Reviewed by Kellie Nissen
Can you still be an octopus if you only have seven legs?
Even though Stanley feels like an octopus and can do everything his
brothers and sisters can do, he is still only seen as a ‘septopus’ by his
parents and, as such, must be protected.
Septopus, written by Sydney-based author
Rebecca Fung, with fun illustrations by Kathy Creamer, shines a light on the
importance of not allowing yourself or others to be held back because of
perceived physical disability.
Born with only seven tentacles, Stanley faces constant day-to-day
challenges – adapting clothes so they fit, preparing meals and playing games
designed for those with eight tentacles. With tenacity and determination, he
overcomes these challenges but the biggest obstacle to his desire to lead a
normal life is his parents, who only want to keep him safe but, in doing so,
manage to isolate him.
Stanley’s siblings don’t help either as they constantly make fun of him
and either leave him out of games or force him to be ‘the ball’. Before long,
enough is enough, and Stanley starts plotting his revenge – particularly
against his oldest brother, Oswald, who is the worst offender when it comes to
treating Stanley as a freak.
Able to put up with his lot in life as a septopus, Stanley eventually
reaches breaking point when an invitation arrives inviting ‘all octopus
children’ to a party to celebrate Olympia Ostentat’s birthday in her mansion at
the end of Great Glasseye Parade. Oswald helpfully points out that Stanley is
‘no octopus’ and his father agrees, concerned that Stanley is too frail to
attend such a big party.
Stanley feels like ‘Octorella’, left at home while everyone else attends
the ball. Then he realises that Octorella found a way to go to the ball – and
if she could, then so could Stanley.
While we may like to believe that tolerance and inclusion are put into
practice these days, Septopus raises awareness that perhaps it is not.
Rebecca Fung has created a strong-willed, creative and determined character in
Stanley, who offers hope to readers who may feel excluded because of difference
and encouragement to look for their strengths and abilities.
Septopus is ideal for the lower end of the
middle-grade market and will resonate with readers aged 8–10 years-old.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Buzz Words Books would love to hear what you think.