Oh, Oh Octopus!
Elle van Lieshout, Erik van Os & Mies van Hout
32 pages
Underwater setting sets Mies van Hout free in her most popular palette
Mies van Hout has long wished to do an underwater story and the result is this beautiful picture book that truly conveys the deep sea experience.
A small octopus lives in a snug apartment until one day an intruder barricades the entrance. Octopus asks for advice on how to escape but the more suggestions he gets, the less he is able to figure out what to do. Eventually, Octopus learns to trust his own instincts and learns that things are not always what they seem.
Mies van Hout’s expert eye and execution are stunningly revealed in a red lobster, pink jellyfish and a wide variety of fish contrasted against an aqua sea.
Rights sold to:
China
Denmark
Italy
New Zealand
South Korea
Switzerland
Taiwan
United States
Oh, Oh Octopus!
Picture books
Quotes from the press
‘Full disclosure: I’m an utter Mies van Hout groupie! When I see her name on a cover, I barely need to open the book to know that I’ll be getting some giddy glee. Uh-Oh Octopus! authors Elle van Lieshout & Erik van Osprovide van Hout just the right narrative to fill these pages with discovery, surprise, and plenty of delight. […]
With wit and wisdom both, van Lieshout and van Os offer plenty of resonating teaching moments, from thoroughly searching for answers, listening to your own advice, celebrating the power of polite, asking for help, and, of course, going with the flow (couldn’t resist!). The expressions, emotions, quirks, and mannerisms van Hout bestows on her lively creatures beckon readers many feet under: “I like to be, under the sea, in an Octopus’ garden …” Grab your mask, snorkel, fins … come on in, the water’s perfect!’
-Bookdragon
‘This story about fear turns into a rescue story (and a love story) after the tail screams for help and all the sea animals pull the creature free. Van Hout adds humor to the multi-colored waters by drawing PJs on the pajama fish and a suitcase around the trunk fish. VERDICT All libraries should have this book’
-School Library Journal
‘I like this story because Octopus is so cute. The pictures are colorful. There are also a lot of different sea animals, like a lionfish, a fire fish, a lantern fish, and a pajama fish. My favorite parts of the story are when Octopus politely knocks on the tail and it calls out, “Help,” and when he finds out that the tail is actually a mermaid. I recommend this book!’
– San Francisco Book Review
About the author
Husband-and-wife team Elle van Lieshout and Erik van Os write books, songs, and poetry for young children and beginning readers.
Elle grew up with seven older siblings on a farm in a small village. Erik also grew up in a small village. His parents ran a pet shop and a nursery in which he and his three siblings were expected to help out. He always preferred to play soccer. Now Elle and Erik live with their daughter, son, and pets in Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Being parents themselves and constantly playing with words and language, Elle and Erik know exactly what tone to use to appeal to younger children. The stories are ideal to read aloud and are enjoyable and recognizable for parents too.
About the author
Husband-and-wife team Elle van Lieshout and Erik van Os write books, songs, and poetry for young children and beginning readers.
Elle grew up with seven older siblings on a farm in a small village. Erik also grew up in a small village. His parents ran a pet shop and a nursery in which he and his three siblings were expected to help out. He always preferred to play soccer. Now Elle and Erik live with their daughter, son, and pets in Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Being parents themselves and constantly playing with words and language, Elle and Erik know exactly what tone to use to appeal to younger children. The stories are ideal to read aloud and are enjoyable and recognizable for parents too.
About the illustrator
Mies van Hout (1962) studied at the Arts Academy in Groningen, where she majored in graphic design. She has been working as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer since 1989. Over the years, she illustrated quite a lot of children’s books. Her illustrations are cheerful and witty, painted skilfully and distinctly.
