The Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure
By (Author) Thor Hanson
Illustrated by Galia Bernstein
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Greenwillow Books
1st November 2025
United States
Children
Non Fiction
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Places and peoples
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Fish and marine life
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Science and technology
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Humour and jokes
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Mysteries and the unexplained
594.56
Hardback
32
Width 279mm, Height 229mm
454g
When Inky the octopus slipped out of his tank at the National Aquarium in New Zealand, his audacious escape made headlines around the world. Biologist Thor Hansons funny, informational text and Galia Bernsteins illuminating, humorous pictures showcase the intelligence and curiosity of this fascinating creature. For readers who love true stories about animals.Features fun facts about octopuses and additional information about Inkys escape.
A rock. A pot. Some sand. A light. And those same four walls, day in and day out. Inky the octopus has only ever known his tank at the aquarium in New Zealand. Understimulated and craving answers, he watches the people walk by and wonders where they gountil one fateful day when the lock on his tank is left unlatched. Inky escapes, and he miraculously makes his way into a drainpipe and out to the ocean.
Inkys story is all truethere really was an octopus who escaped the National Aquarium in New Zealand and returned to the sea, becoming a viral sensation. Award-winning author and biologist Thor Hansons rhyming text is funny, engaging, and informative and highlights the innate intelligence of octopuses. Galia Bernsteins vibrant, tentacle-filled artwork is the perfect complement, capturing Inkys curiosity, intelligence, and resourcefulness. Extensive back matter includes information about octopuses, aquariums, and the real Inkys escape.
Galia Bernstein started her career as a designer and cartoonist in the Israeli army's magazine. Her picture books include I Am a Cat and Layla. Galia lives in Brooklyn.