The den that octopus built by Randi Sonenshine, illustrated by Anne Hunter

This is the third in a series these two creators have collaborated on, using the pattern of "The house that Jack built." The first two included wrens building their next and a beaver building a lodge. This third book goes beneath the sea to follow the life cycle of a female octopus.

In Hunter's illustrations, green and pink predominate, showing the octopus camouflaging herself with shells, shifting colors, eating crabs, and finally guarding her eggs, sending them forth with her last breath out of the den that she has built. The cycle continues as one little octopus hatchling escapes the hazards of the sea to settle into her own den.

Extensive back matter gives parents and teachers multiple talking points if using this book in a lesson plan or as part of a unit study.

Verdict: A strong choice for library collections, this rhyming nonfiction works equally well as a read-aloud in storytime for younger children and a resource for elementary-age students learning about ocean creatures.

ISBN: 9781536226546; Reinforced binding, $15.19 on Baker and Taylor

Published May 2024 by Candlewick; Review copy provided by the publisher; Donated to the library