Embracing Differences: A Review of "There's an Octopus in My Class" by Matt M. Morano
Welcome to an exploration of a delightful new children's book that promises to engage young readers while imparting vital lessons on empathy and acceptance. There's an Octopus in My Class, written by Matt M. Morano, dives into the heartwarming story of a boy who faces the challenge of accepting an unusual classmate—an octopus. This enchanting tale not only entertains but also serves as a valuable tool for discussing important themes such as diversity, friendship, and understanding differences. As we delve into the details of this picture book, we will uncover its rich narrative, vibrant illustrations, and the meaningful conversations it inspires among children and their caregivers. Join us as we navigate through the book's information, synopsis, and my personal reading experience, highlighting why this book is a must-have for any young reader's library.
Book information
Title: There's an Octopus in My Class
Author: Matt M. Morano
Publisher: Independently Published
Publication Date: September 15, 2026
Series: 2nd book in a standalone series
Genre: Contemporary, Animals, Social-Emotional Learning, Educational
Age Category: Children's, 4+
Known formats: paperback
Known languages: English
Format: Picture Book
Representation and Themes: Diversity, Empathy, Inclusion, Friendship, Understanding Differences, Judgment and Acceptance
Book Synopsis
In a lively classroom, a boy struggles to accept an unexpected classmate—a curious octopus. While others welcome the octopus, the boy's unease leads to missed connections. Avoiding the octopus at every turn, the boy's perspective shifts during a soccer game when a crucial decision arises: should he invite the octopus to play? There’s an Octopus in My Class, a heartwarming picture book by Dr. Matt Morano, explores themes of assumptions, empathy, and embracing differences. It serves as a tool for discussing initial judgments, the power of inclusivity, and finding common ground. Aimed at children ages 4 to 8, the book includes a note for parents and caregivers on fostering openness. This gentle story reveals the magic of understanding and friendship, inspiring young readers to celebrate diversity and uniqueness.
My reading log
Day 1 - September 22, 2026 pg. 30 (read 30 pages)
My rating and review
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★★, 5 stars
The characters in this book are exceptionally well-developed, showcasing a range of emotions and experiences that make them feel realistic and relatable to young readers. Each character is crafted with depth, allowing readers to connect with their individual struggles and triumphs.
The setting, primarily focused on the familiar environments of a classroom and schoolyard, is portrayed with striking realism. The illustrations are vivid and immersive, enabling readers to easily visualize the scenes and feel as though they are part of the story.
The writing style is concise and straightforward, making it accessible for young audiences. It strikes a balance between being engaging and educational, ensuring that important lessons are conveyed without coming across as preachy or didactic.
The plot, while short and sweet, is rich with educational content that prompts young readers to reflect on their own experiences and encourages them to ask questions about the themes presented in the book.
Throughout the narrative, there are valuable lessons about friendship, the tendency to judge others at first glance, the emotional turmoil of feeling left out, and the importance of kindness and empathy. These themes are woven seamlessly into the story, making them relevant and thought-provoking for children.
The illustrations play a crucial role in enhancing the storytelling; they are not only vivid but also realistic and immersive, complementing the text beautifully. One particularly noteworthy illustration features the overarching message of the book displayed on the classroom board. This visual element serves as an excellent focal point for discussions, providing an opportunity for educators and parents to engage children in activities that explore the book's themes further.
The narrative effectively captures the realistic struggles faced by young children, and perhaps even older ones, such as the challenges of reading certain words, the pain of exclusion, and the difficulties in making or accepting new friends. Furthermore, the book includes a thoughtful note directed at parents and educators, addressing the common tendency for both children and adults to make judgments based on first impressions, particularly regarding appearance. It emphasizes the importance of fostering an open-minded approach when meeting new individuals, encouraging readers to reflect on their own biases and consider how they can work towards inclusivity and understanding.
