How to Put an Octopus to Bed

by Sherri Duskey Rinker, Viviane Schwarz (Illustrator)

It's time for bed and this little octopus is more than happy to volunteer! He's all ready to put his parents to bed! Bath time, putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, and tucking everyone in is a whole new challenge when the kid is in charge (and especially when everyone has eight arms!).

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Storytime, Humor, Fiction, Family

34 pages, Hardcover

First published March 31, 2020

About the author

Sherri has returned to her passion of writing to indulge her own children's passions. A graphic designer, she lives in Chicago with her photographer husband, a cockapoo named Quincy, several fish, a few hermit crabs, an ever-changing array of insects in jars, toys in every corner, and two energetic and inquisitive young boys: one fascinated by bugs and magic and another obsessed with trucks and trains. She's constantly inspired -- and often exhausted! She created GOODNIGHT, GOODNIGHT, CONSTRUCTION SITE in hopes of happier bedtimes and sweet dreams for all.

This is Sherri's first book, and (just in case you think it can't happen!) it was picked from the slush pile.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

A wriggly young octopus named Floyd turns the tables on his parents at bedtime in this rhyming romp of a picture-book, deciding that he will put them to bed, rather than the other way round. From bath-time play to brushing their teeth, Floyd supervises his parents, while also getting his own end-of-the-day tasks done...

I have read some of author Sherri Duskey Rinker's rhyming picture-books before, particularly her beloved Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and The 12 Sleighs of Christmas , and have also enjoyed the artwork of illustrator Viviane Schwarz, in her own There Are Cats in This Book , as well as other titles, so I picked up this bedtime book with some anticipation, especially as I am very fond of octopodes. Unfortunately, I had a more mixed reaction to How to Put an Octopus to Bed than I had expected, finding the story idea interesting - it's a variation on the usual 'reluctant to go to bed' bedtime book - and the artwork cute, but also finding the rhyme scheme itself rather uneven. The structure of the verse seemed to change midway through, and it was quite distracting. I thought the earlier half of the book read far more smoothly than the latter, and that, overall, the text is not quite a success. I also found the episode in the bath rather puzzling, with its talk of getting wet. I assumed until that point that the octopode home being depicted was underwater, but I guess not? All in all, this is not one that I strongly recommend, as I feel there are better going to bed books available.

[Abby Johnson]

An interesting premise, but too many arms, too many words, too frenetic to stick with.

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just because someone has written bestsellers doesn't mean their stuff should be passed without a read through--and trying to read this left me more exhausted than the parents here.

Nice idea, bringing back fond memories of a Thanksgiving of yesteryear when my 3 year old tucked ME in for a nap, then went out with Grandma, but this isn't as good as it could have been with some supervision by a skilled editor. Are there any left out there?

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book might be useful as a bath time or bedtime read, and youngsters will surely get a kick out of the way the tables are turned on two parents. After Floyd, a young octopus, has had a busy and playful day, it's time for bed, to the parents' relief. But Floyd has a surprise in store for them, and put his parents through the bathing ritual usually reserved for him. After getting clean and dried off, they struggle to put on their pajamas, and then head off to bed. The rhyming text adds to the story's appeal even while it's pretty absurd, and those parents are much more pooped from all this work than Floyd is. Created with watercolor, ink, crayon, and digital techniques, the illustrations feature several silly scenes as this octopus family realizes that the family that bathes together can go to sleep early--well, maybe not Floyd. He seems ready to go still even while his parents slumber peacefully. I liked this title well enough but wasn't in love with it.

[Mallory Hart · Rating 1 out of 5]

You know when a children's book is trying to rhyme and itt has no natural flow and is super clunky to read aloud? This is that combined with a manic storyline. I really didn't like it and at the end he disobeys the parents bringing a sandwich to bed that was just kind of stupid and not the energy you want to leave a story in.

[A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the premise, but the rhyme scheme felt messy.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute illustrations but the text was not as successful.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just too much all around. Wished it ended right after bath time but there were still 20 more pages.

[J MaK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Playful read with rhyming but perhaps a little too text heavy on certain illustrations.

[Jj · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always on the lookout for good new octopus picture books to add to my ever-growing Cephalod Storytime list. This one is next. True--as some have pointed out--the rhyme scheme does leave something to be desired. And the premise is hardly a new one (child/parent role-reversal), but done in a fun and fresh way here. The idea of an octopus taking a bath usually makes for a bit of ridiculous fun, and this is no exception. Viviane Schwarz never disappoints, and she certainly is an excellent choice for interpreting this text. In her illustrations, young Floyd comes to life and his ebullient persona is on full display as he floats around the pages and keeps his parents on their toes (or rather, tentacles) at every turn. The pajama sequence in particular is filled with the kind of confusing twists and turns that will be familiar to anyone who's ever attempted to wrangle a small child into any kind of nightwear, let alone what appear to be eight-legged long johns. Overall, this is a delightfully silly and lighthearted read that will be enjoyed by many at bedtime and storytime for years to come.

[Luciana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mmmm!

I don't know why this book didn't appeal to me. While the storyline is interesting...where a young octopus goes to the trouble to get his parents ready for bed; I felt it wasn't captivating & I'm not sure young children would get the gist of this book without a lot of discussion. To me, it felt a bit too hyper & long instead of a book to settle children ready for bed.

