The Eighth Octopus – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Eighth Octopus

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2024

92%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Stunning undersea photography meets legit marine biology—octopuses have never been this cool or this educational.

The Eighth Octopus

book

2024

92%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Stunning undersea photography meets legit marine biology—octopuses have never been this cool or this educational.

4.7

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Screenwise Verdict

This is what great nonfiction for kids looks like: stunning visuals that hook them, substantive science that respects their intelligence, and a subject charismatic enough to carry both.

Octopuses are having a moment in kids' media (thank you, My Octopus Teacher), and this book capitalizes on that interest with actual educational heft. The 3-hearts-9-brains biology is genuinely mind-blowing, the escape-artist stories are entertaining, and the conservation message lands without lecturing.

At 4.7 stars on Amazon and strong parent reviews, it's clearly delivering. This isn't dumbed-down fluff—it's the kind of book that sparks a genuine interest in marine biology and might actually get read multiple times. Solid addition to any home library for the science-curious kid.

Age Fit

Perfect for curious 7-10 year olds who are ready for real science presented accessibly. The photography keeps younger kids engaged while the depth of information satisfies older elementary readers. This is the kind of book that turns 'I like animals' into 'I want to be a marine biologist.'

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Nature photography book celebrating ocean life with positive, wonder-filled tone. No concerning themes—just fascinating marine biology presented in an age-appropriate, encouraging way that models curiosity and respect for living creatures.

Imaginative

Showcases the octopus's remarkable camouflage, problem-solving, and escape artistry—inherently imaginative subject matter. The '3 hearts and 9 brains' biology sparks curiosity, and profiling 13 different species invites kids to explore biodiversity. Includes octopus-inspired technology, which bridges nature to human innovation.

Safe

Educational nature book with photography—zero concerning content. No violence, mature themes, or surprises. The most 'intense' content is discussion of venomous species (factual, educational context) and reproduction (nests/eggs—completely age-appropriate). This is as safe as nonfiction gets.

Enriching

Deeply educational: marine biology, animal behavior, conservation, biomimicry. Kids learn actual science (how suction cups work, camouflage mechanics) while building empathy for ocean creatures. The conservation angle gives meaningful takeaways beyond facts. Strong 4.7 Amazon rating suggests it delivers on engagement plus learning.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Mesmerizing real photography that beats any illustration—kids see actual octopuses doing their camouflage magic
Genuinely fascinating facts (3 hearts! 9 brains!) that stick with kids and make them sound smart at dinner
Profiles 13 different octopus species, so it's not just one-note—deepest, coldest, most venomous, best disguised
Includes real stories of octopuses escaping their tanks, which is exactly the kind of animal cleverness kids love
Conservation angle teaches ocean stewardship without being heavy-handed

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What to Watch For

This is a read-with-a-parent book for most 7-year-olds—the science content is rich enough that you'll want to discuss it together
Brief mention of venomous species (completely factual, not scary) and reproduction (nests/eggs—totally age-appropriate)

Conversation Starters

"If you had 9 brains, what would you think about with each one?"
"Why do you think octopuses need to be so good at camouflage? What are they hiding from?"
"The book talks about technology inspired by octopuses—what kind of invention would you design based on an octopus?"
"If an octopus can escape from a tank, does that mean we shouldn't keep them in aquariums? What do you think?"

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