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Etta and the Octopus
A hilarious, fully illustrated tale about an unlikely friendship between a girl and an octopus that is perfect for newly independent readers, from one of Australia's most respected writers for children and an award-winning illustrator.
FOUND!
One octopus!
Likes to eat tuna sandwiches.
Goes by the name of 'Oswald'.
It all began when Etta decided to take a bath . . . And realised she wasn't alone. In the bath sat Oswald. Etta had never had an octopus in her bath before.
At first, Etta thinks it might be fun to have Oswald around. But she soon learns that octopuses are not very good at being tidy . . . or cooking . . . or sharing . . . or even playing nicely.
Just as Etta has almost had enough, someone comes to claim Oswald. Oswald isn't perfect, but does Etta
really want to send him away?
A QUIRKY AND HILARIOUS ILLUSTRATED SERIES ABOUT AN UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP . . . THAT MIGHT JUST STEAL YOUR HEART!
Praise for Etta and the Octopus:
'A story of friendship, acceptance and helpful lists . . . A tale with eight times the fun' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
'Wholesome, hilarious, unique and a whole lot of fun . . . A charming story about finding friendship in the most unexpected of places' BETTER READING
'A witty, illustrated tale that bridges the often difficult gap between picture book and chapter book . . . Wonderfully done and lovingly brought to life by Andrew Joyner's illustrations' READPLUS
'Delightful, charming, lighthearted . . . This engaging story is perfect for newly independent readers' READINGS
'Etta and the Octopus conjures curiosity, wonder, humour and suspense to bring a new twist to the age-old tale of an unlikely friendship . . . an ideal choice!' BOOKS+PUBLISHING
FOUND!
One octopus!
Likes to eat tuna sandwiches.
Goes by the name of 'Oswald'.
It all began when Etta decided to take a bath . . . And realised she wasn't alone. In the bath sat Oswald. Etta had never had an octopus in her bath before.
At first, Etta thinks it might be fun to have Oswald around. But she soon learns that octopuses are not very good at being tidy . . . or cooking . . . or sharing . . . or even playing nicely.
Just as Etta has almost had enough, someone comes to claim Oswald. Oswald isn't perfect, but does Etta
really want to send him away?
A QUIRKY AND HILARIOUS ILLUSTRATED SERIES ABOUT AN UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP . . . THAT MIGHT JUST STEAL YOUR HEART!
Praise for Etta and the Octopus:
'A story of friendship, acceptance and helpful lists . . . A tale with eight times the fun' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
'Wholesome, hilarious, unique and a whole lot of fun . . . A charming story about finding friendship in the most unexpected of places' BETTER READING
'A witty, illustrated tale that bridges the often difficult gap between picture book and chapter book . . . Wonderfully done and lovingly brought to life by Andrew Joyner's illustrations' READPLUS
'Delightful, charming, lighthearted . . . This engaging story is perfect for newly independent readers' READINGS
'Etta and the Octopus conjures curiosity, wonder, humour and suspense to bring a new twist to the age-old tale of an unlikely friendship . . . an ideal choice!' BOOKS+PUBLISHING
Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2023
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Zana Fraillon
21 books111 followersZana Fraillon was born in Melbourne, but spent her early childhood in San Francisco.
Zana has written two picture books for young children, a series for middle readers, and a novel for older readers based on research and accounts of survivors of the Forgotten Generation. She spent a year in China teaching English and now lives in Melbourne with her three sons, husband and two dogs.
When Zana isn't reading or writing, she likes to explore the museums and hidden passageways scattered across Melbourne. They provide the same excitement as that moment before opening a new book - preparing to step into the unknown where a whole world of possibilities awaits.
Zana has written two picture books for young children, a series for middle readers, and a novel for older readers based on research and accounts of survivors of the Forgotten Generation. She spent a year in China teaching English and now lives in Melbourne with her three sons, husband and two dogs.
When Zana isn't reading or writing, she likes to explore the museums and hidden passageways scattered across Melbourne. They provide the same excitement as that moment before opening a new book - preparing to step into the unknown where a whole world of possibilities awaits.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 19, 2023
Meet Oswald, an octopus whose antics will entertain and ‘kraken’ you up.
