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Leo and the Octopus
The world was too bright for Leo. And too loud."I must be living on the wrong planet," Leo thought.Leo struggles to make sense of the world. He doesn't understand the other children in his class, and they don't seem to understand him. But then one day, Leo meets Maya. Maya is an octopus, and the more Leo learns about her, the more he thinks that perhaps he isn't alone in this world, after all."The sensitive descriptions throughout the book of what it is like to have autism are accurate and perceptive on so many levels" (Professor Tony Attwood, author of Asperger's A Guide for Parents and Professionals).
16 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2021
4 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Isabelle Marinov
7 books15 followersIsabelle graduated from Cornell Law School (USA) and has worked for 15 years in the legal world before becoming a full-time author. She speaks four languages fluently, but for a reason that defies her understanding, English is her preferred language for prose. Isabelle lives in Luxembourg and holds the Luxembourgish nationality.
Her picture books, published by Templar (Bonnier Books) and Enchanted Lion Books, have been translated into numerous languages. Her latest, Henri and the Machine, was nominated for the Klaus Flugge Prize 2024 and, like Leo and the Octopus, is currently in development as an animated feature.
Her debut middle-grade novel, Boy Underground (Sweet Cherry Publishing, 2022), shortlisted for the Edward Stanford Award 2024, and the Prix Servais and is in development for film/TV. Its sequel, Boy Overboard, was published in 2025.
Isabelle is a state-certified fitness coach, freediver, runner and weight lifter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 12, 2021
Leo and the Octopus is a beautiful story about finding comfort in others, even when differences divide you from others.
Leo struggles to make sense of the world, as he has ASD, and finds it difficult to fit in with the other children, thinking that he just be living on the wrong planet. One day he meets Maya, a giant Pacific octopus, when he goes to the aquarium. He thinks that Maya looks like an alien, a creature from another planet - just as he perceives himself. Leo decides to find out all about the octopus and when he returns to the aquarium a week later, Edgar, the octopus keeper, invites Leo to meet Maya. When Leo meets Maya, she turns white and smooth, demonstrating that she is calm and comfortable in Leo’s presence. Leo visits Maya every Friday, bringing puzzles for her to try - which she solves every time!
One Friday Leo visits and the aquarium is very very busy. He notices that Maya turns red, showing that she was stressed and tries to disperse the crowds. It doesn’t work - so for the next time Leo puts up a sign to prevent people from taking flash photos. This page is interesting as previously the pages are mostly blue, and calm, but this page is mostly red, reflecting Maya’s stress but also showing the reader that something bad is going to happen.
Afterwards, the page returns to the cool blue setting as Leo meets a small boy who stays by Maya’s enclosure. The boy meets Maya, and she turns smooth and white, just like when she met Leo, showing her acceptance. Leo shares all his octopus knowledge with the new boy. He now knows more about friendship, which is a good thing!
This book is so lovely and inclusive, showing physical changes as a way to demonstrate emotion. At the back of the book, the author states that the Pacific octopus really does change colour according to their mood which makes it even more interesting.
I think this book would work well at the beginning of the school year to introduce how people respond to different stimuli and could be used to discuss ASD and SEN, and the general idea of ‘difference’.
There are also the reversible octopus toys which are happy one way and sad another - this book would link well to these and could be used to act as a physical demonstration of children’s feelings - children with particular sensitivities could have one placed on their desk and they could then flip it to how they are feeling to subtly show others how they feel.
Leo struggles to make sense of the world, as he has ASD, and finds it difficult to fit in with the other children, thinking that he just be living on the wrong planet. One day he meets Maya, a giant Pacific octopus, when he goes to the aquarium. He thinks that Maya looks like an alien, a creature from another planet - just as he perceives himself. Leo decides to find out all about the octopus and when he returns to the aquarium a week later, Edgar, the octopus keeper, invites Leo to meet Maya. When Leo meets Maya, she turns white and smooth, demonstrating that she is calm and comfortable in Leo’s presence. Leo visits Maya every Friday, bringing puzzles for her to try - which she solves every time!
One Friday Leo visits and the aquarium is very very busy. He notices that Maya turns red, showing that she was stressed and tries to disperse the crowds. It doesn’t work - so for the next time Leo puts up a sign to prevent people from taking flash photos. This page is interesting as previously the pages are mostly blue, and calm, but this page is mostly red, reflecting Maya’s stress but also showing the reader that something bad is going to happen.
