Inky's Amazing Escape: How a Very Smart Octopus Found His Way Home

Led by his insatiable sense of curiosity about the ocean around him, Inky the octopus was an explorer from the day he hatched. When an injury led him to crawl into a lobster trap, the octopine creature found himself hauled up onto land, and taken to New Zealand's National Aquarium, in Wellington. Here he recovered, enjoying his time with the games and puzzles given to him by the staff. Eventually though, his natural inquisitiveness led him to explore once again, and he discovered a way to escape, and make his way home to the sea...

As someone who adores all things octopode, I remember when Inky and his escape was on the news, back in 2016, and how wonderful I thought it was, that this clever creature made such a successful break for show more freedom. As is so often the case, truth is stranger (and more wondrous) than fiction. Picking this book up, I though how delightful it was that author Sy Montgomery, who wrote The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness, should be the one to present this story to the picture-book set! Her narrative is engaging and informative, and is paired with charming mixed-media illustrations from Amy Schimler-Safford. An afterword gives more information, as well as a (very brief) list of further reading ideas. All in all, an excellent work of picture-book natural history, recommended to all young animals and nature lovers. show less

The main part of [b:Inky the Octopus|36748571|Inky the Octopus|Erin Guendelsberger|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1517559197l/36748571._SX50_.jpg|58538304] is fine, but the back matter is terrific! I loved learning that octopuses have arms, and nautiluses have tentacles, but they're both cephalopods. And there are bits about other octopus escape artists, etc.

[b:Inky's Amazing Escape: How a Very Smart Octopus Found His Way Home|38532996|Inky's Amazing Escape How a Very Smart Octopus Found His Way Home|Sy Montgomery|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1537728735l/38532996._SX50_.jpg|60166217] is even better. The main text is longer, with a lot more information in it. show more It may not be quite as rugrat-friendly, but will still charm preschoolers. The back matter has some different details. I liked the art & writing better in this one, too.

But honestly I'm giving them both four stars, and recommending them both to you-all and to children's libraries. It's so cool to learn about smart animals that aren't human. show less