Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Synopsis
Octavia and Her Purple Ink Cloud. Octavia Octopus and her coral reef-sharing, sea-animal friends love playing camouflage games to practice how they would hide from a "big, hungry creature." Octavia, however, just cannot seem to get her colors right when she tries to shoot her purple ink cloud.
Nancy Garhan Attebury - Children's Literature
In real life, an octopus possesses the ability to shoot out a cloud of purple-black ink in order to hide from its enemies. However, in this delightful and entertaining tale, Octavia the Octopus never seems to get the color right. She encounters other sea creatures that have interesting ways of disguising themselves. The Porcupine Fish, swaying Seahorse, and color-changing Freddy Flounder are just a few. Each time she attempts to show them her camouflage trait, the cloud never comes out right. She dispels yellow, orange, green, red, and blue ink in her attempts, but she never gives up. She believes she can get it right with practice. Finally, her persistence pays off when a cloud of dark purple ink shields her from the view of a dangerous shark. This fun story is educational without being didactic. Listeners learn not to give up and that practicing a task is necessary in order to get better. In addition, they are offered a plethora of information about exciting sea creatures. Vibrantly colored and detailed illustrations add to the book's appeal, and unique back matter contains information about camouflage and protection, fun facts, and a painting activity. This "complete package" is a must in schools, homes, and libraries with young children. 2006, Sylvan Dell Publishing, Ages 4 to 8.