Afterwards, the page returns to the cool blue setting as Leo meets a small boy who stays by Maya’s enclosure. The boy meets Maya, and she turns smooth and white, just like when she met Leo, showing her acceptance. Leo shares all his octopus knowledge with the new boy. He now knows more about friendship, which is a good thing!
This book is so lovely and inclusive, showing physical changes as a way to demonstrate emotion. At the back of the book, the author states that the Pacific octopus really does change colour according to their mood which makes it even more interesting.
I think this book would work well at the beginning of the school year to introduce how people respond to different stimuli and could be used to discuss ASD and SEN, and the general idea of ‘difference’.
There are also the reversible octopus toys which are happy one way and sad another - this book would link well to these and could be used to act as a physical demonstration of children’s feelings - children with particular sensitivities could have one placed on their desk and they could then flip it to how they are feeling to subtly show others how they feel.
February 25, 2023
Library Date ♡
November 13, 2021
Living with invisible disability | Sympathetic | Friendship (Appeal terms from NoveList) - Hilary
March 23, 2021
I was graciously offered a physical copy of Leo and the Octopus, and I was very excited to read it. Such a sweet story with a powerful message.
I am a teacher of special needs and have sisters who also have special needs, so when the opportunity to review a children’s book based on a boy with autism, I jumped at the chance!
The story itself is sweet and simple. A child feeling out of place and finding friendship with an animal is so realistic that I couldn’t help but fall in love with Leo. Following his journey to finding a friend, I’m certain, can be very relatable to many children and adults. After all, animals, especially misunderstood ones, just want someone to reach out and show some compassion. This is exactly what Leo does with Maya. What I also loved is how Leo doesn’t just stop with Maya, the octopus, but he also is able to share this interest in octopuses with another child.
When looking at the illustrations, I can’t help but smile. Each page is colorful, yet still subdued enough to not be overwhelming. Facial expressions on the characters are clear and can easily be discussed with children. Lastly, the choice of making some words in bold shows emphasis on certain key phrases or vocabulary.
This is a great book to read with children and help them understand that making friends can be challenging for some. That sometimes we just need to have some understanding and that can make a big difference in someone’s life.
Another great aspect of this story is the idea that even a huge, seemingly scary animal has feelings. When looking at Maya, it's easy to assume that she's either scary because of her size or is just something that lives in the sea. Especially at aquariums (or even zoos) where animals are caged in or stuck, it can be easy for children to assume that the animals are nothing more than stuffed animals that can move. However, with a story like this, it's plain to see that animals of all shapes and sizes can have feelings of discomfort and may need help from us, which I think is a powerful message to share with children.
Overall, I loved this book and can see myself reading it to my son, once he’s a bit older, and having discussions about how sometimes people can make friends easy, some need more help, and what we can do to help. I would recommend this picture book to young children and to parents to read to their youngsters about how being different is okay, and how can we show acceptance and care to everyone.
https://bookloverblogs.com/2021/03/23...
I am a teacher of special needs and have sisters who also have special needs, so when the opportunity to review a children’s book based on a boy with autism, I jumped at the chance!
The story itself is sweet and simple. A child feeling out of place and finding friendship with an animal is so realistic that I couldn’t help but fall in love with Leo. Following his journey to finding a friend, I’m certain, can be very relatable to many children and adults. After all, animals, especially misunderstood ones, just want someone to reach out and show some compassion. This is exactly what Leo does with Maya. What I also loved is how Leo doesn’t just stop with Maya, the octopus, but he also is able to share this interest in octopuses with another child.
When looking at the illustrations, I can’t help but smile. Each page is colorful, yet still subdued enough to not be overwhelming. Facial expressions on the characters are clear and can easily be discussed with children. Lastly, the choice of making some words in bold shows emphasis on certain key phrases or vocabulary.
This is a great book to read with children and help them understand that making friends can be challenging for some. That sometimes we just need to have some understanding and that can make a big difference in someone’s life.
Another great aspect of this story is the idea that even a huge, seemingly scary animal has feelings. When looking at Maya, it's easy to assume that she's either scary because of her size or is just something that lives in the sea. Especially at aquariums (or even zoos) where animals are caged in or stuck, it can be easy for children to assume that the animals are nothing more than stuffed animals that can move. However, with a story like this, it's plain to see that animals of all shapes and sizes can have feelings of discomfort and may need help from us, which I think is a powerful message to share with children.
