Octopuses can mimic other underwater animals, make tools below the waves, and . . . sneak out of almost anywhere. When an injured octopus was brought to the National Aquarium of New Zealand, the clever creature soon became a crowd favorite. That is, until Inky the octopus made his great escape back to the ocean. Explore the exciting true story of a supersmart animal in this graphic nonfiction adventure. Then, learn more about these cunning creatures and read other stores of octopus masterminds.
Interest Level | Grade 3 - Grade 6 |
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Reading Level | Grade 3 |
Dewey Number | 594 |
Lexile | 640L |
ATOS Reading Level | 3.7 |
Guided Reading Level | |
Language | English |
Publisher | Bearport Publishing |
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Format | Reinforced book |
ISBN | 9798885094313 |
Copyright | 2023 |
Number of Pages | 24 |
Dimensions | 6.5 x 9 |
Graphics | Full-color illustrations |
SLJ Review of Animal Masterminds
A life-saving pig and an escaping octopus are among the highly intelligent animals introduced through a graphic novel format. Each book focuses on a single animal. Some use their brains to rescue humans from danger, while others, like tool-making crows, show their intelligence in a laboratory setting. Dialogue and occasional narration introduce the creatures and the humans with whom they interact, supported by paneled illustrations. While the drawings of humans conversing are rather dull, the animal scenes are more engaging and provide useful information. They highlight key developments, such as the crow’s steps towards tool creation, and capture the drama of exciting moments like a shark’s surprising appearance amid swimmers and a dolphin pod. Back matter presents a handful of animal facts followed by two short examples of other intelligent animals from the same group VERDICT Graphic novel style and interesting content could draw in reluctant nonfiction readers.