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Faszination Krake
浩瀚未解的深海太空，神秘八爪星人在此悠游
一同探索結合幻想與真實視覺衝擊的獨特海洋生物奇觀
一掃2022年歐洲各大青少年類別出版獎項
奧地利兒童與青少年圖書獎、維也納市兒童與青少年文學獎、
德國白烏鴉獎、德國愛美士（EMYS）非文學類圖書獎
九個大腦、八臂腕足、三顆心臟、一身拿手絕活
最奇異的海洋生物──「章魚」絕秘現蹤！
海洋和太空有著什麼樣共通之處，你可知道？為什麼章魚是「頭足綱」動物，頭足綱的動物有哪些，又該怎麼區分呢？章魚為什麼長得那麼奇怪卻又如此聰明，牠有什麼奇特的生態習性，和人類有哪些相似與不同之處。又是如何演化成今天的模樣呢？
本書將以嶄新的視角，將海洋化作是神祕的天外宇宙，尋找「章魚」這群奇異外星人。作者將豐富的海洋生物知識，以親切風趣的口吻陳述，搭配優雅細緻的插畫圖像，帶領讀者潛入海中逐一認識章魚的生活習性和特異功能，找出牠們到底是憑藉著什麼過人本事，才能在汪洋大海中特立獨游。
◇章魚是如何靈活操控八隻腕足，兩千個吸盤，又不會打結纏在一起？
◇章魚的墨汁除了遮蔽掠食者的視線，還有什麼一般人不知道的功能？
◇噴墨、擬態、變色、用毒、發光、斷肢逃生，章魚居然有那麼多的絕招。
◇你知道章魚會比起人類和多數動物還要多出兩個心臟嗎？
◇章魚不只頭腦了得，會做夢、會認人，彼此的個性還都大不同。
一同探索結合幻想與真實視覺衝擊的獨特海洋生物奇觀
一掃2022年歐洲各大青少年類別出版獎項
奧地利兒童與青少年圖書獎、維也納市兒童與青少年文學獎、
德國白烏鴉獎、德國愛美士（EMYS）非文學類圖書獎
九個大腦、八臂腕足、三顆心臟、一身拿手絕活
最奇異的海洋生物──「章魚」絕秘現蹤！
海洋和太空有著什麼樣共通之處，你可知道？為什麼章魚是「頭足綱」動物，頭足綱的動物有哪些，又該怎麼區分呢？章魚為什麼長得那麼奇怪卻又如此聰明，牠有什麼奇特的生態習性，和人類有哪些相似與不同之處。又是如何演化成今天的模樣呢？
本書將以嶄新的視角，將海洋化作是神祕的天外宇宙，尋找「章魚」這群奇異外星人。作者將豐富的海洋生物知識，以親切風趣的口吻陳述，搭配優雅細緻的插畫圖像，帶領讀者潛入海中逐一認識章魚的生活習性和特異功能，找出牠們到底是憑藉著什麼過人本事，才能在汪洋大海中特立獨游。
◇章魚是如何靈活操控八隻腕足，兩千個吸盤，又不會打結纏在一起？
◇章魚的墨汁除了遮蔽掠食者的視線，還有什麼一般人不知道的功能？
◇噴墨、擬態、變色、用毒、發光、斷肢逃生，章魚居然有那麼多的絕招。
◇你知道章魚會比起人類和多數動物還要多出兩個心臟嗎？
◇章魚不只頭腦了得，會做夢、會認人，彼此的個性還都大不同。
144 pages, Hardcover
Published August 16, 2021
2 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 26, 2022
«Unendliche Weiten. Unendlich viel Wissen. Unendlich viele Möglichkeiten, etwas darüber zu erzählen.»
