The Octopus's Eight Invitations

In a small, glowing blue cove, Ollie the Octopus lives with her coral-orange skin, soft purple spots and a tiny blue sailor hat. One day she decides to host a party, taking eight crisp invitations from her canvas satchel and giving one to each of her eight wavy arms. She plans eight activities, one for every arm, convinced that if every guest joins every activity, no one will be left out.

Her friends see things differently. Pip the Penguin enjoys sliding and dancing, Beatrix the Bee would rather paint quietly among her flowers, and Toby the Tortoise prefers stories and puzzles to racing. As Ollie tries to keep everyone to her schedule, her guests start to feel excluded, and a funny twist in her tummy hints that something is wrong. This gentle picture-book tale by Çınar BİBER explores friendship and difference, and can be read on Masalcı Baba.