Overall, I loved this book and can see myself reading it to my son, once he’s a bit older, and having discussions about how sometimes people can make friends easy, some need more help, and what we can do to help. I would recommend this picture book to young children and to parents to read to their youngsters about how being different is okay, and how can we show acceptance and care to everyone.
https://bookloverblogs.com/2021/03/23...
September 3, 2021
Readers quickly learn that Leo is a neuro-diverse boy who finds bright colors, noises, and much of a child's world to be too much. He declares on an early page, "I must be living on the wrong planet." Other kids didn't understand him, and he didn't understand them.
The public aquarium offers a respite and a potential friend. Colors and sounds are muted. If you've ever been to a public aquarium you'll slide right into Leo's experience: water and creatures move at a slower pace, voices are muted, and water plants offer gentle motion while staying anchored in their places.
The octopus keeper is not judgmental, he is observant and curious, recognizing those same traits in Leo. With keeper's encouragement and acceptance, Leo launches a personal mission to learn all he can about Octopuses, sharing those facts via a notebook on several spreads. Impressed, the keeper invites Leo to interact with Maya the octopus, providing ever more challenging puzzles. All of which Maya solves, abby the way.
One afternoon Leo notes that a particularly large, noisy crowd is stressing out Maya. (Read this wonderful book to discover how he knew that.) His empathy and concern allow Leo to solve his own puzzle, figuring out how he might support and protect his new friend. Leo's experience with Maya (being curious, non judgmental, and learning more) allow him to apply those strategies with an actual human, one who appears curious, too.
It seems that books (and films) revealing the astonishing complexity, intelligence, and emotional capacity of octopuses are having a moment. This story and others lead me to root for that trend and hope it expands and sustains. This story has so much going for it in fostering empathy and awareness of neurodivergent children, but it is much more than that. Even with the neon orange color accents, the tone and pace of the text and the images create a subdued, supportive, and engaging structure for readers of all kinds to dive right in to the story, and into the discussions it could spark.
In one line Leo says he feels like an alien in the world surrounding him. If you've never met a kid who has felt that way, you've never met a kid, period. Finding and sharing this book could provide those kids with the experience Leo has when he meets Maya the octopus- perhaps there ARE other "aliens" to keep him from feeling alone.
The public aquarium offers a respite and a potential friend. Colors and sounds are muted. If you've ever been to a public aquarium you'll slide right into Leo's experience: water and creatures move at a slower pace, voices are muted, and water plants offer gentle motion while staying anchored in their places.
The octopus keeper is not judgmental, he is observant and curious, recognizing those same traits in Leo. With keeper's encouragement and acceptance, Leo launches a personal mission to learn all he can about Octopuses, sharing those facts via a notebook on several spreads. Impressed, the keeper invites Leo to interact with Maya the octopus, providing ever more challenging puzzles. All of which Maya solves, abby the way.
One afternoon Leo notes that a particularly large, noisy crowd is stressing out Maya. (Read this wonderful book to discover how he knew that.) His empathy and concern allow Leo to solve his own puzzle, figuring out how he might support and protect his new friend. Leo's experience with Maya (being curious, non judgmental, and learning more) allow him to apply those strategies with an actual human, one who appears curious, too.
It seems that books (and films) revealing the astonishing complexity, intelligence, and emotional capacity of octopuses are having a moment. This story and others lead me to root for that trend and hope it expands and sustains. This story has so much going for it in fostering empathy and awareness of neurodivergent children, but it is much more than that. Even with the neon orange color accents, the tone and pace of the text and the images create a subdued, supportive, and engaging structure for readers of all kinds to dive right in to the story, and into the discussions it could spark.
In one line Leo says he feels like an alien in the world surrounding him. If you've never met a kid who has felt that way, you've never met a kid, period. Finding and sharing this book could provide those kids with the experience Leo has when he meets Maya the octopus- perhaps there ARE other "aliens" to keep him from feeling alone.
April 22, 2021
Isabelle Marinov has written a sensitive portrayal of the challenges of autism in her picture book Leo and the Octopus. Sensitively illustrated by Chris Nixon, this story looks at how young Leo often is overwhelmed by his senses: lights become too bright, noises too loud. He finds refuge in a dark, cardboard box, where he can reset himself when everything feels out of control. Then, one day Leo meets Maya, an octopus who seems to react similarly to uncomfortable situations – turning red when she is frightened, and white when she’s calm. Leo understands how Maya is feeling and identifies similar traits in himself. Through his relationship with Maya, Leo begins to look at the world through someone else’s eyes and to understand their difficulties, which enables him to make his first human friend.