So beginnt das Krakenbuch, klingt phantastisch nach Star-Wars-Sound. Es ist auch ein ungewöhnliches Kindersachbuch, weil es mehr ist als das. Michael Stavarič erklärt alles, was es über Kraken zu berichten gibt, und er setzt für Schlauköpfe Zusatzinfos dazwischen (die nicht alle etwas mit Kraken zu tun haben), Humorvolles, Randgeschichten, obendrauf einiges zum Mitmachen. Die schwarz-weiß Federzeichnungen von Michčle Ganser machen das Ganze zum Kunstwerk.
«Eine Krake fand im Supermarkt
kein Regal nach Krakenart,
er ging lieber ins Kino
und trank dort Cappuccino»
Jedes Kapitel beginnt mit einem Gedicht. Aber von vorn: Alles beginnt mit dem Gedanken, was Ozean und Weltall miteinander gemeinsam haben, mit der Entstehung der Erde und dem Leben – kurz angerissen die Evolutionsbiologie, die man sich bei Interesse anlesen in einem Buch nachlesen soll (hier zum Beispiel). Ganz nebenbei erfahren die Schlaumeier, etwas über eine riesige Wolke aus Alkohol im Zentrum der Milchstraße, die nach Rum und Himbeeren duftet. Krake, Calamar oder Sepia? Die Unterschiede sind bereits deutlich auf der Illustration zu erkennen. Gemeinsam, durch direkte Ansprache begeben sich die Autoren mit den Lesenden ins Reich der Kraken und laden ein zum Meeresabenteuer. Ein Buch, das auf der persönlichen Ebene anspricht und nebenbei andere wissenswerte, auch neben dem Thema anspricht: Licht, Erde, Evolution, Genetik, Witze über Kraken, Suchbilder, Sprachliches, Geschichtliches, Literarisches, Literaturtipps, Filmtipps, Bilder zum ausmalen, ein Fundus an Informationen; das alles kindgerecht gestaltet und mit viel Humor präsentiert. Der Krake ist die Hauptsache, klar – aber das Buch punktet eben auch mit allerlei wissenschaftlichen Fakten aus allen Bereichen und rieselt «Blödsinn» hinein.
Biologisches und Kurioses: Kraken öffnen Schraubgläser, können rechnen, schießen kräftige Wasserstrahlen auf Plastikdosen, weil sie spielen wollen, werfen Steine gegen die Scheiben eines Aquariums, löschen mit einem Wasserstrahl gezielt Lampen. Sie kriechen durch enge Löcher, können vorher abtasten, ob sie durchpassen werden. Für die Nachtruhe sichern sie ihr Versteck ab mit Steinen, Flaschen, Tonkrüge – eben alles, was sich am Meeresboden finden lässt. Hat eine Krake einen Lieblingsarm, können diese unabhängig voneinander agieren und wachsen sie nach, wenn eine abgehackt wird? Das und vieles mehr, erfahren wir in diesem ausgesprochen feinen Kinderbuch, das komplexe Sachverhalte kindgerecht erklärt. Wie viel «Finger» hat eigentlich eine Krake? Und wie viele Herzen? Zumindest meins haben die Kraken und das Buch gewonnen!
Neben dem guten Text besticht das Sachkinderbuch in der Grafik. Die feinen Federzeichnungen sind ein Augenschmaus, präsentiert in hochwertiger Aufmachung mit Golddruck auf Glanzpapier. Die detailreichen Zeichnungen gehen auch mal zoomartig in den Bildausschnitt hinein, sie sind elegant-wissenschaftlich, bis hin zu wissenschaftlich-magisch. Wissenswerte Fakten treffen auf. Ästhetik! Eine klasse Kombination für ein Kinderbuch. Das Sachkinderbuch wurde ausgezeichnet mit dem «Emys-Sachbuchpreis 2021» «Wissenschaftsbuch des Jahres 2022» und dem «Österreichischer Kinder- und Jugendbuchpreis 2022» – wohlverdient! Wer sich für die Natur interessiert, wird hier ein Lieblingsbuch finden! Der Leykam Verlag gibt eine Altersempfehlung ab 8 Jahren – passt – ich erweitere auf Familienbuch! Das Kinderbuch ist auch als Unterrichtsmaterial zu empfehlen.
