Nico's Octopus

by Caroline Pitcher

Nico rescues a small octopus and takes it home to keep as a pet, caring for it until one day, he learns some sad and wonderful news. Includes a factual section on octopuses.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2003

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely story perfect for years 2 to 4. It has beautiful warm and detailed illustrations and has strong links to science as children could learn about different animals, their habitats and life cycles. The children could also talk about the different pets they have and what the most unusual pet is in the class. This could lead to children doing pet projects or projects about their favourite animals. I think this would be a popular read with many children and would be a good class story.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nicely illustrated book that tells the tale of a little Greek boy who saves an octopus from a fisherman's net. The octopus ends of hatching hundreds of eggs in the tank he keeps her in. The boy buries the octopus at sea and releases the babies to the waves. Definitely worth reading again in the future.

[Ellie Morland · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't think I would share this book with a class as I couldn't find anything completely relevent within it for a whole class discussion. However, if a child was interested in different types of animals/fish/sea creatures I could recommend this book as an insightful and fun read.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually learned a few new things about an octopus.

[Jessica Strait · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sad and too quick paced.

[Tim Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Realistic illustrations and a pretty touching story about a boy who rescues and octopus. Packed with good information on the animals but not in such a way that it bogs down the narrative. Also a good World Octopus Day choice!