The main character, a boy who initially judges the new kid, embodies a relatable fear of being overshadowed or replaced by someone new. This anxiety about the potential loss of friendships leads him to act defensively, causing him to withdraw from including the new child in discussions or activities, such as soccer games. This dynamic adds layers to the story, illustrating how fear and insecurity can manifest in unkind behaviors, while also highlighting the journey towards acceptance and friendship.
"There's an Octopus in My Class" is not just a short and sweet read; it is an educational and immersive experience that serves as a valuable resource for educators and parents alike. It provides a platform for teaching and discussing core values such as kindness, empathy, judgment, acceptance, and friendship, making it an essential addition to any young reader's library. This book has the potential to spark meaningful conversations and reflections, helping children navigate their social worlds with greater understanding and compassion.
Discussion Questions for Young Readers
Before Reading
What do you think the story might be about based on the title, There's an Octopus in My Class?
Have you ever felt nervous about meeting someone new? How did you feel?
What do you think makes someone a good friend?
Can you name some things that make people different from one another? How do you feel about those differences?
During Reading
How does the boy feel about the octopus at the beginning of the story? Can you tell by his actions?
What do the other characters think about the octopus? How does this contrast with the boy's feelings?
What important decision does the boy have to make during the soccer game? What do you think he should do?
How do the illustrations help you understand the emotions of the characters?
After Reading
How did the boy's feelings about the octopus change throughout the story? What caused that change?
What lessons do you think the boy learned by the end of the book?
How can we apply the themes of empathy and acceptance in our everyday lives?
What would you do if you were in the boy's situation? Would you have acted differently?
Can you think of a time when you included someone who was different? How did that make you feel?
Activities for Young Readers
Before Reading
Discuss what makes someone different and why diversity is important.
Introduce the concept of empathy by asking questions like, "How would you feel if someone new joined your class?"
Show illustrations of octopuses and other sea creatures, discussing their unique traits.
Encourage children to share their experiences of meeting someone new or different.
Ask children to predict what the story might be about based on the title and cover illustration.
During Reading
Pause at key moments to discuss the boy's feelings and choices.
Encourage children to express their thoughts on how they would react in similar situations.
Ask questions about the illustrations and what they add to the story.
Identify moments in the story that showcase empathy or judgment; discuss them as a group.
Have children role-play scenes from the book to explore character emotions.
After Reading
Host a discussion about the themes of friendship, acceptance, and empathy.
Have children draw their favorite scene from the book and explain why they chose it.
Create a "Kindness Tree" where children can write down acts of kindness they can do for others.
Encourage children to write a letter to the octopus, sharing their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Organize a group activity or game that promotes inclusivity, such as a team-building exercise.
About the Author
Matt M. Morano, with over 25 years in education and counseling, is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and an author. Holding a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Connecticut, he specializes in helping parents and families manage the complexities of emotions and behaviors. His book, "There's a Moose in My Attic," offers a warm way for children and adults to discuss mistakes and honesty. Living in North Carolina with his family, Matt also founded Your Peak Mind, PLLC, focusing on social-emotional learning for children and exploring resilience and mental performance across all ages.
Where to buy or find the book
To find There's an Octopus in My Class, search for the exact title and author name through trusted sources. Good places to check include:
Local libraries
Library request systems
Local Bookstores
Conclusion
There's an Octopus in My Class by Matt M. Morano is more than just a delightful children's book; it is a powerful tool for nurturing empathy and understanding among young readers. Through its engaging narrative and vibrant illustrations, the story encourages children to confront their biases and embrace diversity, making it a vital addition to any child's library. The relatable characters and meaningful themes provide an excellent foundation for discussions about friendship, acceptance, and the importance of looking beyond first impressions. As we strive to foster a more inclusive world, this book serves as a gentle reminder of the beauty found in our differences and the friendships that can blossom when we open our hearts and minds. Whether read at home or in a classroom setting, this enchanting tale is sure to inspire thoughtful conversations and lasting lessons.
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