Octavia and Her Purple Ink Cloud

Octavia Octopus and her sea-animal friends love playing camouflage games to practice how they would hide from a “big, hungry creature.” Octavia, however, just cannot seem to get her colors right when she tries to shoot her purple ink cloud. What happens when the big, hungry shark shows up looking for his dinner? This creative book introduces basic colors along with the camouflage techniques of various sea animals – a great introduction to marine biology! To top it off, as parents love teaching their children; “practice makes perfect!” The “For Creative Minds” educational section includes fun facts about animal camouflage and protection and about octopuses. The craft uses primary colors (paint or tissue paper) to help children learn about blending colors. Vetted for scientific accuracy by marine educators at both SeaWorld and the South Carolina Aquarium.

Written By Donna & Doreen Rathmell Illustrated By: Connie McLennan	32 pg, 8.5" x 10", Ages 4 to 8, Lexile: 730 AD Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-9764943-55, $15.95 Paperback ISBN: 978-1-6071811-70, $8.95
Purchase:

"Vibrantly colored and detailed illustrations add to the book's appeal, and unique back matter contains information about camouflage and protection, fun facts, and a painting activity. This 'complete package' is a must in schools, homes, and libraries with young children." - Children's Literature Comprehensive Database

"This highly informative story is supplemented with fun facts in the back of the book and a 'color your own ink cloud' color-sheet meant for reproducing. Highly recommended for all picture book collections." - Baker & Taylor's Cats Meow

"Perhaps the best use of Octavia is as a 'read-to' book. Youngsters will be drawn repeatedly to the gorgeous underwater scenes, trying to spot the shark lurking somewhere in the background of the double-page spreads, and they are sure to pick up a little natural history along the way." - Science Books & Films

Author/Artist Bio:

Donna Rathmell (German) (left) is the author of 16 cookbooks, four of which were New York Times best-sellers including The Bread Machine Cookbook Series, which have sold more than 3 million copies. Donna is one of those amazing women whose zest for life has led her to diverse professional and personal pursuits. She worked as a stock broker with a large firm during the early 1980’s. The 1990’s brought extensive media experience promoting her cookbooks, with appearances on such nationally respected programs as The Today Show, The 700 Club, Attitudes with Linda Dano, QVC, and a host of other radio and television programs. Visit Donna's Website / School Visit Info

Doreen Rathmell (right)  and her sister, Donna, collaborated on this book. Doreen is an elementary school teacher and former elementary school librarian. This is Doreen's first book. Both sisters have a passion for children's books and believe that reading to children is the best way to instill imagination and a love for learning. The annual family beach reunion and a Discovery Channel program about octopuses sparked the beginnings of "Octavia Octopus."

Connie McLennan (Water Beds / River Beds / Rainforest and Octavia) has been a successful freelance artist for almost 25 years since attending Academy of Art College in San Francisco. In addition to illustrating Water Beds: Sleeping in the Ocean (oil) and Octavia and Her Purple Ink Cloud, (watercolor) Connie is also the illustrator for The Wishing Tree and Domitila, both published by Shen's Books.

Connie has illustrated numerous textbooks, or has provided illustrations for children's books and magazines for Harcourt, Holt Reinhart & Winston, Scott Foresman, Scholastic, and Weekly Reader. In addition to her various illustrations, Connie has done numerous advertising projects. Connie lives with her husband and teenage son in California. To visit her Web site, click here.