The Escape Artist

“This should be cephalopod catnip for readers who are just beginning to feel the stirrings of independence, ingenuity, and curiosity about worlds waiting outside their own walls.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Hanson’s lively rhymes, a pleasure to read aloud, vary their rhythm without stumbling and adeptly convey information while telling a captivating story. Bernstein’s colorful illustrations realistically portray the aquarium and sea animals while also allowing Inky’s eyes full cartoon scope to express his personality, emotions, and intelligence. . . . Backmatter with info on octopuses and the real-life Inky add educational depth. . . . Certain to grab nature lovers.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A ­daring escape, an engaging hero, and a happy ending, along with the chance to learn more about the amazing octopus. This is an all-around winner, a tall tale that ­happens to be (­mostly) the truth.” — School Library Journal “A salute to Inky, a clever octopus who took advantage of a tank lid left slightly ajar in a New Zealand aquarium, escaping down a drain and back to the sea. Hanson relates the (reconstructed) episode in playful verse, and Bernstein records it in wide illustrations featuring a big, mottled mollusk with expressive eyes and a thick tangle of gracefully curled arms. . . . The author closes with more on Inky’s original capture and backstory, plus basic information about octopuses.” — Booklist