrelated to octopuses whilst reading, we feel that we would probably qualify for Mensa now!
A brilliant book, 8 is our new favourite number.
Thank you to Net Galley and Pushkin Children's Books for sending this eBook for review consideration. All opinions are our own.
Currently reading
January 22, 2024I loved this book. It was amazing and made me realize how much I enjoy the casual writing style. It's a scientific book for children that's mostly about octopuses.
It has fun activities for children. The author lists eight things and asks the reader to do the same in response to a specific question. I really enjoyed them myself.
I loved the way the author talked in this book, like we are friends. I believe it's an excellent way to address the intended age bracket. I would say this book suits 6-year-olds to 12-year-olds.
The illustrations are out of this world, or maybe just from the unexplored bottom of the ocean. They are done using Pointillism, and they are all gorgeous. They are black and white and, what I am assuming, gold.
The only thing I didn't like is the origin of the universe theories and how creatures came about the earth. They do not align with my beliefs and what I know to be true.
I still highly recommend it with parental guidance. I would love to purchase myself a copy to finish reading it, and because it's that beautiful.
It has fun activities for children. The author lists eight things and asks the reader to do the same in response to a specific question. I really enjoyed them myself.
I loved the way the author talked in this book, like we are friends. I believe it's an excellent way to address the intended age bracket. I would say this book suits 6-year-olds to 12-year-olds.
The illustrations are out of this world, or maybe just from the unexplored bottom of the ocean. They are done using Pointillism, and they are all gorgeous. They are black and white and, what I am assuming, gold.
The only thing I didn't like is the origin of the universe theories and how creatures came about the earth. They do not align with my beliefs and what I know to be true.
I still highly recommend it with parental guidance. I would love to purchase myself a copy to finish reading it, and because it's that beautiful.
February 3, 2024
Amazing Octopus is an odd little book! It's like an ADHDer's fever dream. At its heart, it was about octopuses, but the author jumped from topic to topic, and often, the topic didn't have anything to do with octopuses! It starts by talking about space and how Earth may have been formed. It does lead into the evolution of sea life, including octopuses, but it seemed like an odd place to start a book about them. Most of the illustrations are very beautiful and intricately drawn, but they are all in black and white. At least a few colored illustrations would have been a real plus but I suppose they wouldn't have fit in well with the odd space theme the author tried to tie in. I was hoping to learn a few new things about octopuses but found nothing new in this book.
Thank you to Pushkin Children's Books and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.
Thank you to Pushkin Children's Books and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.
December 29, 2023
As a big fan of all things aquatic, I was excited to see what 'Amazing Octopus' held in store. Sadly, beyond some really great illustrations, there wasn't a lot more. Translated from German, I found the prose incredibly clunky and in a lot of cases kinda weird English - ie just not things we'd say! I also found Stavaric's style a little jarring - as they swing from really interesting facts to rambling weak puns. It's a shame because the book looks great, it was sadly a case of style over substance.
January 13, 2024
Lots of very cool information about lots of things. I was expecting the focus to be a BIT more on octopuses from the start, but I really liked the conversational way of writing and the illustrations are lovely.
October 3, 2024
Beautiful illustrations.
December 9, 2023
Interesting blend of facts, reflections and illustrations. Quite an unusual book.
November 28, 2023
This informative book, great for all ages, is wonderfully insightful, focuses on the cephalopod, the octopus.
Readers will enjoy the amazing illustrations that accompany brilliant facts on the origin of the species, types of cephalopods, the interesting ways the octopus has influenced scientific advancements, and much more.
Readers will enjoy the amazing illustrations that accompany brilliant facts on the origin of the species, types of cephalopods, the interesting ways the octopus has influenced scientific advancements, and much more.
November 7, 2023
A clown nebula that looks nothing like a clown, a skull and crossbones nebula that resembles no part of any creature's anatomy whatsoever, beyond a sphincter or two, space for us to write down our intended careers, and a spread for us to colour in – and that's chapter one of this absurdly bonkers book. Oh, but the chapter also contained something else – just enough to make me really take against this.
It's supposed to be about octopuses – yes, a weird and rarefied subject, perhaps. So why go about it starting in such a cockamamie way, and bringing into play our ignorance of how life on Earth actually started? Why the dad jokes about such lifeforms before the biology? Why have sections of the book clearly labelled "for bright minds" – just in case some thicko wants to level his mind up and needs to be told not to bother?
This is a weird item and no mistake. It presents trivia, and reading-around (octopuses in fiction) as if it's the most essential data we need, it dresses it all up in fancy vintage fonts and olde-schoole illustrations, and it will tell you what other books will get round to explaining for you as you get older, and just go to hell already.
