July Focus Title

The Boy and the Octopus by Caryl Lewis

A magical tale of finding your voice and becoming yourself.

Stanley loves his octopus toy, and dreams of the magical way its skin changes colour; how it hides itself when something scary comes along. In fact, sometimes Stanley wants to be like his octopus and disappear.

But Stanley learns how to share his feelings in more than words, and to face difficulties through the power of self-expression and creativity.

A lyrical and emotional story about overcoming bullies and being proud to be seen.

*Description and image taken from waterstones.com - no copyright intended*

The Boy and the Octopus was Books are My Bag's indie children's book of the month for July, and one that had already caught my eye in the bookshop, so it was a no-brainer for me... 

I left it in the story basket with our two Jellycat Octopuses Inky and Storm, and the boys were straight in the following day, asking if we could read it!

We read the story together, and the boys played with the octopuses, which ended in lots of fun and giggles when I showed them that they could hold on to their arms with their tentacles. It sparked numerous questions and conversations about octopuses, which moved onto other sea creatures, mainly sharks! 

We also discussed the topic of feelings, fear, being yourself, confiding in others, particularly grown ups, and the many ways in which you can express yourself or make your feelings known - all topics that are covered in the beautiful story and even more stunning illustrations.

This book was definitely much more of a hit than June's book, and has been picked up multiple times to read, by Bear alone, as well as The Cub occasionally too. 

One of the highlights was coming into the living room to find Bear on the sofa looking through the book. He told me all about his favourite part where the octopus can change colour to hide.

We didn't get around to the book review for this before we went away for our summer holiday in August, and then we've done very little in the form of sit down learning over the rest of summer so it's only just got done.

Bear and I reread the story and talked about it and then he gave me his three star rating because "it was good but not one of his favourites"... his words. I loved it! He struggled a little with the summary and I prompted with several questions, but he was quick to tell me his favourite part!

I am going to go about our focus title a little differently this year, still choosing a different picture book each month, but using it differently.  I want to use it to support other topics of interest, and Bear's phonics and literacy skills. More on that to come...

This month's book is Leaves by Stephen Hogtun which fits perfectly with the autumnal changes going on around us.

Stick with me for more on our plans,

Mama Bear x