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Table of Contents
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About the Book
Three starred reviews!
Odder meets Growing Home in this “tender and insightful” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) illustrated middle grade novel in verse about an octopus named Houdini, her unexpected friendship with the aquarium owner’s daughter, and her deep yearning to return to the sea.
All day long we can hear
that Sea howl prowling wild
inside our brains and every part of us is straining
to feel it taste it twirl it whirl it swirl it
inside our body
again.
Houdini the octopus lives in an aquarium, but she misses her home in the wild Sea. She doesn’t like the visitors who bang on her tank. Or the way she can’t feel the sun on her skin or the wind rippling the water. It’s a dull existence for a creature with nine brains.
Then one day she meets someone who is different than the others. Juno’s busy brain buzzes with so many questions and thoughts that Houdini’s skin tingles with wonder.
But the singing of the Sea is growing stronger and harder to resist. Can Houdini make Juno understand what she needs before it’s too late?
Odder meets Growing Home in this “tender and insightful” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) illustrated middle grade novel in verse about an octopus named Houdini, her unexpected friendship with the aquarium owner’s daughter, and her deep yearning to return to the sea.
All day long we can hear
that Sea howl prowling wild
inside our brains and every part of us is straining
to feel it taste it twirl it whirl it swirl it
inside our body
again.
Houdini the octopus lives in an aquarium, but she misses her home in the wild Sea. She doesn’t like the visitors who bang on her tank. Or the way she can’t feel the sun on her skin or the wind rippling the water. It’s a dull existence for a creature with nine brains.
Then one day she meets someone who is different than the others. Juno’s busy brain buzzes with so many questions and thoughts that Houdini’s skin tingles with wonder.
But the singing of the Sea is growing stronger and harder to resist. Can Houdini make Juno understand what she needs before it’s too late?
About the Author
No photo credit
Zana Fraillon (she/they) is an internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning author of books for children and young adults. Her work has been published in over fifteen countries and is in development for both stage and screen. She has a doctorate in creative writing and degrees in history and teaching. Zana’s passion for empowering young people to find their voice is a feature of both her books and her work with writers of all ages.
About the Reader
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (November 24, 2026)
- Runtime: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- ISBN13: 9781668187302
- Grades: 3 - 7
- Ages: 8 - 12
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Raves and Reviews
"Wen beautifully captures an octopus’ distress and determination. (Verse fiction. 7-14)"
—Kirkus Reviews
"Narrator Alice Wen creates a high-pitched voice for octopus Houdini, who is stuck in an aquarium exhibit and missing the freedom of life in the open ocean. In perfect juxtaposition, Wen establishes a deep, booming voice for aquarium owner Paul that punctuates Houdini’s rhythmic narrative. Though Paul tries to make Houdini feel at home by offeringher puzzles and treats, she remains restless and even escapes her tank each night to explore. During the day, she feels imprisoned, with visitors tapping on her glass and shouting for her to come out of hiding. When she meets Paul's daughter, Juno, and forms a connection, Houdini finally believes that a different life may be possible after all."
—Kirkus Reviews
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): An Octopus Named Houdini
Unabridged Audio Download 9781668187302
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Author Photo (jpg): Zana Fraillon No photo credit(0.1 MB)
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