
Reach for this book when your child is spinning elaborate tall tales or when you want to celebrate the vibrant warmth of Afro-Latino family life. This story is an excellent choice for kids who use humor and imagination to process their fears or for families who want to highlight the special, often playful bond between grandchildren and grandparents. While helping his Abuela prepare a meal, young Ramsey's imagination takes flight as the octopus for the stew seemingly comes to life, leading to a wild underwater rescue mission. The narrative seamlessly blends realistic family scenes with fantastical adventure, all captured in rich, oil-painted illustrations. It is a joyful, energetic read for ages 4 to 8 that validates a child's creative voice and celebrates cultural identity through food and storytelling.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe peril is entirely metaphorical and rooted in Ramsey's imagination. It deals with the idea of a 'scary' situation in a secular, humorous way. The resolution is joyful and reinforces the safety of the home environment.
An elementary student who is a 'creative daydreamer' and often gets lost in their own head. It is perfect for a child who loves to tell 'big' stories and needs to see that trait celebrated as a talent rather than a distraction.
Read this one cold to enjoy the visual transition from realism to fantasy. Note the author's note at the end which provides excellent context on the Afro-Latino experience and the specific dish being prepared. A parent might choose this after their child tells a particularly elaborate lie or tall tale, or if the child is nervous about trying new, culturally specific foods.
Younger children (4-5) will delight in the physical comedy and the 'monster' aspect of the octopus. Older children (7-8) will appreciate the meta-commentary on storytelling and the sophisticated oil paintings.
Velasquez uses high-fine-art oil paintings to depict a modern Afro-Latino family, giving a sense of weight and importance to a funny, everyday domestic moment. The blend of hyper-realism and surrealism is rare in picture books.
While helping his Abuela prepare octopus stew, Ramsey's imagination transforms a kitchen mishap into an epic saga. When the octopus 'attacks' Abuela, Ramsey must dive into a fantasy world to rescue her, eventually realizing that his talent for storytelling is his greatest strength. The book concludes with a heartwarming return to reality and a shared meal.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.