[Raven Black · Rating 1 out of 5]

If a book can possibly be too bright, this book is it. The story is more tangled up than the pj fiasco of the evening. Reading it felt messy. With that said, something tells me kids will flip over the antics of one octopus as he puts his parents to bed.

[kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

cute, but I was less than impressed. it was a meh read, and not very memorable

[Jared White · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow, this book is TOO busy for my liking and the text is all over the place (and there's a bit too much of it).

[Maeve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh - cute illustrations though

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The rhythm in this book was completely off and the story was poorly paced.

[Nadina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute enough, cute illustrations and I like the rhyming, but over all it just felt average.

[Bee (BacchusVines) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one gave me lots of laughs. A great book to get in the mood for the bedtime routine.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bedtime becomes a squiggly, wiggly, arms-everywhere adventure with this cute little octopus and his nightly rituals.

It's time for this little octopus to go to bed, and he's ready for the challenge, especially if it means putting his parents to bed too. It starts with a bath time and tons of splashing moments, but soon turns into a giggle inducing experience with so much more than the little octopus or its parents expected.

Filled with silliness and cuteness, this little octopus is hard not to like. He harbors no mean intentions when bedtime comes around and is ready to head to the tub and everything else. This was nice to see, considering many bedtime stories have little ones who are trying to get out of going to sleep. That ridiculous nonsense still ensues makes this a lovely read, which is sure to put a smile on the face. The text fits perfectly in with the fun and allows for sound effects while still telling the tale as it unfolds.

The illustrations are bright, bold and let the cute mix right in with the chaos. The little octopus is round and super sweet, and never displays a bad attitude. The moments bring the text alive and demonstrate how quirky the situations become. I especially loved the teddy...so adorable...and believe this is one young listeners are sure to want to hear again...and again...and again.

I received a complimentary copy and found this book to be a sweet and silly read...perfect for bedtime.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

When his parents see Floyd the Octopus holding a sandwich intending to bring it to bed to feed his teddy bears, they say, "No, sir, absolutely not! The bears have had enough tonight." A very reasonable rule, I would think any parent would agree. No more is said about it until the very last page when Floyd is alone in bed and he pulls out the forbidden sandwich and tells teddy, "Bear, I saved this one for you." That's the very last line in the book, leaving any child being read this story to assume that it is quite alright to disobey one's parents. So think whether that is the lesson you want to teach your child....and whether you want to clean crummy, sticky sheets in the morning.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 3 out of 5]

Normally, I am a big Rinker fan, but this one misses the mark.

The role of prepping for bedtime is turned on its head in this bubbly tale of a bedtime routine under the sea with a family of octopuses.

Rinker's exuberant text is all over the place. It waves and wobbles, it arcs and dips. There are a few places where the rhyming text feels a bit forced and hard to read aloud. Regardless, it is still fun.

Viviane Schwarz's illustrations, rendered in watercolor, ink, crayon, and digitally enhanced. They are bright, wiggly, and full of the same energy as the text.

An optional purchase for lovers of bedtime stories, family stories, and octopuses. For PreSchool-K.

[Sarah Alamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're so proud of you for reading "How to Put an Octopus to Bed"! This wonderful book teaches us that even when something seems difficult or silly, patience and creativity help us solve problems. You learned that bedtime routines are important for everyone, even octopuses with eight arms!
When things feel tricky at home or school, remember: take your time, think of fun solutions, and don't give up. You're becoming such a wonderful reader, sweetheart!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little octopus ends up putting his parents to sleep once drawing them through his bedtime routine. Had some of the cadence of "Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site;" I was a little annoyed at first because I thought someone was ripping off that book, but then I realized that it was by the author of "Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site" and things made more sense!

[Jun Wang]

The story line is interesting and the roles of child and parent seem to be reversed. The color expression of the book is also very good. Maybe it was because of the eight tentacles of the octopus that dazzled me. For the whole storyline, I don't like it very much, but the overall feeling of the picture is still very good.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was able to watch this book read by Sherri during the COVID-19 read aloud series started by Kwame Alexander. Super cute story about how to get an octopus to get in bed... not much different than putting a toddler to bed. Lol!

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The colorful illustrations are really lovely kid-friendly, but the progression of the text seemed a bit jumbled and confusing. Little Octopus flips things around on his parents and starts putting THEM to bed instead of the other way around.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little text heavy, this fun story is about a young Octopus who decides to put his parents to bed. Silly and fun, the rhyme scheme is a bit bizarre in places. I might skip a few spreads if I decide to use it in story time.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little story where Mama-O and OctoPop try to put little Floyd to bed - including all the adventures of bath time, teeth-brushing, and more. A little bit long for a read-aloud, but good for older (kindergarten+) that can focus and listen. :)

[Viviane Elbee]

In this rhyming bouncy bedtime book, a little octopus named Floyd is trying to get his parents ready for bed while they try to get him to bed. It’s cute and I especially like the names - Mama-O and OctoPop.

[Reve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this! this is the perfect book to read when it's bed time, but you aren't quite sleepy yet. it's goofy and fun to act along with. I relate to the octopus getting his parents to bed. it's a hard job!