Octopus Stew

by Eric Velásquez

What do you do when an octopus captures Grandma? Put on your superhero cape and rescue her! This clever picture book tells two stories in one, from award-winning Afro-Latino artist Eric Velasquez.

The octopus Grandma is cooking has grown to titanic proportions. "¡Tenga cuidado!" Ramsey shouts. "Be careful!" But it's too late. The octopus traps Grandma!

Ramsey uses both art and intellect to free his beloved abuela.

Then the story takes a surprising twist. And it can be read two ways. Open the fold-out pages to find Ramsey telling a story to his family. Keep the pages folded, and Ramsey's octopus adventure is real.

This beautifully illustrated picture book, drawn from the author's childhood memories, celebrates creativity, heroism, family, grandmothers, grandsons, Puerto Rican food, Latinx culture and more.

With an author's note and the Velasquez family recipe for Octopus Stew!

A Bank Street Best Book of the Year

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Food, Latinx, Spanish Literature, Childrens, Humor

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 17, 2019

About the author

Eric Velásquez is the illustrator of numerous books for children, including several previous collaborations with Carole Boston Weatherford. He won the John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award for his illustrations of The Piano Man, written by Debbi Chocolate. Eric Velásquez is also the author-illustrator of the Pura Belpré Illustrator Award–winning Grandma’s Gift. Born in Harlem, he lives and works in Hartsdale, New York.

Reviews

[Spencer Orey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun picture book with great Puerto Rican storytelling. The boy and the grandma come across really strongly as characters, and the illustrations were a joy.

My kid loved it and when we were done, wanted to read it all over again. The giant monster octopus rocks, but my kid actually loved the main character's drawing of a scary shark even more.

I'm glad that we're getting more books that mix Spanish and English! This is great for everyone.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be very careful - that octopus looks like he is up to no good! Great story and art! I have never tried octopus; I have several friends that tell me I am really missing out on a treat. Maybe one day - adventurous or really hungry (or both) - but I do not see it happening any time soon! I have several friends who say it is quite good!

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Ramsey's painting of Super Octo gives his grandmother the idea to make pulpo guisado - AKA octopus stew - it sets in motion an incredible and entertaining adventure. Purchasing a huge octopus at the store, Grandma forgets to remove the eyes and beak, leading to a situation in which the (clearly still alive) octopus escapes from the pot and takes her hostage. Now it's up to Ramsey to figure out the octopus' weakness, and rescue her...

Apparently based upon an incident from his own childhood, as well as his family's storytelling tradition, Eric Velasquez's Octopus Stew pairs an imaginative and exciting narrative with vibrantly colorful artwork. There's a great deal of humor and heart in both text and illustration here, with many story elements - an adventure with a beloved grandparent, a superhero cape and storyline, and an octopus(!) - that young children will find entertaining. For my part, I liked the fold-out page where we see Ramsey telling the story - is it meant to be after the fact? or is the tale entirely made up, even within the confines of the book? - as it emphasizes the wider family circle to which he and his grandmother belong. The only thing I didn't like, given the fact that the octopus is still alive at the end of the tale, and joins Ramsey and his grandmother for an octopus-free meal, is that a recipe for octopus stew is included at the rear. That felt a little... odd, given the story developments.

[Phil J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I asked my local librarian for a humorous picture book with POC to use as an ice breaker at the beginning of the school year. She gave me this, and it's a perfect fit. Never underestimate a librarian!

In addition to being a fun ride with a giant octopus, this book reinforces the joy of storytelling and the importance of family.

[Jae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be a great read-aloud. Reminds me a little bit of The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash.

[drowningmermaid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't expecting the fold out in the middle

A boy tells a fantasy story about his dinner fighting back and eventually becoming a friend. Followed by a recipe.

Scattering of Spanish throughout.

[Christina Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

When our children were younger, we'd build forts, turn on flashlights to light up the night, and tell campfire-style stories right in the room our twins shared. Taking turns adding to this family crafted tale with thrilling twists, impossible feats, and great escapes. We've created characters and stories that we will never forget. That's how Octopus Stew felt. Like a family story night that had turned into a fantastical adventure.

Ramsey's Grandma decides to make octopus stew when the world suddenly turns upsidedown. Something was odd about the octopus. Ramsey knew it the moment he laid eyes on it in the grocery store. His radar for lurking danger hadn't failed this caped hero. When his Grandma gets trapped in the octopus's snare, will Ramsey have what it takes to save the day and dinner?

