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Also an Octopus

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A 2017 Parent's Choice Gold Award Winner: Picture Books

Even the most totally awesome story starts with a little bit of nothing. What happens next is up to you! A delightfully meta picture book that will set imaginations soaring.


It begins with an octopus who plays the ukulele. Since this is a story, the octopus has to want something—maybe to travel to faraway galaxies in a totally awesome purple spaceship. Then the octopus sets out to build a spaceship out of soda cans, glue, umbrellas, glitter, and waffles. OK, maybe the octopus needs some help, like from an adorable bunny friend, and maybe that bunny turns out to be . . . a rocket scientist? (Probably not.) But could something even more amazing come to pass? Debut author Maggie Tokuda-Hall, with the help of illustrator Benji Davies, sets up an endearingly funny story, then hands the baton to readers, who will be more than primed to take it away.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 8, 2016

15 people are currently reading
452 people want to read

About the author

Maggie Tokuda-Hall

11 books934 followers
Maggie Tokuda-Hall (1984 -) is the author of Also an Octopus, The Mermaid the Witch and the Sea, its sequel The Siren, The Spy and The Song, Squad, and Love in the Library.

She lives in Oakland, California with her husband, children, and objectively perfect dog.

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5 stars
299 (31%)
4 stars
415 (43%)
3 stars
205 (21%)
2 stars
34 (3%)
1 star
9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
Profile Image for Cheryl.
12.3k reviews473 followers
December 2, 2016
Another 'meta' book. Or, better, a book to inspire the reader to come up with his own stories. Just start with "a little bit of nothing...."

I can understand the high ratings, but, today at least, this didn't wow me. Too long before the reader is actually invited in, maybe. Or maybe I just can't suspend disbelief for an octopus sitting on a street corner without at least a helmet of water. You'll probably like the book better.
Profile Image for Danielle.
Author 2 books264 followers
September 26, 2016
This "little bit of nothing" phrase about how/what a story starts with is fantastic. And so is the book.
Profile Image for Kaethe.
6,542 reviews523 followers
May 29, 2023
Explains how a story is constructed in terms that should appeal to, and be understood by, children. Clear, concise, and amusing. The art is lively and colorful, reflecting and amplifying the creativity encouraged by the text. The original purple endpapers and colorful cover are a great touch.



Library copy
Profile Image for Lata.
4,697 reviews248 followers
July 16, 2018
I loved this book by Maggie Tokuda-Hall about telling stories, showing kids how adding different elements together can make a story. The illustrations were bold with vibrant colours, and amusing; the carrot rocket was cute, and I liked the octopus' red toque.
Profile Image for Vera Godley.
1,948 reviews53 followers
November 30, 2016
At first glance upon picking up Also An Octopus one thinks, "Oh! Another adorable kiddie picture book." But then upon delving into this first-time author's debut (redundant, huh!) book, there is a bit more meat to the story than cutsie octopuses and kiddies and fantastic folks in unreal places.

Now we don't want to overthink a kid's book because that might just take away from the fun of reading. But what is the harm in discovering that the "rest of the story" is the beginning of the story or the making of the story.

We start with a character - like a kid. We add in others - also an Octopus and that makes for fun - and as they say, "...a little bit of nothing." And then if you struggle through the making of the story and it flops, then you can take that and a little bit of nothing and go again for another try.

So it is cute story line that encourages and gives a basic story structure beginning with "..a little bit of nothing." And it is also simply a cute kid's picture book with delightful characters, smiles, happiness, and positive thoughts.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Candlewick Press to failitate a review of my honest opinions which are freely given. Giveaway copy is provided and mailed directly to winner by Candlewick.
Profile Image for Abigail.
7,742 reviews248 followers
March 21, 2020
The Storm Whale in WinterA story about constructing a story, Also an Octopus settles upon a hero - the eponymous octopus, playing his ukulele - gives him something to strive after - a purple spaceship that will take him to visit far galaxies! - and sets up a conflict - the hero's lack of spaceship-building skills. The result is a meta-fictional tale that entertains, even as it self-consciously draws the reader's attention to its own process...

A fun little read, Also an Octopus is author Maggie Tokuda-Hall's picture-book debut, and is both engaging and though-provoking, hopefully prompting young listeners to consider just what is needed to create a good story. The artwork by Benji Davies, creator of such gorgeous titles as The Storm Whale and its sequel, , is just as lovely as one would expect. The color scheme is subtle but appealing, and the figures have a stylized, almost folkloric charm. Recommended to Davies fans, and to anyone searching for children's stories about storytelling and/or octopodes.
Profile Image for Dorcas.
679 reviews17 followers
February 22, 2018
Interesting way to introduce how to create a story. Loved the illustrations and that the author encourages imagining options and future adventures.
Profile Image for Beth.
3,071 reviews228 followers
October 2, 2016
The idea that all stories begin with "A little bit of nothing" is a wonderful, unintimidating way to introduce story writing to students. As it is, I will be reading this book to my 8th graders to kick off NaNoWriMo.
Profile Image for Kelsey.
2,354 reviews65 followers
October 21, 2016
Age: Preschool+
Writing

Such a darling, inspirational book for any young writer that just doesn't know how to start. Perfectly introduces the components of a story including characters, plot, and resolution. Silly without being demeaning. Perfect to be used as a writing prompt in the classroom.
Profile Image for Angela.
1,348 reviews26 followers
August 18, 2016
Guess what just got added to our "Exceptional Picture Books of 2016" list.....this guy!