This should have been right up my street. Just as I always go to a famous author through their least representative volume, I should have loved hitting the world of the octopus through the most wacky and least-expected and most formula-bending approach, but this was just wrong. Annoying, pretentious, belittling, clever-clever when one 'clever' would have won me over – this had little to redeem itself. I am all for books doing something different, as long as it's justified and worthwhile. Many a child will learn in many a different fashion from the one I may use myself. But nobody will learn enough from this, other than that the author has a humongous ego. I certainly ditched it long before getting educated, and to that there is only one astral response.
It's supposed to be about octopuses – yes, a weird and rarefied subject, perhaps. So why go about it starting in such a cockamamie way, and bringing into play our ignorance of how life on Earth actually started? Why the dad jokes about such lifeforms before the biology? Why have sections of the book clearly labelled "for bright minds" – just in case some thicko wants to level his mind up and needs to be told not to bother?
This is a weird item and no mistake. It presents trivia, and reading-around (octopuses in fiction) as if it's the most essential data we need, it dresses it all up in fancy vintage fonts and olde-schoole illustrations, and it will tell you what other books will get round to explaining for you as you get older, and just go to hell already.
This should have been right up my street. Just as I always go to a famous author through their least representative volume, I should have loved hitting the world of the octopus through the most wacky and least-expected and most formula-bending approach, but this was just wrong. Annoying, pretentious, belittling, clever-clever when one 'clever' would have won me over – this had little to redeem itself. I am all for books doing something different, as long as it's justified and worthwhile. Many a child will learn in many a different fashion from the one I may use myself. But nobody will learn enough from this, other than that the author has a humongous ego. I certainly ditched it long before getting educated, and to that there is only one astral response.
November 13, 2023
Wow! This is certainly a book with a difference … fascinating , curious, quirky , beautiful ….
For lovers of cephalopods, the Amazing Octopus by Michael Stavaric is a natural history / marine life cornucopia of facts about this incredible eight legged ( or is it armed ) creature.
Michael Stavaric’s prose is entertaining and informative - written in the first person as though he is actually talking to the reader which makes it more unique for the reader( an online audio link would be great ) Oliver Latsch’s translation is pitch perfect
The ‘ power of eight ‘ is a common theme in relation to facts and puzzles to solve and of course a nod to the eight legs of the octopus. This book isn’t just focussed on the octopus but provides a wide range of information ; rather like having a discussion with an eccentric relative who goes off on tangents but still enthrals.
Michele Ganser’s illustrations are superb and provide such detail and character. They would be amazing in poster format or in an exhibition.
This isn’t your usual non- fiction book for children or teenagers - or even adults . In some senses it’s difficult to pigeon hole a readership but working with upper Ks 2 it feels spot on for the 10-14 range of natural history enthusiasts or anybody who wants to learn more about these incredible creatures.
Once again Pushkin press publish another winner
For lovers of cephalopods, the Amazing Octopus by Michael Stavaric is a natural history / marine life cornucopia of facts about this incredible eight legged ( or is it armed ) creature.
Michael Stavaric’s prose is entertaining and informative - written in the first person as though he is actually talking to the reader which makes it more unique for the reader( an online audio link would be great ) Oliver Latsch’s translation is pitch perfect
The ‘ power of eight ‘ is a common theme in relation to facts and puzzles to solve and of course a nod to the eight legs of the octopus. This book isn’t just focussed on the octopus but provides a wide range of information ; rather like having a discussion with an eccentric relative who goes off on tangents but still enthrals.
Michele Ganser’s illustrations are superb and provide such detail and character. They would be amazing in poster format or in an exhibition.
This isn’t your usual non- fiction book for children or teenagers - or even adults . In some senses it’s difficult to pigeon hole a readership but working with upper Ks 2 it feels spot on for the 10-14 range of natural history enthusiasts or anybody who wants to learn more about these incredible creatures.
Once again Pushkin press publish another winner
November 13, 2023
Thanks NetGalley and Pushkin Press for an advanced copy of this book
The title and cover instantly intrigued me, and I'm glad I picked up AMAZING OCTOPUS. Translated from German, it's aimed at children but I did learn a lot, and not only about octopus. It touches on multiple topics even if it doesn't explain them, but at least the author encourage the reader to ask question and learn by themselves. The book was truly interactive, first in the writing because the writer / narrator is directly talking to the reader, but also because it offers different activities, which is quite nice. And can we talk about the beautiful pointillism illustrations?
But even if I think it can be a great book to give to children, I had a few issues with it. First I felt like it didn't focus that much on Octopuses, because the narrative was a stream of consciousness, which I didn't mind at the beginning, but it quickly became annoying and hard to focus on the subject. Moreover, I couldn't figure out what age was it for? It seemed to be for young children but sometimes the vocabulary was difficult I felt like, but maybe it's caused by the translation.