Eric Velasquez is an award-winning author/illustrator who you can tell is into superheroes. I mean Ramsey and his dog are both wearing capes. What I like best though about his work is Ramsey's hair. That afro is stellar! Better still is his family on the foldout pages. There is love and the joy of family togetherness on those pages. While its front cover with Grandma and Ramsey standing awestricken in the ominous shadow of an octopus captured my attention, it's Ramsey's retelling of how it all went down that kept me turning the pages. I also appreciate that the text is peppered with Spanish vocabulary. There's a glossary at the end and a recipe for octopus stew. I agree with the recommendation for ages 4-8 but what a great family read for all ages. 

[Peacegal · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of mixed messages in this one, coming from a humane perspective.

We begin with a grandmother announcing she's going to make octopus stew and a visit to the seafood market. When he's boiling in the pot, the creature comes back to life, grows to kraken-like proportions, and grabs Grandma. It's up to Ramsey, the grandson, to come to the rescue! After doing comic-book style battle with the octopus, the pair finally realizes the octo simply doesn't want to be eaten. There's a great scene in which he looks at Ramsey with enormous eyes and pleads, "Cook me? Take out my eyes and beak? Why?" Grandma announces she has changed her mind about dinner. No octopus salad, just regular salad, and the giant octo joins them at the table at the conclusion.

I was ready to give this one four or five stars until I turned to the last page--and was hit with an octopus recipe! Octopuses are remarkably intelligent and emotional. There are plenty of reasons not to eat them. So, great story, wonderful illustrations, but as for the included recipe, I think little Luiz Antonio has the right idea!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Grandma decides to make octopus stew, things go wildly awry. Beautifully detailed oil on watercolor paper illustrations accompany this humorous story sure to alternately scare and thrill young readers. For more humor and a familiar bedtime book, read "Looking for Bongo" by Velasquez, next.

[Erin Kinney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book with great artwork, but blech, octopus. Leave them in the ocean.

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a lot of odd choices here. A boy and his grandmother set out to make octopus stew. But strange things are happening to octopi in the area. The initial pages seem like the least interesting choice. Just characters standing around talking about the part we would want to see. Then, suddenly, the octopus grows gigantic and attacks. Then cut away to the boy's family being dubious about this story. Then back to the boy saving his grandmother. And, after we've fought the horrific monster, a recipe for octopus stew!

Eric Velasquez is one of my favorite artists. He usually does realistic subject matter, and this attempt at doing something a bit fantastical didn't work. The art is still great.

[Hannah]

This is hiLARIOUS, especially because it ends with the actual pulpo guisado recipe lmaoooo can you get more Latin than a cautionary tale that ends with "yeah but whatever, it was also real, but also be careful, but also you may as well make stew, rite?"

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this tall tale! What have we got: a kid who relies on his research and art skills as much as his valor to rescue his (not at all aged, thank you!) abuela. I stretched my Spanish a little (oh hi past tense) to get all the flavor out of this stew :)

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will make a great mentor text for writing! Not until the gatefold do you realize that the main character is telling a story. So fun!

[Shaye Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ramsey's grandma sees her grandson's drawing of an octopus and it puts her in the mood to make some octopus stew. So off to the store they go to pick out an octopus to cook. But they're certainly in for a shock when they get back home and begin cooking up their octopus. Then, right smack dab in the middle of the picture book, there's a four-paged spread that lets us in on the fact that this is a fantastical story being shared with Ramsey's family, after the fact. At the end, in an Author's note, Velasquez shares more about his family's gatherings where they would tell stories or play music for one another. He also shares that his family spoke non-standard Spanish at home, which is reflected in the English and Spanish usage in this story. The illustrations were painted in oil on Fabriano 300 lb. hot press watercolor paper.

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!

[Lucy Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two stories are woven together by award-winning Afro-Latino artist Eric Velasquez to vividly relive a childhood experience. When her grandmother's traditional octopus stew comes to life and starts to attack, an elementary school superhero steps up to save her. Behind what you would think, it is a fantasy story, but the unexpected turn of the story will both surprise you and keep you reading.

You can compare and contrast fiction and realistic literature in this one book. The Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner honors family, bravery, and memory by drawing on his Afro-Latin cultural heritage and family's culinary traditions.

Children ages five to seven should read this book. On hot-pressed watercolor paper, oil paints are used to create the drawings. They convey the joy of family get-togethers and storytelling sessions. I especially enjoyed the careful details used to convey the family's physical characteristics. It is evident that they are a family and who is the well-respected eldest member.

