The Octopus Escapes - by Maile Meloy

About the Book

"An octopus is taken from his undersea home to live in an aquarium, but he soon tires of captive life"--

Book Synopsis

From a New York Times bestselling author comes this poignant, lyrical tale about nature's great escape artist--perfect for fans of the Oscar-winning documentary film My Octopus Teacher.

The octopus is happy in his undersea cave until one day, a diver captures him and takes him to live in an aquarium. The humans give him food and tests that look like toys. But every day is the same, and the octopus soon tires of captive life. And so, under the cover of darkness, he makes his daring escape...

Maile Meloy and Felicita Sala bring us a story full of excitement and heart, about the thrill of hard-won freedom and the pull of home.

Review Quotes

Praise for The Octopus Escapes

An Indie Bestseller

"This is a beautifully illustrated picture book that manages to be lighthearted and fun whilst also exploring the negative implications of keeping animals--especially animals caught in the wild--in captivity." --GeekMom

"Stunning . . . Sure to entertain readers." --School Library Journal

"Sala's vibrant illustrations teem with life . . . Readers will get a great glimpse into the capabilities of the wonderfully brainy octopus in this sweet meditation on the tradeoffs between living in safe comfort and making your own way in the world." --Booklist

"[A] satisfying home-away-home narrative . . . Offers an opportunity for conversation with young readers about the roles of zoos and aquariums." --Kirkus Reviews

"Sala (Green on Green) contributes vibrant art . . . The tender narrative is gratifying and may serve as an effective jumping-off point for discussions about animal captivity." --Publishers Weekly

"Children will be drawn to the colorful, cute octopus and the diversity sea life contained in the bright illustrations." --School Library Connection

"[A] delightful introduction to the problem-solving abilities of one of the most intelligent animals on our planet . . . Sala's vibrant illustrations bring this small creature to life." --The Horn Book

About the Author

Maile Meloy is the bestselling author of a middle-grade trilogy: The Apothecary, which won the E. B. White Read-Aloud Award and the California Book Awards Gold Medal; The Apprentices; and The After-Room. She also writes short stories, essays, and novels for adults. She grew up in Montana and lives in Los Angeles. Visit her online at mailemeloy.com.

Felicita Sala received Italy's Premio Andersen for her work illustrating many books for children, including She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book; Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor by Patricia Valdez; and I Don't Draw, I Color! by Adam Lehrhaupt. Visit her online at FelicitaSala.com. Follow her on Instagram @felicita.sala.