This was cute-- maybe a little too cute? But overall a quick, engaging, and informative read that I think readers will enjoy if they like learning through graphics

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as a biology enthusiast. It skillfully combined informative content with a lighthearted narrative, making it both entertaining and educational. The storyline, which revolved around a Dumbo octopus struggling with feelings of inadequacy, was relatable and heartwarming. I appreciated how the author wove together fun facts about squid biology with meaningful discussions about self-acceptance. I eagerly await the author's next publication, as I found this book to be a truly engaging read.
Thank you to Lerner Publishing, Graphic Universe and NetGalley for this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.

Super cute illustrated guide to various types of Cephalopods.

The illustrations are a adorable, a bit simplistic, but it works.
There is a bit of humor, which at times I found a bit unoriginal as it doesn't entirely add to the guide. I suppose it's there for levity, but since there isn't really and plot of many characters, I found it more distracting. The one character there is is the narrator Dumbo octopus, but I also wasn't the biggest fan of the "story" that comes up towards the end, of the little Dumbo being sad it doesn't have anything special like all the other cephalopods.
Again, I didn't think that added much - there was too little of a story for that to really feel charming. Instead, integrating more plot, or other characters could have made it work, or to leave it out entirely.

The cephalopod facts were cool and interesting, though I almost wanted more. However, the way it is is definitely also child friendly, as this is also a children's book.

The one flaw I found, my personal problems with the "story" aside, was that at one point 1 foot gets labelled as 30cm, and at another point as 30.5cm. I appreciated that all measures were given in two units (cm vs foot, miles vs meters), but I hope these inconsistencies will be fixed in the final version.

Very cute and very well-designed graphic nonfiction for younger readers! The voice and the information is perfect for primary students with an interest in marine biology but who might not be ready for something as complex as Science Comics just yet.

This is a great graphic novel about the Dumbo octopus. One thing I want to mention is the use of octopuses. I was going to give a point off due to the perceived use of octopuses, but come to find out octopi is not used anymore as it is not the English preferred use of octopuses. I just learned that today and is a useful bit of information. I love the graphic pictures and the information was fun and playful. I never realize how many cephalopods there were and how they differ in appearance.
Grimpy is the narrator of this story and he is looking for what makes him special amongst all his friends, who are also like him. Saddened that he does not have special features, his friends remind him what makes him even more special. He doesn’t have to hide, or change colors or curl up into spiky balls so predators don’t get him. He live and can survive in the deepest part of the ocean.
The informative nature of the book is wonderful. It doesn’t dumb down information, but is reader friendly for all ages. The illustrations are fun and sweet at the same time
I, personally, have learned so many new things and can’t wait to share with my speech students, especially those that like water creatures. I think I will have them make their own cephalopod and share its story with the classmates.

Thank you to Lerner Publishing, Graphic Universe and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This graphic nonfiction book explores the cephalopod family which includes squid, nautilus, cuttlefish, and octopus. It is narrated by Grimpy the Dumbo Octopus. There are a lot of facts in this short book, many of which I was unaware, like the Dumbo octopus lives 4 ½ miles deep in the ocean. Did you know that octopuses have arms, not tentacles? The information is presented in a very approachable and colorful manner. I would recommend this for grades 3 and up
.
#ImADumboOctopus #NetGalley

My kids (and I!) thoroughly enjoyed this book. Formatted like a graphic novel, the book is narrated by the *cutest* dumbo octopus, Grimpy. Kids learn about different cephalopods in a really interactive and engaging way. Along the way, Grimpy learns that while he may not have some of the flashy, cool traits of other cephalopods, he is perfectly suited to his own environment and exactly how he is meant to be. I highly recommend this book for kids and families.

Thank you to Lerner Publishing Group for gifting my family with an ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

netgalley ARC.
This was great! I love the depth diagram spread and the inclusion of “real-life” Grimpy.

I would like to give a huge thank you to Lerner Publishing Group, Graphic Universe ™ and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am the parent of a 9 year old child, and we love reading together. This book is a fantastic addition to any reading session - for both adults and children! It was adorably illustrated, the information was put together in a way that was fun, easy to understand, and not overwhelming! There were several times that I, the 33-year-old parent, laughed out loud. My coworker is already tired of me quoting, "Together we'll take on the briny deep arm in arm in arm in arm in arm..." (not really, she's also a parent and we are cackling together).