Etta was not expecting a bath-time buddy so she was most surprised to find a bubble-covered octopus named Oswald relaxing in her tub. At first Etta thinks it might be fun to have a new pet. But Oswald’s behaviour is not exactly great and soon she decides that Oswald has to go back to where he came from. Just as it seems no-one will ever claim their missing octopus there’s a knock at the door. Oswald may be a little bit of a handful but does Etta really want to send him away…
Plenty of fishy goings-on in this sweet and fun-filled illustrated chapter book about friendship and finding a forever home. Like many children, Etta wants a pet and she soon discovers both the highs and lows of animal ownership as she gets to know an uninvited and very surprising house guest. The mischievous eight-limbed Oswald is one tenta-cool character and he is an absolute hoot causing havoc around the home, pandemonium at the park and chaos in the city.
A delightful story for newly independent readers which also includes the rules and a board for ‘The Royal Game of Oswald’ and Etta’s drawing instructions for bringing your own octopus to life. I’m octi-mistic that children of 5+ will love this!
With huge thanks to Hachette and Lothian for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
Etta was not expecting a bath-time buddy so she was most surprised to find a bubble-covered octopus named Oswald relaxing in her tub. At first Etta thinks it might be fun to have a new pet. But Oswald’s behaviour is not exactly great and soon she decides that Oswald has to go back to where he came from. Just as it seems no-one will ever claim their missing octopus there’s a knock at the door. Oswald may be a little bit of a handful but does Etta really want to send him away…
Plenty of fishy goings-on in this sweet and fun-filled illustrated chapter book about friendship and finding a forever home. Like many children, Etta wants a pet and she soon discovers both the highs and lows of animal ownership as she gets to know an uninvited and very surprising house guest. The mischievous eight-limbed Oswald is one tenta-cool character and he is an absolute hoot causing havoc around the home, pandemonium at the park and chaos in the city.
A delightful story for newly independent readers which also includes the rules and a board for ‘The Royal Game of Oswald’ and Etta’s drawing instructions for bringing your own octopus to life. I’m octi-mistic that children of 5+ will love this!
With huge thanks to Hachette and Lothian for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2024
🐙 What would you do if an octopus showed up in your bath just as you were about to hop in? Would you kick it out or would you welcome it?
👧🏻 Etta is met with the dilemma and must figure out what she is going to do with this octopus. But first, she must think about what she knows about octopuses already. She quickly learns that octopuses can be a little bit cheeky and bossy.
🐙 We a taken on a wonderful adventure with Etta and Oswald the Octopus as Etta tries to find Oswald’s owner while showing him things they can do in the big city.
👧🏻 Zana is award winning author for a reason and it was a pleasure to read this wonderful creation of hers. I would recommend this if you are wanting a fun and whimsical story with a lovely ending. Andrew does an amazing job at bringing the characters of Etta and Oswald to life through his incredible illustrations.
🐙 Recommended for anyone aged 7 and up.
🧠 Teaching Point:
INFERENCING - Throughout ‘Etta and the Octopus’ there are plenty of opportunities to make inferences about how characters might be feeling and why they are acting the way they are. These inferences can be made from the words and the pictures.
👧🏻 Etta is met with the dilemma and must figure out what she is going to do with this octopus. But first, she must think about what she knows about octopuses already. She quickly learns that octopuses can be a little bit cheeky and bossy.
🐙 We a taken on a wonderful adventure with Etta and Oswald the Octopus as Etta tries to find Oswald’s owner while showing him things they can do in the big city.
👧🏻 Zana is award winning author for a reason and it was a pleasure to read this wonderful creation of hers. I would recommend this if you are wanting a fun and whimsical story with a lovely ending. Andrew does an amazing job at bringing the characters of Etta and Oswald to life through his incredible illustrations.
🐙 Recommended for anyone aged 7 and up.
🧠 Teaching Point:
INFERENCING - Throughout ‘Etta and the Octopus’ there are plenty of opportunities to make inferences about how characters might be feeling and why they are acting the way they are. These inferences can be made from the words and the pictures.
July 6, 2023
What do you do when an octopus who is clearly not house trained suddenly appears in your bathtub? Young Etta tries to be welcoming and, as she is unfamiliar with octopus, begins a list detailing what she learns. But things start to smell fishy and Etta realises someone might be missing their pet. But octopus Oswald seems to be playing hard to get (rid of). Funny and well pitched for early readers. Perfect for fans of Ursula Dubosarsky’s “Ask Hercules Quick”.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews