CBCA Younger Readers Judge, Kym Diprose, talking to an avid group in Ulverstone, noted the prevalence of octopuses in entries this year. Felicity Sly picks up this theme to share these, with some other texts and formats, to delve into an octopuses’ garden of tales.
2026 is the year that three books featuring octopuses made the 2026 notables of the Early Childhood Category, with Inked (by Karen Wasson and Jake A Minto) being shortlisted. What is it about octopuses (and yes – it is octopuses), that intrigues and warrants so much literary space?
Octopuses are both baddies and goodies in the world of literature and film. From the baddies - the shadowy beast of The Kraken by Gary Crew and Marc McBride, and the evil Ursula in The Little Mermaid who trades Ariel’s voice for her greatest wish (legs); to the goodies - The Wiggles singing and dancing Henry, the Purple Octopus and Robert Kraus’ Herman the Helper (Jose Aruego and Arianne Dewey ills.)
Netflix currently offers recent release Remarkably Bright Creatures (based on the novel by Shelby Van Pelt) and My Octopus Teacher, a G rated documentary exploring the bond between a filmmaker and an octopus.
Octopuses are intelligent, complex, creative beings – full of personality and life, providing great subjects for books and films.
The following critiques are from the CBCA publication Notables Australian Children’s Literature 2026 – free to CBCA members from the merchandise e-store. If you don’t know your membership code, contact your local Branch to confirm your 2026 membership and receive your code (there are lots of other free products waiting there for you too).
Shortlist Younger Readers
This graphic novel is a hilarious reflection on the multiple ways you can feel like a fish out of water. It is based around an absurd premise about winning a televised talent show to get money to pay school fees and return a demanding, opera-singing octopus to the sea. The clever prologue is entirely illustration-based, which focuses the reader's attention on the setting and one of the main causes of concern in the story: sustainability and ethical practices in the fishing industry.
Older readers in this category (and their parents) will find both the young and adult characters relatable and their fears, responsibilities and interactions familiar. Puns, misunderstandings and masterful visual gags lighten the family and friendship problems that run through the narrative to a satisfying resolution. There is an interesting bonus section at the end that explains how the illustrations developed and why characters look the way they do.
Notables Younger Readers
A magical realism adventure story, layered with themes of environmentalism, grief and identity. Whilst dealing with her grief over the loss of her mother, and disappearance of her father, Pippy discovers a profound connection to a gentle, giant octopus named Octavia. When her Uncle Isaac reveals that she is the next Keeper of the Octopus, descended from of a long line Keepers, Pippy uncovers strength and a sense of purpose she never knew she possessed. Powerful use of vocabulary is expressive and enhances the narrative, as the community and Pippy rally together to thwart the Calamary Brothers and save Octavia from their nets. Messaging about sustainable fishing is cleverly woven throughout and the nautical atmosphere is whimsical and magical.
A short but intriguing verse novel told in first person from multiple octopus brains (we or us, not I). This unusual perspective combines with cloudy ink illustrations to stylistically sweep the reader upon an emotional tide, demanding empathy with the plight of the captive Houdini who is desperate to return home to the ocean. Multiple points-of-view help build tension as the young daughter of the aquarium owner and the cleaner conspire to assist this escape attempt.
Lyrically sophisticated but very accessible language supports messages about keeping curious, thinking outside the box and maintaining hope in the face of adversity. Factual details then provide a final counterpoint to the story, reinforcing environmental messages while emphasising the magic and the mystery of octopuses.
Felicity Sly is a member of the CBCA Committee
No comments:
Post a Comment