Michael Stavarič wurde 1972 in Brno (Tschechoslowakei) geboren. Er lebt als freier Schriftsteller, Übersetzer und Dozent in Wien. Studierte an der Universität Wien Bohemistik und Publizistik/Kommunikationswissenschaften.
1995 in Aachen geboren, studierte Kommunikationsdesign in Aachen und Mainz. Besonders faszinieren sie das Weltall, die Sterne und die unterschiedlichen Planeten. In ihren Illustrationen vereinigt sie auf ungewöhnliche Weise spannende Themen und erschafft so ganz neue Welten. In ihrer Freizeit liest sie gerne – am liebsten Science-Fiction-Romane.
So beginnt das Krakenbuch, klingt phantastisch nach Star-Wars-Sound. Es ist auch ein ungewöhnliches Kindersachbuch, weil es mehr ist als das. Michael Stavarič erklärt alles, was es über Kraken zu berichten gibt, und er setzt für Schlauköpfe Zusatzinfos dazwischen (die nicht alle etwas mit Kraken zu tun haben), Humorvolles, Randgeschichten, obendrauf einiges zum Mitmachen. Die schwarz-weiß Federzeichnungen von Michčle Ganser machen das Ganze zum Kunstwerk.
«Eine Krake fand im Supermarkt
kein Regal nach Krakenart,
er ging lieber ins Kino
und trank dort Cappuccino»
Jedes Kapitel beginnt mit einem Gedicht. Aber von vorn: Alles beginnt mit dem Gedanken, was Ozean und Weltall miteinander gemeinsam haben, mit der Entstehung der Erde und dem Leben – kurz angerissen die Evolutionsbiologie, die man sich bei Interesse anlesen in einem Buch nachlesen soll (hier zum Beispiel). Ganz nebenbei erfahren die Schlaumeier, etwas über eine riesige Wolke aus Alkohol im Zentrum der Milchstraße, die nach Rum und Himbeeren duftet. Krake, Calamar oder Sepia? Die Unterschiede sind bereits deutlich auf der Illustration zu erkennen. Gemeinsam, durch direkte Ansprache begeben sich die Autoren mit den Lesenden ins Reich der Kraken und laden ein zum Meeresabenteuer. Ein Buch, das auf der persönlichen Ebene anspricht und nebenbei andere wissenswerte, auch neben dem Thema anspricht: Licht, Erde, Evolution, Genetik, Witze über Kraken, Suchbilder, Sprachliches, Geschichtliches, Literarisches, Literaturtipps, Filmtipps, Bilder zum ausmalen, ein Fundus an Informationen; das alles kindgerecht gestaltet und mit viel Humor präsentiert. Der Krake ist die Hauptsache, klar – aber das Buch punktet eben auch mit allerlei wissenschaftlichen Fakten aus allen Bereichen und rieselt «Blödsinn» hinein.
Biologisches und Kurioses: Kraken öffnen Schraubgläser, können rechnen, schießen kräftige Wasserstrahlen auf Plastikdosen, weil sie spielen wollen, werfen Steine gegen die Scheiben eines Aquariums, löschen mit einem Wasserstrahl gezielt Lampen. Sie kriechen durch enge Löcher, können vorher abtasten, ob sie durchpassen werden. Für die Nachtruhe sichern sie ihr Versteck ab mit Steinen, Flaschen, Tonkrüge – eben alles, was sich am Meeresboden finden lässt. Hat eine Krake einen Lieblingsarm, können diese unabhängig voneinander agieren und wachsen sie nach, wenn eine abgehackt wird? Das und vieles mehr, erfahren wir in diesem ausgesprochen feinen Kinderbuch, das komplexe Sachverhalte kindgerecht erklärt. Wie viel «Finger» hat eigentlich eine Krake? Und wie viele Herzen? Zumindest meins haben die Kraken und das Buch gewonnen!
