The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book One hundred and five

When my daughter a little, I used to know all the popular children's TV characters. Clifford, Maisy, and Arthur were almost a part of the family. Now that she is soon going to be in middle school, I am out of the loop. Recently I was contacted by a publisher who told me about some books featuring the Octonauts. She was sure I had heard of these characters because the Octonaut TV series is a huge hit with young children. I had to admit my ignorance, and she sent me an Octonaut  book to take a look at. Now I can see why the TV show is so popular. The illustrations are absolutely delightful, and the characters are wonderfully quirky. Here is my review of the book.

The octonauts and the only lonely monster

Meomi

Picture Book

For ages 6 to 8

Immedium, 2006, 978-1-59702-005-3

   All is “quiet and peaceful” on the ocean floor, and the octonauts - with the exception of Tweak Bunny who is still asleep - are getting started with their day. Then the alarm goes off and everyone runs to HQ to find out what is going on. Professor Inkling explains that their home under the sea, the Octopod, is are under attack. Quickly the octonuts head to their stations. Captain Barnacles and Peso leave the Octopod in the Gup-E sub to see what is going on, and Kwazii kitten follows in his submarine so that he can back them up.

   When they get outside the Octopod, the three Octonauts see that a huge monster is attacking their home. Without hesitation, Kwazii kitten attacks the monster, crashing his submarine into the creature’s head. To everyone’s amazement, the monster bursts into tears. The friends soon find out that the monster was not attacking the Octopod at all. It thought that the Octopod was one of its own kind. In short, the lonely monster is looking for a friend.

    Always eager to have an adventure, the Octonauts decide to help the monster find its way home, wherever that is. Little do they know that their quest is not going to be an easy one.

    Readers who like picture book adventures that are full of quirky characters and colorful artwork will greatly enjoy this entertaining picture book. With its hope-filled message about the power of friendship, this is a title that has universal appeal. Readers might like to visit the Octonauts online at www.octonauts.com.