October the Octopus

As he did in Monday the Bullfrog, Van Fleet combines storytelling with a stuffed toy, this time a hungry octopus who introduces the months. Covered in velvety orange fabric, October has a mouth that opens wide to reveal the pages of the book. Tails and appendages of the sea creatures October “catches” each month stick out the sides of the pages: “February freezes with snow, sleet, and hail,/ as October catches something with pebbly green scales.” The green arm affixed to the next page offers a clue about the animal in question, in this case a sea turtle. A clever (and cuddly) design helps make this an engaging introduction to the months of the year. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 3–5. (Aug.)