In the end, AMAZING OCTOPUS is a nice children non-fiction that is hard to categorize, it can appeal to both children and adults!
The title and cover instantly intrigued me, and I'm glad I picked up AMAZING OCTOPUS. Translated from German, it's aimed at children but I did learn a lot, and not only about octopus. It touches on multiple topics even if it doesn't explain them, but at least the author encourage the reader to ask question and learn by themselves. The book was truly interactive, first in the writing because the writer / narrator is directly talking to the reader, but also because it offers different activities, which is quite nice. And can we talk about the beautiful pointillism illustrations?
But even if I think it can be a great book to give to children, I had a few issues with it. First I felt like it didn't focus that much on Octopuses, because the narrative was a stream of consciousness, which I didn't mind at the beginning, but it quickly became annoying and hard to focus on the subject. Moreover, I couldn't figure out what age was it for? It seemed to be for young children but sometimes the vocabulary was difficult I felt like, but maybe it's caused by the translation.
In the end, AMAZING OCTOPUS is a nice children non-fiction that is hard to categorize, it can appeal to both children and adults!
November 17, 2023
Amazing octopus van Michael Stavaric
Waar komt de octopus vandaan?
Hoe werkt zijn lichaam?
Wat eet de octopus?
Enkele interessante vragen die beantwoord worden in dit boek afgewisseld met mooie zwart wit illustraties en handige tips.
De hoofdstukken zijn helder onderverdeeld en de schrijfstijl is vlot en goed te volgen, nergens wordt het te wetenschappelijk en word er wel een wetenschappelijk weetje verteld dan zorgt de auteur voor heldere en begrijpelijke uitleg.
In de illustraties wordt men ook verrast met uitdagingen om te doen, in het fysieke exemplaar natuurlijk hartstikke leuk om samen met kinderen te ondernemen.
Dit boek is geschikt voor kinderen maar zeker ook voor volwassenen die geïnteresseerd zijn in het leven in de zee met in het bijzonder de octopus.
Het boek verveelt geen moment, leuke weetjes en tips maken het extra interessant zo vind je bijvoorbeeld mooie filmtips!
Dit boek is leerzaam maar ook erg leuk!
☆☆☆☆☆
Waar komt de octopus vandaan?
Hoe werkt zijn lichaam?
Wat eet de octopus?
Enkele interessante vragen die beantwoord worden in dit boek afgewisseld met mooie zwart wit illustraties en handige tips.
De hoofdstukken zijn helder onderverdeeld en de schrijfstijl is vlot en goed te volgen, nergens wordt het te wetenschappelijk en word er wel een wetenschappelijk weetje verteld dan zorgt de auteur voor heldere en begrijpelijke uitleg.
In de illustraties wordt men ook verrast met uitdagingen om te doen, in het fysieke exemplaar natuurlijk hartstikke leuk om samen met kinderen te ondernemen.
Dit boek is geschikt voor kinderen maar zeker ook voor volwassenen die geïnteresseerd zijn in het leven in de zee met in het bijzonder de octopus.
Het boek verveelt geen moment, leuke weetjes en tips maken het extra interessant zo vind je bijvoorbeeld mooie filmtips!
Dit boek is leerzaam maar ook erg leuk!
☆☆☆☆☆
October 21, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for an advanced copy of Amazing Octopus.
Note: Review based on October 2023 ARC version.
In some ways, I really enjoyed this book but in other ways I'm both confused and disappointed in this book.
Let's start with the good:
- Octopus facts: I think the author definitely touched on the highlights of octopus info and covered some of the more distressing facts (octopus death) in a gentle way.
- I liked the Bright Minds sections. Not sure that I would call those sections Bright Minds but I liked the intent behind those sections.
- The writing style and tone was good. Very conversational which I think works for a book that's non-fiction.
- The illustrations were really beautiful.
- Liked the incorporation of activities in the book but am unsure how they will work in the final version of the book. Like the author mentions writing in the book and coloring pages but how would that work in a ebook or library book?
And the less good:
- I'm super confused about the target audience for this. The vocabulary leans towards middle school but the activities and some of the way things are talked about lean towards middle elementary age readers.
- The book feels very stream of consciousness. The author talks about the big bang, stars, other animals, career choices, and so much more. While at first I enjoyed these switches into other topics, I started losing patience towards the end.
- The stories are very European focused and the measurements are metric. I honestly didn't have a problem with this but wonder if a younger audience will.
All in all, there are some really nice parts to Amazing Octopus. I hope that they are able to make some adjustments to the less great parts before the book is published.
Note: Review based on October 2023 ARC version.
In some ways, I really enjoyed this book but in other ways I'm both confused and disappointed in this book.
Let's start with the good:
- Octopus facts: I think the author definitely touched on the highlights of octopus info and covered some of the more distressing facts (octopus death) in a gentle way.
