Hello, My Name Is Octicorn

I enjoy children's books that are little bit off beat and silly. I can appreciate that sort of zany humor that books like this one have, but I also really like the message. I think it is a wonderful choice for covering a number of issues from when you're feeling like you're just a little bit different from everyone else, to feeling totally different, to understanding when different cultures or types mix to create a new and unique and wonderful thing. I like that the overall message is also about accepting and loving who you are, even if it seems odd to other people. My kids really enjoy the illustrations and the funny nature of the book, and sometimes I think it's easier when the message is something they enjoy without realizing that there is a message. I'm an Asian adopted by Caucasians, and my kids are mixed race asians, so I like books that help my kids understand their unique background. I definitely enjoyed and recommend this book.

Hello, My Name Is Octicorn by Kevin Diller and illustrated by Justin Lowe invites readers to consider befriending Octi, a creature whose mom was an octopus and whose dad was a unicorn. Octi has trouble finding friends because he is so unique. Everyone shuns him. Because they fear his differences, they miss out on the pleasure of knowing him. Octi showcases his many unique talents he has because he is half unicorn and half octopus. At parties he can juggle and dance with the best. At campfires he can toast marshmallows on his horn!...if he were invited. Ah, but that is the situation. Octi doesn't get invited. After presenting his case, Octi concludes his story with an invitation: "Will you be my friend? Yes or No?" This is brilliant writing because the question lands directly in the reader's personal world. And hopefully, in their heart. Octi challenges them individually. They must make a choice--even if only in their mind. Will they choose friendship or rejection? Justin Lowe's quirky, unsophisticated, child like illustrations further the sense that this story is a personal conversation between Octi and the reader. This is a short, easy read with a message that packs an important punch. Adoption-attuned (AQ) Lens: This book has an obvious and easy segue into discussions of the challenges, realities and benefits of being biracial and/or multiracial. So, kids who are bi-racial or multi-racial may feel a special resonance with the theme of this book. One illustration shows a genealogical diagram depicting Octi's parents. (Dad is a unicorn; mom is an octopus.) This illustration might lead to conversations about the heritages of each birth parent. Parent and child can discuss both the reality and the cultural beliefs of both groups. The book highlights the benefits of Octi's dual heritage. This is an important point for all adoptees. There is a richness that comes from muti-ethnicity. We see it as an additive experience instead of as a subtractive one.

I bought this book almost 2 years ago and it still remains a book reading favorite for my LO. Written in a first person narrative, the story talks about being different, feeling like an outsider and loneliness in a way that younger kids can relate with. While the themes are a little sad, the story stays upbeat and hopeful. I've had really great conversations with my LO because of this book, so much so that I'd consider obnoxiously buying it for every new parent I know, heh.

Cute and funny text used to teach acceptance Of others and our own differences. always looking for entertaining text for my own kids and my school kiddos as an elementary school counselor (k-5); and they all loved it, even the older kids. “Bullying” lessons can get old, but this definitely put a cute spin on the lesson while still instilling the message of acceptance and kindness.

My kids (6 and 9) love this book. Who doesn’t love octopuses and unicorns? And octicorns? Octi is part-octopus, part-unicorn, and sometimes feels left out for being “different.” Octi wants friends and cupcakes, just like the rest of us, and gives us good reasons to be accepting of everyone, even if they don’t look like us.

Tells a story about being different in a very silly and kid friendly way.

I've had the opportunity to read to my daughter's first grade class and am always in search for a fun book for the class. The bonus is being able to keep the books for my daughters to read at bed time. Octicorn has made it into the regular rotation. I tend to gravitate towards the books that are fun for the kids and can keep their attention. This book does a great job keeping it fun and has a nice lesson to it. Some people look different, have different backgrounds, but it doesn't matter. It is a fun, good natured book and is enjoyed by our whole family!

My husband and I were on vacation and saw this book at a toy store. I literally couldn't take anything else back in my overstuffed bag. Anyway, I came home and ordered this book. I love it. It's adorable and has a great message and I cannot wait to read it with and to my son. I looked up the author to see if he had any other books. I don't think he does BUT I'm going to do another search just to make sure.

Cute and hilarious. Bought it for my friends baby shower and she reads it to her kid every night. Maybe slightly over priced in general

An off-centre picture book, quite silly, yet charming with it. Quirky drawings fit the quirky story. My four year old enjoys it.

Great book about acceptance and understanding others. A little silly, too! Cute drawings and a good message. My daughter likes it.