Book Review: 'Inky's Amazing Escape' by Sy Montgomery

✰✰✰✰ Curious and eager to discover, the octopus is a worthy subject for a children’s book. Based on true events, Inky was a real octopus, who hatched from an egg in the ocean. Equipped with everything he needed from birth, Inky grew up and learned to survive on his own.

Always on the lookout for food, one day Inky ended up in a lobster trap. The fisherman took him to the local aquarium, and soon he was happily exploring his new environment. There’s lots to do in his tank, and he met people too. Still, Inky wanted to know what else there was to see. One night when his tank’s lid wasn’t secure, Inky decided to explore. What was out there? Where will his curiosity lead him? Check out the book to find out.

The Bottom Line: This picture book will delight and educate kids in the crafty ways octopuses can outsmart us. Presented in colorful, engaging illustrations in mixed media including watercolor, gouache, acrylics, and oil pastel on special papers in addition to collage with found papers and finished digitally, this book includes an interesting endnote, 8 fun facts about octopuses, and  suggestions for further reading. Check this out for your next classroom storytime. Curious kids will want to know more about these equally curious creatures.

Details: Inky’s Amazing Escape: How a Very Smart Octopus Found His Way Home written by Sy Montgomery & illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford. Picture book published by A Paula Wiseman Book in 2018. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-68505-282-9 

Book Review: 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind' by William Kamkwamba & Bryan Mealer

✰✰✰✰ Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world. It’s also the country where William Kamkwamba was born in 1987. The only son, William longed to go to school and become a scientist. He feared becoming a farmer like his father. Unfortunately, his hopes were dashed when drought and famine spread over the land like a wildfire.

Without the funds to go to school, William dropped out. Rather than accept his fate, William decided to visit the library to keep his mind off his hunger and stay on track in his schooling. Besides novels and textbooks, William discovered books about science, especially physics and electricity. In his own independent study project, he took on the challenge of building a windmill with the hopes of changing not only his life, but the lives of his family and neighbors. This is the story of one boy’s quest to better himself and those around him by pursuing his interests.

The Bottom Line: This easy to read book is the perfect inspiration for those ages teen - adult. In school, William was an average student at best; however, when he was left to explore his interests, his creativity really took off. Additionally, he had a can-do attitude that illustrates what one can accomplish when they put their mind to it. Highly recommended inspirational reading for anyone interested in science and memoirs.

Book Club Notes: This book club pick was on the TBR list of a few of our members, so we looked forward to discussing it. Some felt there was too much time dedicated to the drought, while others felt it was just right. The book was inspiring and reminded us to think about how fortunate we are. While there were some photos, more would have been appreciated. One member felt that there are many, many similar stories like this out there, so they were not impressed. On a scale from 1 - 5, ratings in our group actually ranged from 1 - 5, with an average rating of 4.

Recommended for groups looking to discuss science and exploring different cultures. For a splash of fun, our featured mocktail was Rock Shandy, which was perfect for a summer discussion. You can find a recipe here.

Finally, you can find plentiful discussion questions by visiting any of these sites: Penguin Classroom, LitLovers, Ohio Energy Project, and Clarkson University.

Details: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. Paperback published by William Morrow in 2010. 320 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-173033-7