The Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure

I recall back in 2016 when I read an article about a common octopus at the National Aquarium of New Zealand called Inky, who made a daring escape by squeezing out of his tank, crawling across the floor, and entering a drainpipe that led directly to the ocean. Inky, became a global sensation and I remember thinking at the time that this would make a great children's story. The Escape Artist tells this remarkable true story of Inky.

Thor Hanson presents this event by blending narrative storytelling with factual detail to engage readers while staying true to the real-life events. The story highlights Inky’s intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and the astonishing adaptability of octopuses in a way that is both fascinating and informative.

Galia Bernstein’s illustrations complement Hanson’s text beautifully, giving life and personality to Inky without straying from the realism of his environment. The vibrant, detailed artwork helps readers visualise both the aquarium and the open ocean. We, as readers, become captivated in Inky's journey to freedom.

The book also includes factual matter that explains octopus biology, behaviour, and habitats, grounding the story in science while reinforcing that this is a true event. Readers finish not only entertained by the narrative and the rhyme, but also better informed about one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. Reading this alongside the newspaper article would make for some interesting learning.

Overall, The Escape Artist celebrates curiosity, intelligence, and resilience in the natural world. It is a must-read for young readers and anyone interested in real-life animal adventures.