There's an Octopus Under My Bed!
#1 in Bloomsbury paperbacks Series
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
Molly loves to play and engage in various activities such as making perfume, horse riding, and making a dinosaur. When her mother asks her to tidy up, Molly never finishes the task as she is called for tea. However, she soon discovers that while she is not tidying up, someone or something else is. Determined to find out the truth, Molly makes a big mess and quickly finishes her tea to catch the culprit in action. To her surprise, she finds her mother tidying up her room instead of the imagined octopus from under her bed. The next time she is asked to tidy up, Molly makes an effort to clean up, although she still has room for improvement. This bright and strong picture book resonates with families everywhere. Additionally, the book is used and in good condition, with normal signs of use due to its age.
Discussion points
What do you think the octopus under the bed feels like being away from the ocean?
How would you help the octopus feel more at home if it was under your bed?
Why do you think the octopus chose to hide under the bed?
Can you imagine any adventures the octopus could have around the house?
How did the story make you feel about meeting someone new or unusual?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by relating the octopus’s feelings to times they've felt out of place or new in a situation.
Use the illustrations in the book to ask your child to describe different scenarios, enhancing their observation and storytelling skills.
Discuss the importance of empathy and kindness, drawing parallels between how the characters in the book treat the octopus and how we should treat new or different people we meet.
Create a supportive environment by validating your child’s responses and feelings as they discuss the book’s themes.
Extend the conversation beyond the book by asking your child how they might introduce the octopus to their friends or what games they would play with it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Facing fears
Explanation: In the story, the child protagonist learns to face their fear of the unknown when they discover an octopus under their bed.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling new challenges or unfamiliar situations with courage, whether it's trying a new activity or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The presence of an octopus under the bed fuels imaginative adventures, showing how creativity can transform ordinary scenarios into extraordinary ones.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination in play or problem-solving, enhancing their creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the child interacts with the octopus, they learn about its feelings and perspective, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of considering other people's feelings and viewpoints in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The child and the octopus work together to figure out how the octopus ended up under the bed, demonstrating effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn to address and find solutions to issues they face in school or at home, building their analytical and decision-making abilities.