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Izzy & Oscar
Octopuses make the best pets! Discover why in this charming picture book from an acclaimed author/illustrator team
Pretend pirate captain Izzy is looking for a pet when an adventurous little octopus squiggles into town. Oscar isn't exactly warm and fuzzy, but Izzy decides to take him home anyway.
Young readers will be tickled by Izzy's attempts to teach Oscar to behave like a dog, a parrot, a pony-and gratified by Izzy's realization that in the end we love others for who they are, not who we want them to be. Besides there's one thing octopuses are really good at...octohugs.
Pretend pirate captain Izzy is looking for a pet when an adventurous little octopus squiggles into town. Oscar isn't exactly warm and fuzzy, but Izzy decides to take him home anyway.
Young readers will be tickled by Izzy's attempts to teach Oscar to behave like a dog, a parrot, a pony-and gratified by Izzy's realization that in the end we love others for who they are, not who we want them to be. Besides there's one thing octopuses are really good at...octohugs.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published April 7, 2015
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 17, 2019
Playing pirate with her friends at the beach one day, Izzy happens upon an octopus who has washed ashore, and wanting a pet, decides to take him home. Oscar isn't your usual animal companion, and Izzy soon discovers that he isn't cuddle-able, can't be walked, and squirts ink at inconvenient times. On the other hand, he's a genius at camouflage, and when Izzy falls into a pool trying to rescue another child, his swimming skills prove very useful in effecting a rescue. In the end, Oscar finds his calling as the local lifeguard, and the two friends manage to stay together...
A fanciful take on the common childhood theme of learning to accept one's pets for what they are, rather than trying to make them into something else - Vikki VanSickle's If I Had a Gryphon would be another example of this - Izzy & Oscar offers an engaging tale from authors Allison Estes and Dan Stark and cute illustrations from artist Tracy Dockray. I've noticed an uptick in recent picture-books about octopodes - as per the afterword here, there are actually three ways to indicate the plural of octopus, and I've decided to adopt 'octopode' - which is all to the good, as far as I'm concerned, as I find these intelligent sea creatures really quite fascinating. Recommended to young octopus lovers, and to anyone looking for children's stories about getting a pet, however unusual.
A fanciful take on the common childhood theme of learning to accept one's pets for what they are, rather than trying to make them into something else - Vikki VanSickle's If I Had a Gryphon would be another example of this - Izzy & Oscar offers an engaging tale from authors Allison Estes and Dan Stark and cute illustrations from artist Tracy Dockray. I've noticed an uptick in recent picture-books about octopodes - as per the afterword here, there are actually three ways to indicate the plural of octopus, and I've decided to adopt 'octopode' - which is all to the good, as far as I'm concerned, as I find these intelligent sea creatures really quite fascinating. Recommended to young octopus lovers, and to anyone looking for children's stories about getting a pet, however unusual.
November 3, 2023
Eamon: “a pet does not squirt ink all over your mom! And you cannot have an octopus out of the water for a pet…” 🐙
February 8, 2015
Recently there seems to be a trend in children's books to feature odd pets such as sloths or tigers. In this humorous picture book, Izzy loves playing pirate but is afraid to get into the water since she doesn't know how to swim. When she finds an octopus, she takes care of it and tries to make it her pet. But it grows up and must find its own way. Young readers will be surprised to see what the octopus ends up doing once it finds just the right job, and how it helps Izzy conquer her own fears. The colorful illustrations go quite well with the story and might help young readers be a little less fearful of the things that make them nervous.
June 14, 2015
I really should have multiple finish dates for this because we've had to read it every night since it came home from the library last week. Fortunately this cute, funny, and touching story holds up to repeat readings on the grown up end! My daughter is so enamored with octopi now that our fridge is covered with octopus pictures.
October 18, 2019
Continuing my family's new favorite theme of anything related to the octopus, Allison Estes and Dan Stark's "Izzy & Oscar" appeared to be a smart choice, but ended up being favored for the illustrations rather than the scatter brain plot.
Yes, this is the story told through the eyes of an imaginative child, and she should ALWAYS remain as creative as possible! But most kids who are exploring picture books about anything (even a swashbuckling captain and her heroic mascot) need a little focus and I feel that there were times when that focus was not there.
I am still glad I read this book, and found Izzy the girl I would have wanted to be friends with when I was her age,and even now in my 20s. I hope more people find favor with the entire book, and can say the same for more of Estes and Stark's work.
Yes, this is the story told through the eyes of an imaginative child, and she should ALWAYS remain as creative as possible! But most kids who are exploring picture books about anything (even a swashbuckling captain and her heroic mascot) need a little focus and I feel that there were times when that focus was not there.
I am still glad I read this book, and found Izzy the girl I would have wanted to be friends with when I was her age,and even now in my 20s. I hope more people find favor with the entire book, and can say the same for more of Estes and Stark's work.
September 8, 2017
I seem to have come across a lot of octopus as pets stories lately, so this may influence my review a dad.
