The second I saw the little octopus on today's cover, I knew I was going to have to take a peek and see what his little adventure was all about. Isn't he adorable? There is a definite message, obviously, which always has me a little more cautious. I really a careful reader when it comes to books with 'in your face' messaging. But there are authors/illustrators who pull it off well...and I'm hoping this book will slide into that category.
So, let's dive in and take a swim with this cute fellow!
PACO THE OCTOPUS
A Tale of Perseverance
by Holly Rampone
Illustrated by Vivien Sarkany
Fernweh Books, Inc.
Picture Book
31 pages
ages 4 to 8
Dive into this captivating underwater world, where Paco, a brave and adventurous young octopus, embarks on a journey of discovery to explore the wonders of the ocean. With the words his Mama used to say to him in mind, Paco musters up the courage to leave his home reef and face his fears - no matter how daunting.
As he ventures further into the depths of the sea, Paco discovers his own unique talents but will he be able to persevere and achieve his goal? Tag along with Paco to find out!
If you enjoyed books like The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming (author) and Nicola Slater (illustrator) and Shark The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating (author) and Marta Álvarez Miguéns (illustrator), you'll love this heartwarming story of adventure and perseverance.
As he ventures further into the depths of the sea, Paco discovers his own unique talents but will he be able to persevere and achieve his goal? Tag along with Paco to find out!
If you enjoyed books like The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming (author) and Nicola Slater (illustrator) and Shark The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating (author) and Marta Álvarez Miguéns (illustrator), you'll love this heartwarming story of adventure and perseverance.
MY TIDBITS
Not only adventure meets these pages, but a message surrounding perseverance swims along with it as well as the goodness of octopus facts.
Paco is headed out to discover what the ocean holds, and to help maintain the bravery to do it, he remembers his mother's words about perseverance. Along with the new sites and beauty, he runs into danger and needs to do his best to make it through. A couple almost mean his end, but he does his best to make it through.
I'm going to start with the illustrations because these are more than enjoyable to flip through and gaze at. The ocean scenes come across nicely with the blue hues, watery touch, and dusting of cuteness tossed in. The are calming and inviting, even when danger mounts...just right for the intended audience level.
The tale is quick-paced as Paco heads from one situation into the next on his journey. There's enough tension and excitement to keep the attention of even reluctant listeners. And this does make a lovely read-aloud. As the adventure unfolds, the author weaves in octopus facts. Several of these will probably surprises young listeners and grow their respect for the animals. But then, Paco is adorable anyway.
It's a lovely read with lots of goodness on several fronts.
And here she is...
I am a Colorado native and small business owner. As a mother, entrepreneur, doctor of acupuncture, and functional medicine practitioner with a specialization in oncology, I know perseverance first hand. I am continually reminded of the importance of perseverance through the stories my cancer patients share, which inspired this book—as did my daughter, who was born 11 weeks early, spent 9 weeks in the NICU, and today is a healthy, loving little bookworm.
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