Trips to the beach are likely right around the corner, and what better way to get in the mood than to learn about some ocean creatures?
Could an Octopus Climb a Skyscraper?: …and other questions – Hilarious scenes bring octopus facts to life! (What if a) by Camilla de la Bedoyere and illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff is a lively picture book that compares what an octopus can do with some common human activities, allowing children to easily relate to the information.
This factual book dances on the edge of fiction with cartoon illustrations of funny situations. An octopus that can turn yellow and look like a banana? An octopus that washes a car? Hysterical! At its nonfiction core, however, the child will also learn many current facts about octopuses, such as they have three hearts and blue blood. The facts are repeated to reinforce learning in a “fact file” in the back.
Also in the back is a large map that shows where octopuses live. For some reason, the map fails to indicate any octopuses are found around Australia, which is home of the potentially deadly blue-ringed octopus (I know this because I’ve watched far too many nature documentaries).
Looking for a book to entice a reluctant reader? Could an Octopus Climb a Skyscraper? is an absolutely perfect choice because it has all the elements needed to capture and hold a child’s attention. It would also be a wonderful choice for budding marine scientists, to accompany a trip to an aquarium, or of course, to accompany a trip to the beach,
Suggested related activity:
The last page of the book features a post card from an octopus. To encourage your readers to write, have them make their own pretend postcards or give them real post cards to fill out and send to friends.
Also, check for informational videos about octopuses like these:
Amazing:
More informational:
Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: What if a
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: QEB Publishing (April 1, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1609927338
ISBN-13: 978-1609927332
Disclosure: The book was provided by the publisher for review purposes. Also, I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at no extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.
Looking for more children’s nonfiction books? Try the Nonfiction Monday blog.
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