See for yourself!
4,040 reviews28 followers
November 13, 2016
Fun instruction on the writing process with lots of entertaining silliness. I especially enjoyed the bright funny illustrations.
Profile Image for Amy.
468 reviews16 followers
June 15, 2017
Also An Octopus, explores the process behind building a story. Readers will bounce along with delight as a friendly octopus gets built right into a story. Add in a ukulele, a sandwich, a friend and a purple spaceship; you get the beginnings of a story. But what happens when the spaceship doesn’t work? You add an in a bunny. But what happens when it all becomes a mess? You begin again, and let your imagination soar. A charming story teaching children and students the importance of how starting with a little bit of nothing, can blossom into one amazing story, and if not, you can just begin again. Ending with the most important question- what is your story?

You can find the rest of my reviews and giveaways in my weekly newspaper column: For the Love of Books-Dixon's Independent Voice
Profile Image for Emily.
684 reviews13 followers
March 29, 2017
What are the things every story needs? A character, of course! Who will the character be though? And what will the character want? In this adorable debut, Tokuda-Hall introduces us to her imagination, where we meet an ukulele playing Octopus, who will bring out giggles from the stubbornest of readers (children and adults alike). This book adds an extra level by discussing the parts of a story, including characters, plot, and of course, a resolution--but that all stories start with a little bit of nothing, reminding us that we are all storytellers deep down. Vibrant and colorful illustrations keep children entertained throughout.
Reading Level: PS-2
Highly Recommended
Profile Image for Alicia.
8,034 reviews148 followers
December 26, 2020
This one reminded me of "if you give a mouse a cookie" with the if/then statements because of the way a story can unfold-- starting with a little bit of nothing and then creating a fantastical world of play and make believe that teaches about the structure of a story-- characters, problem, setting, etc.

It's a little awkward but that's kind of the point, it's still a story even if the pieces are goofy.
44 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2019
Also an Octopus is a fun children's book that emphasizes the beauty and importance of imagination! This book begins by explaining that every story starts with nothing, and goes on to elaborate all of the exciting and imaginative things that Octopus wants to do! Since every story starts with nothing, you can create your own story!

I loved this book, and the uniqueness it holds! I had never read a children's book like this, as it emphasizes the importance of individual imagination and dreams!

You could use this in the classroom as you encourage your students to be imaginative with their own story. You could talk about all of the things that Octopus does, and have the students brainstorm other ideas or Octopus! You could also give the students a blank sheet of paper and have them create their own character. They could then write their own story about the character they created, just like Octopus!
Profile Image for Tracy Schillemore.
3,770 reviews8 followers
April 7, 2017
The illustrations were cool in this book. The story was ok. I think that children would like it more that I did though. It has it's humorous moments. There is talk of a rocket ship so it could be used as part of a space storytime.
Profile Image for Kris Dersch.
2,371 reviews24 followers
September 22, 2019
So cute and who doesn't love a purple rocketship? The writer in me wanted a little more to the process and the ending but you can't help but smile when you think of writing as starting with nothing and ending with an opening for the next story.
Profile Image for Miranda.
177 reviews55 followers
Read
March 21, 2023
Read with my students for our reading challenge
Profile Image for Stacey.
439 reviews
June 9, 2023
This book is so sweet and inspiring! An encouragement to write your story, and also hilarious.
Profile Image for Ella.
24 reviews8 followers
March 4, 2019
Straight up I love this book, it is delightful.

But the book isn't really for me, I am also pleased to report that my 2.5 year old is also really into it, which is much more important than my tick of approval.

I read way too much children's books and this is by far one of my favourites. I'm always super happy when my daughter wants me to read it to her.
Profile Image for Brittany.
29 reviews10 followers
March 9, 2017
"But that ukulele-playing octopus with intergalactic dreams can't just GET a shining purple spaceship, from say, the drugstore."
Profile Image for Mehsi.
14.5k reviews441 followers
January 6, 2017
Every story starts the same way... with nothing.

And that is how the book starts. And that is, next to our ukelele playing octopus, a running theme through the book. Making a story, making your own ending.

I didn't expect it, that is what I can say, I thought this book would be solely about octopuses, but instead I got much much more. I didn't only get an octopus, I didn't only get rockets (though I definitely approve of rockets), but I also got a fun book about how to make your own story.

I had quite a laugh at the octopus though. He loves playing ukele, he wants to build a rocket ship (and what happens with that was hilarious, though I also felt a bit sad for him), he seemed like a really nice guy.

I loved how the story ended, then again, we could mostly just make up our own ending. Normally I am all for conclusion in my books, but with this one I didn't mind, and in my mind our Octopus, his friends, his band, all went to space and had a good old time playing music in space and becoming famous musicians, the Eight-armed Space Bandits. :P

The art was fabulous, but then again, I am still a huge fan of Benji Davies. His art is such a delight to look at, and that was also one of the big reasons (next to the fact this one had an awesome title, and was about an octopus) for me to get this book!

All in all, this is one book I would highly recommend!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
Profile Image for Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews.
2,791 reviews195 followers
May 15, 2016
I picked up this book for my great-niece to build up her library, but I was not expecting a great story about how anyone can write a story and that no idea is too silly. In fact, this book would actually help an aspiring young author by showing the steps they need to go through to actually write the story.

I do love how the book starts: "Every story starts the same way...with nothing." It s true, every story that any author has written started with nothing to very little other than a dream to write that story.
44 reviews3 followers
September 27, 2020
This book is a fun exploration of how to create a story! The illustrations and text pair perfectly and are very funny. My 3-year old requests it over and over. We will revisit it to focus on storytelling elements as my daughter crafts more and more stories. A fun exploration of storytelling elements!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews

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