This is a lovely story of discovery, of realising that you are never alone. I hesitated at the use of ‘alien’ with regards how Leo felt about himself and the octopus – that they were from a different planet, in a way, to those around him. Autists are often compared with aliens and there’s a nagging discomfort about this for me, knowing as I do several autistic people. Marinov is the mother of an autistic child, though, and her story was reviewed by the renowned autism expert Tony Attwood, so I bow to their judgement on this. In any case, her sensitivity to the subject matter shines through in this story, which should also help neurotypical children understand their autistic friends better.
This is a lovely story of discovery, of realising that you are never alone. I hesitated at the use of ‘alien’ with regards how Leo felt about himself and the octopus – that they were from a different planet, in a way, to those around him. Autists are often compared with aliens and there’s a nagging discomfort about this for me, knowing as I do several autistic people. Marinov is the mother of an autistic child, though, and her story was reviewed by the renowned autism expert Tony Attwood, so I bow to their judgement on this. In any case, her sensitivity to the subject matter shines through in this story, which should also help neurotypical children understand their autistic friends better.
October 28, 2022
I'm an autistic educator and I really wanted to like this book.
On the first read it seemed like a sweet story, but something didn't sit quite right with me.
I only figured it out when I read the page about the author and illustrator.
The story itself never uses the word autism - only that Leo has difficulties with 'living on the wrong planet' and feeling like an 'alien', that he doesn't know much about friendship, is shown to have sensory sensitivities, becomes heavily interested in information about his new octopus friends and then infodumps on the new child who joins the story later.
The word autism only appears in the author/illustrator page and the blurb, and never as Leo being autistic, but 'having autism' and a 'child with autism'.
Marinov's experience with autism comes from her son, and her reading of 'The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome' by Tony Attwood - a (as far as I know, neurotypical) controversial psychologist who still uses the term Asperger's/Aspie despite it's outdated terminology, and reviewed the story for Marinov.
The illustrations are beautiful, and the tiny details like the headphones, the colours, the framing... this could have been so good. Unfortunately it falls very far from the mark for a book released so recently.
On the first read it seemed like a sweet story, but something didn't sit quite right with me.
I only figured it out when I read the page about the author and illustrator.
The story itself never uses the word autism - only that Leo has difficulties with 'living on the wrong planet' and feeling like an 'alien', that he doesn't know much about friendship, is shown to have sensory sensitivities, becomes heavily interested in information about his new octopus friends and then infodumps on the new child who joins the story later.
The word autism only appears in the author/illustrator page and the blurb, and never as Leo being autistic, but 'having autism' and a 'child with autism'.
Marinov's experience with autism comes from her son, and her reading of 'The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome' by Tony Attwood - a (as far as I know, neurotypical) controversial psychologist who still uses the term Asperger's/Aspie despite it's outdated terminology, and reviewed the story for Marinov.
The illustrations are beautiful, and the tiny details like the headphones, the colours, the framing... this could have been so good. Unfortunately it falls very far from the mark for a book released so recently.
September 2, 2022
Leo and the Octopus is a picture book about difference and understanding. It depicts, Leo, a child on the autism spectrum, and describes how out of place he feels in his world and how important it is for him to find an affinity with someone – or something - else. The book is beautifully illustrated, though I found that the busyness of some of the pages slightly jarred with Leo’s need for calm and quiet. I really liked the way the story unfolded, its message about making a conscious effort to understand others, and the trials and tribulations of finding friends. This book is also a fabulous resource for octopus facts and a good tool to prompt ideas about ‘finding out’ and developing research questions for topic work based on what children themselves find interesting. I think this book would be enjoyed by children in Year 1 and Year 2.
July 17, 2021
A masterfully told story with many layers added by the thoughtful illustrations about a boy named Leo who is neurodiverse (later revealed in a note by the author to be on the autistic spectrum).
Loud noises and bright colors make him uncomfortable. He doesn’t understand people or enjoy being around large crowds. But he makes a friend in Maya the octopus. Maya later provided an opportunity for Leo to make a new friend as well.
This book is a fantastic conversation starter to help kids 4-8 think about the ways we are all unique in the way we respond to the world around us and how friendships are made.
Loud noises and bright colors make him uncomfortable. He doesn’t understand people or enjoy being around large crowds. But he makes a friend in Maya the octopus. Maya later provided an opportunity for Leo to make a new friend as well.
This book is a fantastic conversation starter to help kids 4-8 think about the ways we are all unique in the way we respond to the world around us and how friendships are made.
