BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Octopus Soup by Mercer Mayer

TITLE: Octopus Soup

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Mercer Mayer

PUBLISHER: Marshall Cavendish Corporation, 2011

SYNOPSIS: Early one morning an octopus leaves the safety of his parents’ home and sets out on the adventure of his life. He climbs into a boat, hides in a tackle box, gets thrown to shore, scuttles to a restaurant, plunges into a water pitcher, escapes from a greedy chef, hides among some melons, gets chased back to the ocean, narrowly avoids being made into Octopus Soup, and finally swims home to his mom’s loving tentacles. With graphic, digital artwork, Mercer Mayer takes you on a wordless journey you’ll never forget!

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : Anyone who knows my love for picture books, knows I grew up adoring Mercer Mayer and his Little Critters books! I even went so far as requesting to be his Facebook friend (which he graciously accepted!) and have one of his autographed books in my personal collection. He’s one of the reasons I became a children’s book author…to follow in his path of sharing my books with the world.

I am a huge fan of his artful talent and OCTOPUS SOUP does not disappoint! Young readers…or readers of any age…will love studying each illustration in this wordless story to discover what happens to one young octopus when he decides to go on a grand adventure! I tried really hard to select just one illustration as my favorite but it is impossible as Mr. Mayer’s drawings are so creatively whimsical. Children will love being able to create their own story simply by flipping the pages of this fun read. And I’m sure everyone will have a laugh at the surprise ending…everyone that is, except for the poor walrus chef who doesn’t get a chance to enjoy some octopus soup after all! A fun addition to any library!

RATING: *****5 Stars *****

RATING SYSTEM:

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like, but could elements have been stronger.

3 stars…this story will appeal to some readers but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

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Jack is afraid of the THING in the closet. Monty is afraid of the LUMP in the bed. One day boy and monster both decide they no longer want to fear what hides in the dark. Both have a plan, but will be surprised by what they discover after A BUMP IN THE NIGHT.

***Ebook orders happening now and paperback edition releasing August 23rd!***

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Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

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Donna L

Hybrid award winning author; aspiring sketch artist; and 4th Degree Senior Certified Taekwondo Instructor. Host of BOOK NOOK REVIEWS. Member of SCBWI. Mom to fabulous son and adventurer delving into the tricky world of indie-publishing.

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