Neben dem guten Text besticht das Sachkinderbuch in der Grafik. Die feinen Federzeichnungen sind ein Augenschmaus, präsentiert in hochwertiger Aufmachung mit Golddruck auf Glanzpapier. Die detailreichen Zeichnungen gehen auch mal zoomartig in den Bildausschnitt hinein, sie sind elegant-wissenschaftlich, bis hin zu wissenschaftlich-magisch. Wissenswerte Fakten treffen auf. Ästhetik! Eine klasse Kombination für ein Kinderbuch. Das Sachkinderbuch wurde ausgezeichnet mit dem «Emys-Sachbuchpreis 2021» «Wissenschaftsbuch des Jahres 2022» und dem «Österreichischer Kinder- und Jugendbuchpreis 2022» – wohlverdient! Wer sich für die Natur interessiert, wird hier ein Lieblingsbuch finden! Der Leykam Verlag gibt eine Altersempfehlung ab 8 Jahren – passt – ich erweitere auf Familienbuch! Das Kinderbuch ist auch als Unterrichtsmaterial zu empfehlen.
Michael Stavarič wurde 1972 in Brno (Tschechoslowakei) geboren. Er lebt als freier Schriftsteller, Übersetzer und Dozent in Wien. Studierte an der Universität Wien Bohemistik und Publizistik/Kommunikationswissenschaften.
1995 in Aachen geboren, studierte Kommunikationsdesign in Aachen und Mainz. Besonders faszinieren sie das Weltall, die Sterne und die unterschiedlichen Planeten. In ihren Illustrationen vereinigt sie auf ungewöhnliche Weise spannende Themen und erschafft so ganz neue Welten. In ihrer Freizeit liest sie gerne – am liebsten Science-Fiction-Romane.
November 4, 2021
Kraken zählen schon immer zu meinen absoluten Lieblingstieren. Ich bin absolut fasziniert von der Intelligenz dieser außergewöhnlichen Tiere und habe schon etliche Bücher über Kraken verschlungen. Deswegen sprach mich „Faszination Krake“ ab der ersten Sekunde einfach an.
Auch wenn die Zielgruppe deutlich jünger ist als ich, so hatte ich doch sehr viel Spaß mit diesem Buch. Und habe trotz meiner Vorliebe für Kraken noch eine Menge lernen können!
Jedes Kapitel beginnt mit einem kleinen Reim und ist nochmals in Unterpunkte aufgeteilt. Somit eignet sich das Buch auch gut als Vorlese-Buch, wobei man nach jedem Absatz genug Zeit hat, sich die vielen Illustrationen näher anzusehen.
Die Schriftgröße ist sehr groß, weshalb auch Kinder weniger Probleme haben dürften, das Buch selbstständig zu lesen.
Immer wieder gibt es interessante Einschübe, wie zum Beispiel die Sparte „Für Schlauköpfe“. In sehr knappen Sätzen erläutert der Autor in spielerisch-einfacher Weise sehr informative Zusätze, zum Beispiel woher das Wort Tentakel überhaupt kommt und was Kraken alles damit anstellen können. Gerade von diesen Einschüben habe ich eine Menge lernen können!
Auch lassen sich ein paar Listen finden, die von informativen Aufzählungen (welche Krakenarten gibt es eigentlich?) bis hin zu lustigen Fakten (was wollte der Autor als Kind werden?) reichen.
Immer wieder gibt es auch die Möglichkeit, selbst aktiv zu werden. Ob nun Unterschiede auf zwei Bildern gesucht werden sollen oder versteckte Kraken, auf eigentlich jeder Seite gibt es etwas Spannendes zu entdecken.