Read
February 8, 2022Not everyone can read social cues, or infer how someone else is feeling: how much simpler things could be if we just telegraphed our feelings more directly, like by turning a specific color when we felt a particular way. I appreciated how this book approaches a need for clearer communication by turning to the octopus.
As a neurotypical, this picture book offers a bit of a window into what it might be like to live a neurodivergent life. In a word, exhausting. But it also hints at some things that neurotypical folk can do that might make life easier.
As a neurotypical, this picture book offers a bit of a window into what it might be like to live a neurodivergent life. In a word, exhausting. But it also hints at some things that neurotypical folk can do that might make life easier.
May 25, 2022
While the illustrations were great and the message was swell and I am a big fan of octopuses, there was something missing for me in this story. It felt over directed and the child friend at the end felt completely two dimensional. I am not intending to offend, but it does seem lately that half the picture books I read have some sad child befriended at the end by a compliant and selflessly, understanding brown-skinned child, who by their offer of friendship resolves the story’s dilemma. It just seems a lot to ask, a little deus ex machina, and a tad reductive.
February 27, 2021
This book beautifully highlights, explores and explains how our world can feel like an alien planet to some children. Leo, a child with Asperger's syndrome, develops a connection with Maya the octopus, a creature he feels he has much in common with.
I believe this book would work well for any primary age when used to support PHSE lessons as it allow for great discussions about inclusion, making friends and being yourself.
I believe this book would work well for any primary age when used to support PHSE lessons as it allow for great discussions about inclusion, making friends and being yourself.
January 12, 2023
I first chose the book because of its beautiful cover, and was pleasantly surprised with the story's message of inclusivity. The author gracefully shares an example of neurodiversity by exploring life from Leos's perspective. As a parent and child therapist, I highly recommend and will be on the lookout for more books from this author!
August 7, 2024
A kids book about someone JUST like me!!!
This book is so adorable! I love that it accurately describes the autistic experience AND that Leo's special interest is cephalopods just like mine! It even mentions ancient cephalopods and different species and it just made me really happy. I kinda wanna buy a paper copy to keep in my classroom (I'm a daycare teacher)
This book is so adorable! I love that it accurately describes the autistic experience AND that Leo's special interest is cephalopods just like mine! It even mentions ancient cephalopods and different species and it just made me really happy. I kinda wanna buy a paper copy to keep in my classroom (I'm a daycare teacher)
February 1, 2023
This book is perfect to read to students with ASD or to any child! It can allow children to understand others with ASD and give children with ASD something to relate to. I love how the illustrations are color coded based on the mood of the octopus.
February 24, 2024
Leo is autistic and has trouble with the stimulus in the world. He meets Maya, an octopus, and he finds an unlikely friend. Leo learns a lot about Maya and how they both have issues with interacting with the world. I learned a lot about octopuses.
April 17, 2025
منتشر شده در سال ۱۴۰۴ در نشر مهرسا تحت ترجمهی سرکار خانم سمیه حیدری. بسیار گیرا و جذاب، داستان پسربچهای مبتلا به اوتیسم که در کنار یک اختاپوس، از خلال همدلی و توانایی حل مسئله به آرامش درونی میرسد و جای خودش را در دنیا پیدا میکند.
June 23, 2021
Beautiful story about a little boy with autism, written by a mother of a child on the spectrum. It is so well done! I’m glad for this representation in children’s lit.
August 24, 2021
Utterly enchanting and sensitively told story about neurodiversity and making friends. Beautifully psychedelic illustrations too
November 10, 2021
I loved this book! It was so simple but such an effective way to explore autism. Beautiful illustrations.
May 16, 2022
This book is fabulous. I can think of several kids at school who need to rad this book.
December 28, 2022
Interesting friendship between an boy on the spectrum and a cephalopod, whose feelings are easier for him to identify due to the changing color of the octopus' skin according to it's mood.
February 18, 2023
Nicely done with octopus facts and human understanding.
July 21, 2023
We need more books about autism and disabilities like this. Leo and the Octopus was delightful.
August 6, 2023
A sweet story about a boy with autism and his friendship with an octopus.
Found in L4L Volume 77.
Found in L4L Volume 77.
February 3, 2024
Sweet and sensitive.
June 19, 2024
This book didn't really leave an impression on me. A nice enough story about finding your place.
June 21, 2024
A sweet book about an octopus and a boy who is different. The boy learns that he and the octopus have a lot in common.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews