Everyone Wants an Octopus Book! We All Belong in Stories

Ledden and Koji’s sunny representation story sees an octopus carving out a place for itself in books. When beret-wearing octopus Inky laments the lack of books about its kind, avian kerchief-sporting pal Quack reassures, with ensuing dialogue highlighting the sea creature’s many cool features: eight legs, three hearts (“You are quite lovable”), and the ability to squirt ink. Concluding that there’s evident need for eight-tentacled literary protagonists, the pair also find a way to celebrate their friendship, envisioning a book that fills the discussed gap. Thick purple strokes give the characters their fluid forms as simple conversational text and beachy visuals belie a bigger point about the way books (and bonds) help readers feel seen and understood. Ages 3–9. (Nov.)