- I liked the Bright Minds sections. Not sure that I would call those sections Bright Minds but I liked the intent behind those sections.
- The writing style and tone was good. Very conversational which I think works for a book that's non-fiction.
- The illustrations were really beautiful.
- Liked the incorporation of activities in the book but am unsure how they will work in the final version of the book. Like the author mentions writing in the book and coloring pages but how would that work in a ebook or library book?
And the less good:
- I'm super confused about the target audience for this. The vocabulary leans towards middle school but the activities and some of the way things are talked about lean towards middle elementary age readers.
- The book feels very stream of consciousness. The author talks about the big bang, stars, other animals, career choices, and so much more. While at first I enjoyed these switches into other topics, I started losing patience towards the end.
- The stories are very European focused and the measurements are metric. I honestly didn't have a problem with this but wonder if a younger audience will.
All in all, there are some really nice parts to Amazing Octopus. I hope that they are able to make some adjustments to the less great parts before the book is published.
October 27, 2023
This is a book all about octopi and their life cycle. I picked this up because octopi have always been some of my favorite animals. They’re super smart and adaptable and just pretty. I’m super glad I got a chance to read this.
The book is full of all kinds of information on octopi that is really informative for beginners just starting to look into them and things that are interesting for people that already know some information.
There is artwork scattered all throughout the book that is absolutely gorgeous. It’s good a while since I saw such beautiful art in a book. There are also fun activities at a couple of points for readers.
Overall I highly recommend this book for readers of all ages. It is extremely well written and like I said that art is beautiful. Will be looking up more works by the author in the future.
The book is full of all kinds of information on octopi that is really informative for beginners just starting to look into them and things that are interesting for people that already know some information.
There is artwork scattered all throughout the book that is absolutely gorgeous. It’s good a while since I saw such beautiful art in a book. There are also fun activities at a couple of points for readers.
Overall I highly recommend this book for readers of all ages. It is extremely well written and like I said that art is beautiful. Will be looking up more works by the author in the future.
February 2, 2024
Today an amazing book and I don't mean just because it is a wonderful, clever, thought-provoking and inspiring book. No, this book has that very word in its title because its subject is so amazing. Amazing Octopus is the creation of Michael Stavaric and illustrator Michele Ganser having been translated by Oliver Latsch.
Why is the octopus amazing? Well, through a series of questions, with facts galore and some outstanding illustrations we dive, quite literally into the depths to expand our knowledge. But there is more. We are also going to be taken into outer space because diving into the deepest of oceans has been likened to being in space and because the author has found some fascinating parallels. As the oldest and most intelligent animals on our planet there is much to be said about them and the facts presented, the knowledge shared is done with both funny details, plenty of questions and vivid description.
A book that is as unique and unusual as its subject and one I highly recommend.
Why is the octopus amazing? Well, through a series of questions, with facts galore and some outstanding illustrations we dive, quite literally into the depths to expand our knowledge. But there is more. We are also going to be taken into outer space because diving into the deepest of oceans has been likened to being in space and because the author has found some fascinating parallels. As the oldest and most intelligent animals on our planet there is much to be said about them and the facts presented, the knowledge shared is done with both funny details, plenty of questions and vivid description.
A book that is as unique and unusual as its subject and one I highly recommend.
June 18, 2024
Filled with fascinating facts and gorgeous artwork, Amazing Octopus does not disappoint. The author provides an insightful and entertaining look into the world of octopi.
This book would be an engaging choice to read aloud with children. Stavaric's writing style, combined with the enthralling topics included in the book, will lead to insightful discussions about octopi and beyond. Highly recommend!
Kind thanks to NetGalley, Pushkin Press, and the author for an advanced reading copy of Amazing Octopus: Creature from an unknown world. The ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book would be an engaging choice to read aloud with children. Stavaric's writing style, combined with the enthralling topics included in the book, will lead to insightful discussions about octopi and beyond. Highly recommend!
Kind thanks to NetGalley, Pushkin Press, and the author for an advanced reading copy of Amazing Octopus: Creature from an unknown world. The ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book which, at first, seems to be for children but instead is very charming and full of beautiful drawings. The world of cephalopods and all the interesting facts about them.
Mi sono davvero divertita a leggere questo libro che, inizialmente sembra per bambini ma invece é molto affascinante e pieno di disegni bellissimi. Il mondo dei cefalopodi e tutte le curiosità che li riguardano.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Mi sono davvero divertita a leggere questo libro che, inizialmente sembra per bambini ma invece é molto affascinante e pieno di disegni bellissimi. Il mondo dei cefalopodi e tutte le curiosità che li riguardano.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
June 3, 2023
Explorations of Space and Ocean for children. German-English
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