Octopuses (Smart Animals) by Spirn, Michele (2006) Library Binding

Smart Animals

by Michele Sobel Spirn

What sea creature can open jars, use tools, and disguise itself to look like its predator's worst enemy? The answer is the smartest invertebrate in the animal kingdom—the octopus! In Octopuses, young readers will learn the surprisingly intelligent behavior octopuses display as they survive—and play—in a harsh environment.

Genres: Nonfiction

Library Binding

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Michele Sobel Spirn has written and published over 40 books for children. She began her writing career at age 16 when she won a state essay contest. Her prize included a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet the President. Throughout her career, she has had writing jobs in public relations as well as freelance work in educational publishing, mass market and trade publishing. She became interested in writing for children when she and her husband had a son. Influenced by the work of children’s book authors Arnold Lobel and James Marshall, among others, she wrote The Know-Nothings, an “I Can Read” book about four foolish friends. The Know-Nothings series now includes four books about the silly four--Morris, Boris, Doris and Norris--and their dog, Floris. Her love of mysteries has led her to create three middle-grade mysteries about the Bridges family, The Bridges in London, The Bridges in Paris, and The Bridges in Edinburgh. Michele also enjoys writing biographies (Against the Odds: Jackie Joyner-Kersee), young adult novels (Racing Against the Light, Wait Till The Midnight Hour) and nonfiction (Cold-Blooded Creatures, Birth Celebrations, New Year Celebrations). Her latest book is an “I Can Read” book, I Am The Turkey. Michele teaches creative writing at New York University and the New School University. She has a B.A. degree from Syracuse University and an MFA degree in creative writing from the New School University.

Reviews

[Kristin Holbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to octopuses for my boys age 4 and 6. Nice color pictures.