Hello, My Name Is . . .

April 1, 2018

PreS-Gr 2-A sweet imagined story of how the Adorabilis octopus got his name. The tiny, pink flapjack octopus, drawn here with giant eyes and floppy earlike fins, is the newest resident of a deep-sea tank. As he meets his neighbors, he learns how they were given names that are related to their unique features or abilities by scientists (the Fangtooth's sharp teeth, the moon jelly's ability to glow, etc.). The diminutive protagonist continues to introduce readers to aquatic life as he wonders and worries about what his name will be, all leading to a cheery and adorable resolution. Readers will delight in the book's thoughtful presentation. The bubbly typeface paired with Chou's whimsical, geometric illustrations complement Polansky's story well. Adorabilis is an endearing character-bulbous and Pokémon-like in image, the cute octopus cheerfully greets his neighbors with a "Good mooorning!" An ending note describes how scientists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute actually named the cute octopus. VERDICT A fun option for preschool storytimes and as an introduction to sea creatures.-Phuong Vu, West Jordan Library, UT

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2018
An octopus and his tank mates agree that the scientist studying him has found the perfect name.Polansky imagines a tiny pink octopus new to the aquarium, conversing with the others who, improbably, share his tank: an anglerfish, a yeti crab, a mimic octopus, a fangtooth, a six-gill shark (actual size 9 to 12 feet), a clownfish, a moon jelly, and a giant squid (over 40 feet). They tell him that some creatures are named for their appearance, others for things they do. When the keeper arrives, she has the name that fits best: Adorabilis. The sea creatures are male and female, the scientist a brown-haired white woman. Disney artist Chou's digital illustrations are the draw here. Finding Nemo: Nemo's Day Off fans will recognize these big-eyed sea creatures. In the final spread, two of Adorabilis' tentacles form a heart, emphasizing its over-the-top cuteness. An afterword from the scientist who has been studying the actual creature at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute discusses the discovery of this new flapjack octopus and reveals that "Adorabilis" was originally a joke name that went public. However, she does not tell readers and listeners how animals actually get their scientific names, a regrettable lack.A sweet dessert for storytime. (Picture book. 3-6)

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May 1, 2018
Preschool-G What's pink, parasol-shaped, and has eight webbed arms? Scientists weren't quite sure when they discovered this mysterious cephalopod in deep waters off the California coast. While the creature's genus was quickly determined, its species remained undecided until recently. In this exuberant picture book, Polansky delivers a fictional riff on the marine marvel's quest for classification. As our doe-eyed protagonist flits through his new deep-sea tank, he's greeted by a menagerie of current species, all rendered in Disney artist Chou's jaunty, geometric style. There's Anglerfish, who uses a hook to attract fish; Mimic Octopus, who marvelously matches her surroundings; and Moon Jelly, who can glow bright white. It's all a bit discouraging for the nameless, tentacled gumdrop?that is, until a scientist bestows him with the best name of all: Adorabilis. While adults may find fault with Polansky's conceit (Adorabilis shares a tank with both a six-gill shark and a giant squid), little ones will eagerly dive into this all-around adorable first glimpse at ocean fauna. Plus, a concluding note from scientist Stephanie L. Bush offers further insight into Adorabilis' discovery.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)