From School Library Journal
PreS-K–Eight arms can be extremely handy for an octopus–not only can they do what human arms might do (bounce balls, build, knit, bake, play music and games, and tie bows), but they can also do it all at once. The multitalented animal performs these many skills under the sea, one at a time and simultaneously. The book's forced rhyming text concludes with the creature drawing a smaller octopod into a hug, “my arms can do this anytime. All arms can–yours and mine.” The bright blue background and cuddly characters are rendered digitally in a colorful cartoon style and clearly depict the activities described on each spread. While light in content, this title might find a place in libraries looking specifically for books on body parts or ocean creatures.–Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WIα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
A cheerful pink octopus shows all the handy uses for his eight arms, including playing games and musical instruments; contributing to household chores and sporting events; and, most important, providing shelter and comforting hugs. In each illustration, the octopus is actively engaged in untangling knots, taking photographs, stirring pots, cleaning up messes, and performing puppet shows for a small purple crab and tiny green fish, who are in every scene during the gently rhyming recitation of the octopus’ prowess. Digital artwork shows off a great amount of detail for each endeavor, inviting young observers to practice finding a variety of objects, such as chess pieces, balls of yarn, a ship in a bottle, lots of socks, and plenty of sea life. The lilting beat and rhyming text, along with clear illustrations, make anticipating upcoming words easy for early readers. Like Baker’s earlier LMNO Peas (2010), this picture book has the charm and silliness to appeal to a wide audience. Preschool-Grade 1. --Francisca Goldsmith
Review
“Who hasn’t occasionally wished for more than two hands (or arms) in order to simultaneously accomplish all that one needs to?
In a rhyming response to Little Crab’s query, the colorful, friendly octopus star of this picture book demonstrates that he can manage to pull off quite a few impressive feats with his numerous appendages…the real, intended warm message drifts home: All arms are made to reach out and draw someone in for a loving embrace. The story is sweet…. The watercolor paintings are colorful and full of lively energy…this effort should reassure little ones resting in the human arms of favorite story readers.” ― Kirkus Reviews, July 17, 2013
"In flat, crisp-edged digital art, versatile author/illustrator Baker (LMNO Peas) draws underwater-themed images in contrasting blues and oranges that consider the myriad capabilities of an octopus’s appendages.... Very young children will enjoy working their way through the pictures and talking about the octopus’s unexpected skills (such as playing a guitar, a banjo, and a harp at the same time), and they’ll be soothed by the octopus’s parting words: “With a hug—not too tight!—/ my arms can make it feel all right.”" ― Publishers Weekly, July 15, 2013
"Thisis a colorful attention-grabbing story with great meaning for young children.... The repeating phrases throughout are a wonderful way to keep the attention of a very young audience. The best part of the book is the color choice and vivid illustrations that complement the story." ― Library Media Connection, January/February 2014
"A cheerful pink octopus shows all the handy uses for his eight arms, including playing games and musical instruments; contributing to household chores and sporting events; and, most important, providing shelter and comforting hugs.... The lilting beat and rhyming text, along with clear illustrations, make anticipating upcoming words easy for early readers. Like Baker’s earlier LMNO Peas (2010), this picture book has the charm and silliness to appeal to a wide audience." ― Booklist Online, October 2013 About the Author
Keith Baker has written and illustrated many acclaimed picture books for young children, including the New York Times bestselling LMNO Peas; 1-2-3 Peas; Little Green Peas; Hap-pea All Year; LMNO Pea-quel; My Octopus Arms; and No Two Alike. He lives in Seattle.