Izzy finds an octopus and tries to make it her pet and teach it normal pet things. Adventures ensue, though the whole imaginative "we are pirates" game she is playing with her friends seems to more distract from the main octopus-as-pet-theme than enhance it.
Illustrations are fun.
Izzy finds an octopus and tries to make it her pet and teach it normal pet things. Adventures ensue, though the whole imaginative "we are pirates" game she is playing with her friends seems to more distract from the main octopus-as-pet-theme than enhance it.
Illustrations are fun.
November 6, 2019
Kind of silly but humorous fictional story about a girl who can’t swim, but is the “captain” of her mates. In the end, she finally learns how to swim with the help of her “pet” octopus. I like the 12 “octofacts” at the end of the book that explain very interesting facts about octopuses. Would be good paired with Sy Montgomery‘s non fiction octopus picture book.
December 15, 2017
Isabel (Izzy) imagines herself as a pirate, fancies herself a pirate, but she needs a mascot/pet. Enter Oscar the octopus. Join them as she learns how to successfully have an octopus pet, and learns that while he might struggle with going for walks he is perfect for giving octohugs.
June 23, 2017
I really liked the concept, and it was a cute story, but it's just not a standout to me. I just am torn between 3 and 4 stars on this one.
April 17, 2018
Izzy gets a non-traditional pet. Oscar is an octopus. She tries to teach him to be a good pet but it takes a lot of work. He ends up down at the pool saving lives. Best lifeguard ever.
April 24, 2018
Precious story...also a child can learn a lot about an octopus! I have always heard that female octopuses are very good mothers...enjoyed the facts at the end of the book.
August 5, 2018
Very cute. Oscar is an octopus who becomes the pet of Izzy with interesting repercussions.
December 21, 2018
A girl adopts a very unconventional pet - an octopus! Cute story and illustrations.
October 20, 2014
A Cheerful Change of Pace
The story is pretty straightforward, in a kids' illustrated storybook sort of way. SPOILER. Izzy finds Oscar the octopus, tries to train him up as a pet, gives up, and then finds a new, fun home for him. END SPOILER. That's a fine story, but is it a fun story?
Yes. At least to me, everything comes together nicely here to make this tale work. Izzy is drawn and written to be spunky and nice. Her pretending to be a pirate and to like all things piratey is fun, not precious. Her playmates/crew are helpful and rally round. Oscar the octopus is drawn with a great deal of character, and there is a sense of humor and playful fun in the way his character is presented.
There are some clever jokes written around Izzy's failed attempts to get Oscar to do things that other pets can do, and some sly humor slipped in at the edges of the drawings. There might even be a good lesson or two as well, but they're also just slipped in around the edges.
The drawing is clear and energetic and colorful, and complements the spare but effective narrative. It seems that this would be an amusing and engaging read-to or first reader, and a perfectly fine early storybook. A nice choice to consider, especially if your young reader likes unusual animals or ocean stuff.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
The story is pretty straightforward, in a kids' illustrated storybook sort of way. SPOILER. Izzy finds Oscar the octopus, tries to train him up as a pet, gives up, and then finds a new, fun home for him. END SPOILER. That's a fine story, but is it a fun story?
Yes. At least to me, everything comes together nicely here to make this tale work. Izzy is drawn and written to be spunky and nice. Her pretending to be a pirate and to like all things piratey is fun, not precious. Her playmates/crew are helpful and rally round. Oscar the octopus is drawn with a great deal of character, and there is a sense of humor and playful fun in the way his character is presented.
There are some clever jokes written around Izzy's failed attempts to get Oscar to do things that other pets can do, and some sly humor slipped in at the edges of the drawings. There might even be a good lesson or two as well, but they're also just slipped in around the edges.
The drawing is clear and energetic and colorful, and complements the spare but effective narrative. It seems that this would be an amusing and engaging read-to or first reader, and a perfectly fine early storybook. A nice choice to consider, especially if your young reader likes unusual animals or ocean stuff.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
July 14, 2015
Izzy & Oscar by Allison Estes and Dan Stark
Illustrated by Tracy Dockray
Everyone in the crew had a pet mascot...everyone except Izzy. And since it's not fitting for the captain of a pirate crew to be without a mascot (to say nothing about not knowing how to swim) Izzy chooses Oscar for her pet. Oscar is not your typical pet, however...he's an octopus! What follows is a delightful little tale of how Izzy adjusts to having an octopus for a pet.
Illustrator Tracy Dockray uses pencil and Doc Martin dyes to create amusing characters with a watercolor feel. Fans of Junie B. will relate to Izzy and her predicaments.
This story will be fun to share with young children, as they follow the escapades of Izzy and Oscar.
Fun facts about octopuses are included at the end of the story. Izzy & Oscar will make a nice addition to your collection!