This book is so good that I've already sent a request to my local library, as well as sent it to several other parents I know to suggest they read this to their kiddos soon after release!

The only issue I had with the book (the reason it's 4.75, not 5 stars) is that poor Grimpy was too hard on himself. I totally understand not being able to see your own special aspects, and I was super happy when the rest of the cephalopods got together to tell Grimpy all of his amazing facts at the end.

Overall, I loved the time spent reading this book!

Way to make something terrifying adorable. Soooo much information packed into this. It will be great for kids who have special interests.

This is adorable! It's just the right depth of fact, with as much fun as you'd expect. I did have an initial negative reaction to the way the narrator speaks about himself, but it was turned around wonderfully at the end. The art is beautiful, and there are plenty of pages of it and of all kinds of cephalopods!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for granting access to this book
This is a charming book about a dumbo octopus -- or really an octopus with a lack of self esteem. This book is important to teach children that everyone has something they can be good at, but the important lesson in that is that they have to believe in themselves. I believe that this is a book that both adults and children alike would enjoy.

This was a really fun and informative read and the illustrations were great. This gave you so much information about different cephalopods not just the Dumbo octopus and how they differ or how much they are alike. The Dumbo octopus is our narrator and lets us know all the fun facts about the other cephalopods but ends up frustrated when he realizes that he’s not as cool as the others. He learns that he is as great as the other cephalopods and they highlight all the cool things he does. This is great for a kiddo that loves graphic novels and learning about the ocean.

Thanks to Graphic Universe and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

Gorgeous illustrations. Read like a comic book with the main character guiding us through and teaching us. I am a dive master and love nerding out about marine animals. Well Done!

I love a nonfiction book hosted by an adorable creature, and Grimpy definitely fits the bill. I like the level of information for this age group, not too complicated but not talking down to the reader either. While octopuses have been well covered recently, the addition of other cephalopods makes this a good addition to my non-fiction section. The comic layouts can be a tad confusing, particularly when a plot is happening behind Grimpy like the squid and octopus squabbling as pirates. There are too many things going on on the page to easily track who is speaking to whom. The more realistic layouts, whole pages of sea creatures laid out across the sea floor, are very attractive. Giving Grimpy a bit of story, searching for something special about himself is a good touch as well.

Thank you Graphic Universe and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

This book is an amazing learning resource! There is a lot of information, but the graphic novel style keeps it entertaining and easy to understand. The illustrations are very cute. Adults and kids will learn new info from this book.

This graphic novel is adorable and full of fun facts and information! It's engaging and easy to read. It will make a great addition to those kiddos' libraries that can't get enough animal books. I'm a huge fan of graphic novel non fiction.

As someone who loves biology I adored this book! It combined all the information you’d get in a lecture with a light and fun storyline. I liked how the Dumbo octopus struggled with feeling different (as many kids do) but was able to find friends who loved and accepted him. It had a little bit of everything in it from fun facts about squid biology to conversations about feeling inadequate. I hope this author comes out with another book soon because I loved this one.

I'm a Dumbo Octopus! is a very fun book that is recommendable for young children - and even adults! My 7-year-old enjoyed reading this book in one sitting. Per his words, he said this book was entertaining and he really liked the comic style graphics. It provides a lot of information about other octopus and sea animals. Myself as an adult found the entire book insightful. For children who enjoys learning about sea creatures, this book also serves as a knowledge check as I saw with my son. The book tested his current knowledge and made him feel empowered.
Definitely a recommendable book to read together with your little one or even as a classroom. It sparks engagement and a lot of open conversations.

This is a fantastic informational graphic novel. Grimpy, a dumbo octopus guides you through the different types of cephalopods and their unique characteristics. The writing is informative and fun. The art is detailed and engaging. It was a quick educational read, I can see kids being drawn in by the playful explanations.
I’m grateful for Lerner Publishing Group and NetGalley for sending me a digital ARC. I can’t wait to share this with my kids.