Octopus Hug

by Laurence Pringle

When Mom goes out for the evening, Becky and Jesse start to bicker. But then Dad gives them an octopus hug, and the house is soon rocking with laughter. An octopus hug is just one of the silly games in Larry Pringle's story that celebrates the special delight children feel when they engage in horseplay with their dads. Kate Salley Palmer's energetic text illustrations, practically reach out and draw the reader into the fun. Here's a book the whole family can enjoy.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1993

Reviews

[Grace Castellucci]

This is a childrensa book. I only read it becuase my real book as at home. If I was one, I would like it.

[Suzie]

Beautiful illustrations

[Library Lady Terri]

You can feel the love this family has for each other in every illustration.

[Reading Rachel]

Beautiful illustrations but it was a boring read.

[Alex Roberts]

This book was ok, but it is a little bit boring to read.

[Becky]

This simple little picture book contains so much warmth, it's a wonder you don't start to sweat a little when you pick it up. Octopus Hug is a charming look at the games a father plays with his children when he's left in charge for the evening. The games are wonderfully active -- and interactive. The dad gets down on the floor with Becky and Jesse (the children in the book are named after two of author Laurence Pringle's own children), pretends to be different animals and objects, and encourages the children to join in. The fun is still going on when the mom returns home, so she gets to experience the games, too.

The illustrations by Kate Salley Palmer put this adorable story over the top. I especially like the way the father is portrayed; he reminds me of a stainless, free-of-murderous-impulses OJ Simpson. His love for his children and his excitement at being able to entertain them are written all over his face.

I've had the pleasure of meeting author Laurence Pringle a couple of times, and this book is a pretty good representation of the man himself; gentle and fun-loving, with a slightly kooky sense of humor.

[M.M. Hudson]

This is a great book for kids that need time with their dads. The book shows a dad who takes responsibility for his children while mom goes out for the night. When the children start fussing, he makes up all sorts of games that get the kids interacting with him and laughing the whole way.

I felt this was a good book for dads to read to his children and maybe even have fun as they read. I loved that it put good dads in a great spotlight; as often times I think really good dads whether they are present in the home or not, get seen as no good or responsible.

The illustrations are done in pencil color on a white background. The imagination games are seen in muted colors in the background.

Kudos and 5 stars for making a nice multicultural-ed picture book.

Disclosure: I obtained this book from my local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

[Vivian]

There is time for just one more good story. Choose this one or... Pete's a Pizza (below).

In Octopus Hug mom goes out to dinner with a friend, leaving two lively children home with dad. Dad entertains them with their favorite games, beginning with the Octopus Hug, followed by the Broken Rocking Chair, followed by "Tree", followed by "Be a Monster", followed by "Put a Quarter In", followed by "Stuffed Animals", followed by "Animal Bridge". By now mom has returned home and gets an Octopus Hug. My personal favorite of the games is "Put a Quarter In". A dad who does these games will have a work-out, that's for sure.

Children attending story time love this highly animated story.

[Maddie]

This book is fabulous. It's about what ensues when the kids stay home with their dad while their mom goes out with a friend. The kids are sad until the dad steps in and they all start rough housing. This book is very engaging and the pictures are great as well. I will definitely read this book to my kids.

[Dolores]

Super cute. Gives great ideas for fun times with dad. Also, nice to see an African-american family unit that is traditional. Love the kids reactions too. Honest and fun book, that makes you excited to see how creative the dad will be next.

[Vilo]

Dad is babysitting--and his roughhousing games are the best. The illustrations are amazing, showing the imaginary and real parts of the games. You feel that you are receiving an octopus hug. This is a strong, smart, sensitive and fun Dad.

[Jen]

great daddy book. mommy goes out and bigger-than-life daddy plays game after game with the kids. wonderfully expressive and joyful.

[Paigedavis]

I think it was a good small book.

[Mia Withrow]

Octopus Hug is a funny little kids book.It was about a dad and his three kids spending the hole day together and playing games.