Die Illustrationen sind unglaublich schön. Ich hoffe sehr, dass Michèle Ganser irgendwann Drucke dieser wundervollen Bilder verkauft. Mit unglaublicher Detailverliebtheit und biologisch-anatomischer Korrektheit, ich habe mich vollkommen in den tollen Stil verliebt.
Ich wünsche mir ein wissenschaftliches Werk (für Erwachsene) mit diesen tollen Illustrationen und interessanten Fakten!
Empfehlen kann ich das Buch allen, vor allem aber neugierigen und wissbegierigen Kindern.
Auch wenn die Zielgruppe deutlich jünger ist als ich, so hatte ich doch sehr viel Spaß mit diesem Buch. Und habe trotz meiner Vorliebe für Kraken noch eine Menge lernen können!
Jedes Kapitel beginnt mit einem kleinen Reim und ist nochmals in Unterpunkte aufgeteilt. Somit eignet sich das Buch auch gut als Vorlese-Buch, wobei man nach jedem Absatz genug Zeit hat, sich die vielen Illustrationen näher anzusehen.
Die Schriftgröße ist sehr groß, weshalb auch Kinder weniger Probleme haben dürften, das Buch selbstständig zu lesen.
Immer wieder gibt es interessante Einschübe, wie zum Beispiel die Sparte „Für Schlauköpfe“. In sehr knappen Sätzen erläutert der Autor in spielerisch-einfacher Weise sehr informative Zusätze, zum Beispiel woher das Wort Tentakel überhaupt kommt und was Kraken alles damit anstellen können. Gerade von diesen Einschüben habe ich eine Menge lernen können!
Auch lassen sich ein paar Listen finden, die von informativen Aufzählungen (welche Krakenarten gibt es eigentlich?) bis hin zu lustigen Fakten (was wollte der Autor als Kind werden?) reichen.
Immer wieder gibt es auch die Möglichkeit, selbst aktiv zu werden. Ob nun Unterschiede auf zwei Bildern gesucht werden sollen oder versteckte Kraken, auf eigentlich jeder Seite gibt es etwas Spannendes zu entdecken.
Die Illustrationen sind unglaublich schön. Ich hoffe sehr, dass Michèle Ganser irgendwann Drucke dieser wundervollen Bilder verkauft. Mit unglaublicher Detailverliebtheit und biologisch-anatomischer Korrektheit, ich habe mich vollkommen in den tollen Stil verliebt.
Ich wünsche mir ein wissenschaftliches Werk (für Erwachsene) mit diesen tollen Illustrationen und interessanten Fakten!
Empfehlen kann ich das Buch allen, vor allem aber neugierigen und wissbegierigen Kindern.
November 21, 2021
“Faszination Krake - Wesen einer unbekannten Welt” ist ein Sachbuch für Kinder, das sich den Meerestieren mit den Tentakeln widmet. Das großformatige Buch ist mit Schwarz-Weiß-Zeichnungen und goldenen Elementen versehen, wie schon auf dem Buchcover ersichtlich wird.
“Vielleicht denkt sich jetzt irgendwer von euch - alles schön und gut, aber ich habe ein Buch über Kraken erwartet … wo also bleiben die Kraken?”, so äußert sich selbst der Autor zu seinen Exkursen hin zu anderen Themen. Ein Kind mag es weniger schwernehmen; mir fiel es nicht so leicht, mich auf den Schreibstil einzulassen.
Das Buch punktet allerdings durch sein abwechslungsreiches Konzept: Da gibt es Listen, Kästchen für Schlauköpfe, Such- und Ausmalbilder. Überhaupt habe ich die detailreichen Zeichnungen als ein besonderes Highlight empfunden. Das Thema Krake wurde jedenfalls in allen erdenklichen Blinkwinkeln erkundet und eignet sich durchaus für eine kindliche Entdeckungstour.
“Vielleicht denkt sich jetzt irgendwer von euch - alles schön und gut, aber ich habe ein Buch über Kraken erwartet … wo also bleiben die Kraken?”, so äußert sich selbst der Autor zu seinen Exkursen hin zu anderen Themen. Ein Kind mag es weniger schwernehmen; mir fiel es nicht so leicht, mich auf den Schreibstil einzulassen.
