Izzy & Oscar
Sourcebooks / Raincoast Books
By Allison Estes & Dan Stark, Illustrated by Tracy Dockray
40 pages
age 5-8
Synopsis from Raincoast Books:
Izzy has always wanted a pet. So when an adventurous octopus squiggles into town, Izzy decides to keep him. After all, a real pirate captain has to have a mascot. Oscar is not very good at going for walks or playing fetch. (Although he is amazing at hide and seek). And he’s definitely not like other pets…
But he is just right for Izzy.
The family pet. Izzy is the only one among her friends who doesn’t have a pet but that changes on a treasure hunt when she finds Oscar. An octopus, Oscar isn’t like other pets. He does’t fetch balls or snuggles with Izzy though he is very good a hiding in plain sight. He also has another talent making him a favourite at the public pool.
Although Izzy & Oscar ∫ isn’t a tale of pet ownership, kids will relate to the desire to owning a pet, something unique and different. It’s also a reminder that people (and pets) have different skills and talents. Sometimes it just takes time to figure these out. At the back of the story you’ll also find a few “Octofacts”. Did you know an octopus has three hearts and blue blood?
Additional Reading: Talk Oscar Please.
You can find a copy of Izzy & Oscar from Raincoast Books or your local bookstore. Visit our Kid’s Books section for other great book recommendations.
A perfect book to read for the kids.