Lucy Branam

When a young girl looks out her apartment window one day, she finds that a massive octopus has taken up residence on the roof of her building. This octopine visitor disconcerts the residents at first, but his neighborly ways - helping to wash cars, holding open doors, providing a swing for the building's children - soon win them over. The girl is particularly fond of the octopus, and invites him to visit her class during their upcoming show-and-tell session. Dismayed when he disappears the next day, she is overjoyed when he reappears at the end of the week - this time on the roof of her school!

The second picture-book I have read that is illustrated by the marvelously talented Brazilian artist Rogério Coelho - the first was Books Do Not Have Wings, by Brynne Barnes - Roof Octopus is a visually stunning title, featuring gorgeous illustrations. I loved the use of color here, and the many little designs on the octopus' tentacles, which give them a lovely textured appearance. The story itself was entertaining - it helps, of course, that I am a huge fan of octopodes! - and will keep young listeners engaged. Recommended to anyone looking for imaginative and humorously surreal picture-book adventures, in the vein of such titles as Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem.… (mehr)