Illustrated by Tracy Dockray
Everyone in the crew had a pet mascot...everyone except Izzy. And since it's not fitting for the captain of a pirate crew to be without a mascot (to say nothing about not knowing how to swim) Izzy chooses Oscar for her pet. Oscar is not your typical pet, however...he's an octopus! What follows is a delightful little tale of how Izzy adjusts to having an octopus for a pet.
Illustrator Tracy Dockray uses pencil and Doc Martin dyes to create amusing characters with a watercolor feel. Fans of Junie B. will relate to Izzy and her predicaments.
This story will be fun to share with young children, as they follow the escapades of Izzy and Oscar.
Fun facts about octopuses are included at the end of the story. Izzy & Oscar will make a nice addition to your collection!
April 7, 2015
This book was a huge hit with my kids. They loved the idea of having an unconventional pet and they laughed at all the things Izzy tries to get Oscar to do (like snuggle or perch on her shoulder). It's a really cute story about seeing strengths in others and not being upset when people (or pets) don't conform to the standards we think they should. Izzy and Oscar is a lighthearted, funny, and sweet book that kids will love.
The illustrations are fantastic. Personality practically dances off the page as they bring the story to life. The artist captured Izzy's quirky sense of style, imagination, and drama.
Source: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
My blog: Batch of Books
The illustrations are fantastic. Personality practically dances off the page as they bring the story to life. The artist captured Izzy's quirky sense of style, imagination, and drama.
Source: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
My blog: Batch of Books
April 8, 2015
As a 'pirate' captain, Izzy needs a pet. When she meets Oscar, the octopus she and her friends think that he will fit the bill. But as Izzy discovers, an octopus has unique needs as well as abilities. The illustrations are cute and work well for the imaginative nature of the story. A fun story about friendship and discovering one's unique talents, after all, even octopuses have special abilities that help them survive. The additional information about octopuses at the end of the book is a great touch.
January 6, 2017
This book made me laugh out loud. A little girl has always wanted a pet and she got one! An octopus she discovered on the beach. She tries to do things with Oscar that you might do with other types of pets without good results. However, his true talent is discovered at the end of the book. The author uses words like "splooshed" and "spoodled" and "squiggling." Not only is the story cute, the author also slips in things that real octopi do and at the end of the book, she includes a list of"Octofacts." Sp. the book is fun and educational!
April 24, 2015
Every pirate needs a mascot. Will Izzy end up with a parrot, maybe a monkey? Nope, how about the little octopus she finds at the beach! Hilarity ensues! Izzy tries to train Oscar to do dog, monkey or parrot things and gets frustrated. Then she finally realizes Oscar is just perfect as an octopus and he doesn't have to try to be anything else. Perfect story for the 5 to 8 year-old crowd with a great little lesson about being yourself and allowing your friends to be themselves, too.
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June 16, 2019Fantasy and humor (plus a girl pirate!) come together in this story of a unique friendship. Kids can also learn about octopi.
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Visit the the Reading Tub to see why we recommend this book. You can add your review, too.
October 7, 2016
Izzy and Oscar is a cute story about a little girl who realizes that as a pirate captain she needs a pet. All she can find is an octopus. Oscar is a fun but unusual pet that unfortunately makes a mess just as she is deciding he will have to go back to the ocean he saves her. Cute story with fun illustrations.
July 30, 2015
Very cute story of Izzy and her interesting pet, Oscar. Reminded me of the types of books picture books I liked as a kid- a little funny, a little adventure, sweet ending. Love the illustrations, especially of Oscar.
March 12, 2015
The colorful illustrations are the best part of this book. The drawings work without the words and show just how humorous it would be to have an octopus as a pet. The story was sort of disjointed. The words don't seem to flow off the tongue when reading aloud.
July 8, 2015
The illustrations in this story, another featuring a protagonist who brings home a quirky pet, are more interesting & charming than the narrative. Although it includes great details about octopi at the end, there are more charming books out there on this subject.
August 14, 2015
I love the endpapers and the illustrations in general. They're so pretty. I also like the story of an unconventional pet, although not very realistic. However, there is a fact section in the back to tell you about real octopuses, octopi or octopodes. Any plural is acceptable!
October 21, 2015
Eh, this book was alright. I liked the silly messes that the octopus got into, and it was a cute look into what it's like to own a pet (both traditional and non-traditional. But the illustrations didn't rock my world or anything.
November 30, 2015
Meh.
Adorable illustrations, but the story felt disjointed, even for a kid's book. The most disturbing part was the fact that the little girl was aware of her inability to swim, yet jumped in to 'save' a child who was struggling in the water.
Adorable illustrations, but the story felt disjointed, even for a kid's book. The most disturbing part was the fact that the little girl was aware of her inability to swim, yet jumped in to 'save' a child who was struggling in the water.
December 1, 2014
Really fun story about a non-traditional pet (Oscar) who finally finds his place. The illustrations are lovely as well.
February 4, 2015
Note: I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher.
April 21, 2015
What a cute book!! Great for young kids!! Beautiful illustrations!! Loved it!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews