The Den That Octopus Built

Follow one of the ocean’s most mysterious animals in this warm but candid look at its dramatic life cycle, from the creators of The Nest That Wren Built.


These are the shells she wears like a sheath,
keeping her safe from Tiger Shark’s teeth
when she’s far from the den that Octopus built . . .

The solitary and ingenious octopus is a master of disguise and invention, creating her den out of the objects of the ocean, from shells and rocks to tiny glass shards. Using creative methods of hunting and construction, the octopus prepares for the biggest task of her life: motherhood. With one last, poignant gesture of love, the mother octopus sends her hatchlings on their way, starting a new cycle of life for the tiny offspring who face peril of their own. Offering deeply informative back matter, including an author’s note, a glossary, and fascinating “octo-knowledge” (did you know that octopuses have nine brains, including one in each of their independently operating arms?), this third in a series from author Randi Sonenshine and illustrator Anne Hunter continues the work of gently introducing children to the reality of the animal world.

Hunter’s ink, watercolor, and colored pencil illustrations bring warmth and accessibility to the subject, inviting readers into the pages. The illustrations depicting the end of life for the mother octopus are particularly moving; these scenes and their use of color convey sadness, sacrifice, and hope. . . . A great read-aloud choice for older readers.
—School Library Journal

The verse—triplets, with pleasing alliteration and internal repetitions of vowel sounds—rhythmically describes what’s going on in each scene, cleverly conveying important octopus facts. Though there are many, many picture books about octopuses, this one will be a particular delight for reading aloud. . . . A lyrical addition to the oceanic bookshelf.
—Kirkus Reviews

Hunter's ink, watercolor, and colored-pencil artwork favors pastel shades and feathery textures that help to convey the moving currents in this underwater setting. . . this will be equally welcome in story hours and science units alike.
—Booklist

This poetic introduction to the life cycle of an octopus embraces the crafty creature’s many skills, from clever hunting to stealthy camouflage, and its surprising weapons. . . . In-depth notes at the end (appealingly titled 'Arm Yourself with Octo-Knowledge') add more information about this amazing animal.
—The Virginian-Pilot

Boasting beautiful illustrations that perfectly complement the story, 'The Den That Octopus Built' is a gentle introduction to the fascinating life cycle of an octopus. Informative back matter further rounds out the story of the highly intelligent, razor-sharp focused animal — the octopus.
—Reading Eagle

Randi Sonenshine grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, surrounded by the watery wonders of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Her debut picture book, The Nest That Wren Built, was named a Chicago Public Library Best of the Best selection and a Capitol Choices Noteworthy Book. She is also the author of The Lodge That Beaver Built. She lives with her husband and two sons in Northwest Georgia, where she is a middle-school literacy specialist and instructional coach.

Anne Hunter is the illustrator of The Nest That Wren Built and The Lodge That Beaver Built by Randi Sonenshine and the author-illustrator of such picture books as Possum and the Summer Storm, Cricket Song, and Possum’s Harvest Moon. Originally from South Florida, she now lives in Vermont with her family.

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