Barbara’s Pick
September 2022
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Shelby Van Pelt
Ecco Publisher, May 3, 2022
This charming book tells the story of a giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus McSquiddles and his unlikely friend, Tova. The jewel of a small Pacific Northwest aquarium and a “remarkably bright creature,” Marcellus has taught himself how to escape his enclosure and mystify the humans. After Tova helps him out of a jam, Marcellus makes it his mission to bring some joy to her lonely life . . . and he succeeds. The supporting characters are funny and relatable.
This book is my favorite read all summer. If you like whimsy, this has it in spades!