Etta and the Octopus by Zana Fraillon and Andrew Joyner

Title: Etta and the Octopus

Author: Zana Fraillon, illustrated by Andrew Joyner

Genre: Humour

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Published: 26^th April 2023

Format: Paperback

Pages: 110

Price: $14.99

Synopsis: A hilarious, fully illustrated tale about an unlikely friendship between a girl and an octopus that is perfect for newly independent readers, from one of Australia’s most respected writers for children and an award-winning illustrator.

FOUND!

One octopus!

Likes to eat tuna sandwiches.

Goes by the name of ‘Oswald’.

It all began when Etta decided to take a bath . . . And realised she wasn’t alone. In the bath sat Oswald. Etta had never had an octopus in her bath before.

At first, Etta thinks it might be fun to have Oswald around. But she soon learns that octopuses are not very good at being tidy . . . or cooking . . . or sharing . . . or even playing nicely.

Just as Etta has almost had enough, someone comes to claim Oswald. Oswald isn’t perfect, but does Etta
really want to send him away?

A QUIRKY AND HILARIOUS ILLUSTRATED SERIES ABOUT AN UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP . . . THAT MIGHT JUST STEAL YOUR HEART!

~*~

When Etta went to have a bath one day, she found Oswald the Octopus IN HER BATH! And then he took her towel and her slippers – ugh! But then, Etta decides it might be fun to have an octopus around to play with. But Etta soon realises that Oswald isn’t really that tidy. Nor can he cook, or share…or play nicely, and when they venture out to explore the town, things go awry as Oswald wreaks havoc in the playground and all over the place – and then Miranda Prinkle Esquire comes to claim Oswald, but does Etta really want to send him away?

Etta and the Octopus is the first book in a new junior fiction series that has a similar feel to the Hercules Quick books – fun, engaging, and great to build a child’s reading confidence with. Etta is one of those characters who is full of zest and joy, who is innovative and eager to show what she can do with the very few things she has to hand to take care of around the house and with Oswald. I liked that this book embraced being funny, which is what kids love and I think it will be one that will be a great read aloud book as well – one that can almost be turned into a performance – it would also make a really good play. I can imagine young kids wanting to act out what Etta and Oswald do, as it has that sort of feeling to it that is really engaging and creates a sense of whimsy.

This sense of whimsy comes from the illustrations by Andrew Joyner that are coupled with the antics that Zana writes about – nobody seems to bat an eyelid that an octopus is out and about – they’re more annoyed that Oswald keeps trying to keep everyone off of the play equipment at the park and isn’t sharing with anyone. I loved that the policeman who came to investigate Miranda Prinkle Esquire’s claim that Etta has stolen Oswald and decides to help Etta – which results in a hilarious climax that celebrates friendship and fun whilst setting up a villainous character who looks set to be making a return throughout the series to cause more trouble for Etta and Oswald. I am also looking forward to seeing what happens next for these characters, because they are going to be lots of fun and this series is going to be one that people are going to love. It is such a cool book and I hope younger readers and readers of all ages will enjoy it.