Hello, My Name Is Octicorn

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.

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.

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.

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!

I love this book so much. I discovered it in a bookstore in Portland. My friend had a baby so I found it online and got it for her, then another friend, then myself, then my sister. It is now my and my husband’s go to baby shower gift. It has the sweetest message about being different. Highly recommend!

Love everything about this book. I went to high school with Justin and this books shows how great of a person he is and glad I was able to share it with my kids!

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.

My almost 5 year old daughter loves this book. She didn't want to read it at first because... well, what the heck is an Octicorn? The book answered that question very well. Also teaches that being different is OK. It's a short book that is still interesting.

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

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

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