Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure

Description: "The true story of Inky the octopus, who slipped out of his tank at the National Aquarium [of] New Zealand and into the world's imagination"--

Brief description:

Dr. Thor Hanson is a Guggenheim Fellow, a Switzer Environmental Fellow, and an award-winning author and biologist. His books include The Triumph of Seeds, The Impenetrable Forest, Feathers, and the children's favorite Bartholomew Quill as well as Star and the Maestro, illustrated by Matt Schu. Thor Hanson's writing has earned many accolades, including the John Burroughs Medal, the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize, and two Pacific Northwest Book Awards. His many media appearances have included NPR's Fresh Air, PRI's The World and Science Friday, The Current on CBC, and Book Lust with Nancy Pearl. He lives with his wife and son on an island in the Pacific Northwest.

Review Quotes:

"This should be cephalopod catnip for readers who are just beginning to feel the stirrings of independence, ingenuity, and curiosity about worlds waiting outside their own walls." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A -daring escape, an engaging hero, and a happy ending, along with the chance to learn more about the amazing octopus. This is an all-around winner, a tall tale that -happens to be (-mostly) the truth." - School Library Journal

"Hanson's lively rhymes, a pleasure to read aloud, vary their rhythm without stumbling and adeptly convey information while telling a captivating story. Bernstein's colorful illustrations realistically portray the aquarium and sea animals while also allowing Inky's eyes full cartoon scope to express his personality, emotions, and intelligence. . . . Backmatter with info on octopuses and the real-life Inky add educational depth. . . . Certain to grab nature lovers." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A salute to Inky, a clever octopus who took advantage of a tank lid left slightly ajar in a New Zealand aquarium, escaping down a drain and back to the sea. Hanson relates the (reconstructed) episode in playful verse, and Bernstein records it in wide illustrations featuring a big, mottled mollusk with expressive eyes and a thick tangle of gracefully curled arms. . . . The author closes with more on Inky's original capture and backstory, plus basic information about octopuses." - Booklist