Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure

Thor Hanson

Book cover for Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure
Book cover for Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure

Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure

Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure

Thor Hanson

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Description

When Inky the octopus slipped out of his tank at the National Aquarium in New Zealand, his audacious escape made headlines around the world. Biologist Thor Hanson's funny, informational text and Galia Bernstein's illuminating, humorous pictures showcase the intelligence and curiosity of this fascinating creature. For readers who love true stories about animals. Features fun facts about octopuses and additional information about Inky's escape.

A rock. A pot. Some sand. A light. And those same four walls, day in and day out. Inky the octopus has only ever known his tank at the aquarium in New Zealand. Understimulated and craving answers, he watches the people walk by and wonders where they go--until one fateful day when the lock on his tank is left unlatched. Inky escapes, and he miraculously makes his way into a drainpipe and out to the ocean.

Inky's story is all true--there really was an octopus who escaped the National Aquarium in New Zealand and returned to the sea, becoming a viral sensation. Award-winning author and biologist Thor Hanson's rhyming text is funny, engaging, and informative and highlights the innate intelligence of octopuses. Galia Bernstein's vibrant, tentacle-filled artwork is the perfect complement, capturing Inky's curiosity, intelligence, and resourcefulness. Extensive back matter includes information about octopuses, aquariums, and the real Inky's escape.

Critical Reviews

"This should be cephalopod catnip for readers who are just beginning to feel the stirrings of independence, ingenuity, and curiosity about worlds waiting outside their own walls." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Hanson's lively rhymes, a pleasure to read aloud, vary their rhythm without stumbling and adeptly convey information while telling a captivating story. Bernstein's colorful illustrations realistically portray the aquarium and sea animals while also allowing Inky's eyes full cartoon scope to express his personality, emotions, and intelligence. . . . Backmatter with info on octopuses and the real-life Inky add educational depth. . . . Certain to grab nature lovers." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A -daring escape, an engaging hero, and a happy ending, along with the chance to learn more about the amazing octopus. This is an all-around winner, a tall tale that -happens to be (-mostly) the truth." -- School Library Journal

Publishing Information

Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Pub date: 2025-07-22
Length: 32 pages

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