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My Friend the Octopus

Book
My Friend the Octopus by Lindsay Galvin

As seen:

By Lindsay Galvin

avg rating

17 reviews

Twelve-year-old Vinnie Fyfe works in the tea-shop at Brighton
aquarium, and waits for her milliner mother to return from Paris.
The arrival of a giant octopus changes her life for ever as a
gripping mystery begins to unfold .

Reviews

08 Jan 2024

It is fiction and I found the plot about Vinnie’s mother confusing but entertaining. Temitayo being the mystery journalist is another nice twist.

09 Oct 2023

A great period adventure. The mystery behind this story had me gripped! I loved that the story was set in a different time period which can teach the children as well as entertain them.

03 Sep 2023

A gripping historical tale of aquariums and the ocean, also showing some knowledge of industry

20 Aug 2023

It was amazing with lots of twists and turns. I Loved it. I definitely recommend this for older kids. It was so good and I can't wait to read her next book.

19 Aug 2023

A book about Vinnie who goes to Brighton from London to stay with her Auntie. She befriends an octopus at Brighton Aquarium who can do some strange things.

05 Aug 2023

All the facts surprised me!How can they do this to children?

01 Aug 2023

I loved this book the characters, the setting and of course the octopus. I expected a Victorian adventure based around the devil-fish but this story is so much more - the subtle discussion of society , class and women’s roles in Victorian England make this a thought provoking book wrapped up in an exciting fast paced adventure.

07 Jul 2023

I love this book!
Its sad and inspirational.There is like a twist in every chapter but since this is set in the 80's I don't understand alot of the words.Overall it's an amazing book.

01 Nov 2022

A gorgeous book. Lovely historical context as well as the octopus storyline. Did not shy away from issues of the time or making a supposedly good character more sinister.

31 Oct 2022

Simply wonderful Victorian tale of two children battling against a tide of adult apathy, wicked villains and a trapped beast. I loved every page!

10 Sep 2022

Good - I recommend reading

04 Sep 2022

A colleague asked me about this book. Told them it's in my TBR pile but I'm happy to lend. Picked it up to put in my bag this morning. Thought I'll just read the first chapter...
Now I can properly recommend it!
Love 🐙 💜
#RfP #PastMyBedtime!
@LindsayGalvin @chickenhsebook

26 Aug 2022

A beautifully written book about the importance of friendships and not judging others. Set in Victorian Brighton this is perfect for any readers who have enjoyed the likes of Murder most unladylike and The Sinclair Mysteries.

22 Aug 2022

A beautiful looking book . There were a lot of themes in there and I felt like they were all fighting for a place and some felt a bit disconnected from the story.
I adored the parts about Brighton, about the Aunt and swimming, and the main characters relationship with the Octopus.

18 Aug 2022

This was a really, really good book that kept me reading. I liked the poet and idea of the story. My favourite character is Charlie because of what he does and his sense of adventure.

03 Aug 2022

This book is about an octopus's arrival in an aquarium and a girl whose mother has disappeared.

02 Aug 2022

Absolutely brilliant! Gutsy heroine ‘Vin’ who goes in a journey of discovery in every single sense of the word! Brilliant portrayal of Victorian era with so many evocative images of this amazing time period. Fell in love with Brighton Aquarium and the characters within! Cannot recommend highly enough. Won’t spoil it but have cried, smiled and loved in equal measure! Learnt so much and inspired to learn more. Cannot wait to share with my new Year 6s.

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