In the classroom, the book can be used to study the narrator's and plot’s timeline. The story itself is an invitation to oral storytelling and creative writing. The narrative and vocabulary highlight the various characteristics and values of Afro-Latin families. This book is diverse in culture and language. This is an excellent mentor book for children!

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun book about Ramsey and his grandmother, who is making octopus stew. Sprinkled with Spanish, the story starts with Ramsey's grandmother going to the store to pick out the biggest octopus, but she gets a surprise later on.

The illustrations are gorgeous, and the story has a little twist to it that was a nice surprise. I love that it showcased an Afro-Latino family, and the author's note at the end really tied everything up nicely.

I don't think I could use this for storytime, but it would be great at a bilingual Spanish/English storytime!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Spanish words incorporated into the text, though no desire for puipo guisado (Octopus Stew.) Velasquez's facial expressions are so animated and full of personality-- even the octopus's! The text is full of sounds that would require a skilled reader (bloop bloop, brr . . kerchunk! thump!) and that could be very fun for listeners. I also appreciate the storytelling and family aspect, especially the double page spread that can be opened (or not) for two different tellings of the story.

[Sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the non traditional-ness about this book. The inclusion of non standard Spanish in the narrative, hairstyles and clothing worn by characters and dialogue all felt authentic. There’s even a surprise fold out that served as a non traditional plot point. I enjoyed it.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute tall tale about a boy and his grandma who buy an octopus for dinner but something happens in the cooking process that’s unexpected.

[Gretchen Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant!

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young readers get an exciting narrative with a nice surprise in the middle with this fun picture book. Ramsey's grandma is ready to make some octopus stew (which I had no idea was really a thing). After a quick trip to the fish market, she scrubs up the octopus and puts it in a pot on the stove. Strange noises coming from the kitchen warn grandma and Ramsey that there is trouble. Readers get to see Ramsey put on his superhero cape and get to work. There is an author's note at the back of the book, sharing the origins of the story. There's also a glossary that explains many of the non-standard Spanish words used in the book. And for adventurous chefs, there is an octopus stew recipe (although I stopped reading when I came to the direction "Remove the eyes and beak and rinse with water and vinegar".

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really fun read! Love the sharing of family traditions like storytelling, music, and art. Wela and the Señor Pulpo are both larger-than-life characters.

[Shannon (That's So Poe) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is such a fun one! I love the framing of the story as a tall tale, and the way it focuses on a little boy helping out his grandma when things in the kitchen go rather wrong. It's fantastic and fun and has excellent artwork, although I think I could have used just a little more depth to the story. I'd definitely recommend picking this up, especially around the spooky season!

[Emily Kraus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ramsey playfully and highly exaggerates the story of how his grandmother made "pulp gulsado," or octopus stew. He tells his family a far-fetched story of how the octopus climbed out of the pot and wreaked havoc over their home. This book is intended for readers in about grades 2-3. This book would appeal to readers who enjoy action books. I chose this book for my classroom library because it uses a blend of both Spanish and English. The book provides enough context clues to decipher the Spanish wording, even if you do not speak Spanish. This is a great way to introduce students to different languages and cultures. Key themes and topics of this book include: Dominican cuisine, family traditions, working together, storytelling, and imagination.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ramsey shares with his audience the retelling of what happened when his grandmother was making octopus stew, and was captured by the creature, and he had to rescue her. An over the top story, but fun story with the recipe for octopus stew at the end of the book.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story about a boy, his grandma and an octopus that doesn't want to be stew. Love the gorgeous full page spreads and the excitement of the storytelling.

[Marinne Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Octopus Stew" tells the story of Ramsey and his grandmother who cooks the finest octopus at the store in order to make their family recipe of octopus stew. Adventure awaits as the recipe doesn't go as planned, and Ramsey uses his resources to save his grandma as well as dinner! The images are striking and children will love to follow along as the stew simmers. Spanish terms punctuate the tale and a glossary is provided at the end of the book. Children from ages 3-8 would enjoy this suspenseful text which was presented on The Brown Bookshelf. "Octopus Stew" is the recipient of the "Pura Belpre" and Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe Awards. Students could write their own imaginative tales of something coming to life, using their imagination and illustrating their ideas. In addition, students can work with the Spanish terms, using them in a sentence or their own story.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am happy I finally managed to read this! I thought it was a great story - funny and a true celebration of extended family getting together to share their talents. And maybe some Octopus Stew.

[Cheryl]

I must not be in the mood. Impulse grab at Pima that just didn't quite work for me. But I do see all the different things to make it appealing, so see for yourself.