Das Buch punktet allerdings durch sein abwechslungsreiches Konzept: Da gibt es Listen, Kästchen für Schlauköpfe, Such- und Ausmalbilder. Überhaupt habe ich die detailreichen Zeichnungen als ein besonderes Highlight empfunden. Das Thema Krake wurde jedenfalls in allen erdenklichen Blinkwinkeln erkundet und eignet sich durchaus für eine kindliche Entdeckungstour.
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.
December 12, 2021
Herausragendes Kinderbuch, voller wissenschaftlicher Fakten und toller Illustrationen
Mit ihrem Kinderbuch „Faszination Krake – Wesen einer unbekannten Welt“ verfolgen Autor Michael Stavarič und Illustratorin Michèle Ganser ein ganz besonders Konzept. Hier erfährt man als Leser:in alle wissenswerten Fakten rund um die faszinierenden Kraken. Fotografien gibt es keine zu sehen, dafür halten die Seiten zahlreiche detaillierte und kunstvolle Illustrationen bereit. Langweilig wird es kleinen und auch großen Leser:innen bei der Lektüre auf keinen Fall, denn immer wieder gibt es auch Aufgaben zum mitmachen und -denken. Abwechslungsreiche, kurze Kapitel bieten eine informative wie auch oft lustige Lektüre. Denn Michael Stavarič versteht es mit seinem Schreibstil auch jüngere Leser:innen zu erreichen. Dennoch ist das inhaltliche Niveau des Sachbuchs recht hoch. Komplexe Zusammenhänge werden gelungen dargestellt, dabei scheuen sich die Autoren nicht, auch schwierigere Fachbegriffe zu verwenden. Diese werden zum Glück aber immer erklärt. Durch kleine Abschweifungen (z.B. in die Weiten unseres Universums) bietet das Buch außerdem ein viel umfassenderes Wissen, als ich ursprünglich dachte. Ich für meinen Teil bin von der „ Faszination Krake“ definitiv angesteckt und hoffe auf weitere Bücher in dieser Aufmachung. Mein Fazit: Wissenswertes wird unterhaltsam vermittelt. Gerne mehr davon!
Mit ihrem Kinderbuch „Faszination Krake – Wesen einer unbekannten Welt“ verfolgen Autor Michael Stavarič und Illustratorin Michèle Ganser ein ganz besonders Konzept. Hier erfährt man als Leser:in alle wissenswerten Fakten rund um die faszinierenden Kraken. Fotografien gibt es keine zu sehen, dafür halten die Seiten zahlreiche detaillierte und kunstvolle Illustrationen bereit. Langweilig wird es kleinen und auch großen Leser:innen bei der Lektüre auf keinen Fall, denn immer wieder gibt es auch Aufgaben zum mitmachen und -denken. Abwechslungsreiche, kurze Kapitel bieten eine informative wie auch oft lustige Lektüre. Denn Michael Stavarič versteht es mit seinem Schreibstil auch jüngere Leser:innen zu erreichen. Dennoch ist das inhaltliche Niveau des Sachbuchs recht hoch. Komplexe Zusammenhänge werden gelungen dargestellt, dabei scheuen sich die Autoren nicht, auch schwierigere Fachbegriffe zu verwenden. Diese werden zum Glück aber immer erklärt. Durch kleine Abschweifungen (z.B. in die Weiten unseres Universums) bietet das Buch außerdem ein viel umfassenderes Wissen, als ich ursprünglich dachte. Ich für meinen Teil bin von der „ Faszination Krake“ definitiv angesteckt und hoffe auf weitere Bücher in dieser Aufmachung. Mein Fazit: Wissenswertes wird unterhaltsam vermittelt. Gerne mehr davon!
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
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews