Tune in to Inspirational Story of Friendship, Perseverance and a Musical Octopus

Olly the Octopus' Underwater Orchestra by David Armitage

"This playful but deeply earnest story shows us the importance of having people in your life that will be there to cheer you on — and, with support like that, just how much you can achieve."

“Olly the Octopus wasn’t always a famous musician who toured Sealife centres and aquariums around the world … He had to overcome many challenges and show resilience, courage and determination to make a difference, but in the end, all his hard work turned him into a superstar.”

So begins the story of Olly the Octopus’ Underwater Orchestra, written by David Armitage with illustrations by Kyle Turner. This playful but deeply earnest story shows us the importance of having people in your life that will be there to cheer you on — and, with support like that, just how much you can achieve.

This Cephalopod’s Got Soul

As a shy, quiet, small fry (that’s the word for a baby octopus), Olly doesn’t make much of a splash. But there’s a rhythm inside him that’s eager to be let out — and from the very first notes of soul he ever hears, Olly is hooked.

He devotes his time to learning everything he can about music, from anyone he can find. He even learns to play more than one instrument at once, making him a one-octopus band! Altogether through his travels, however, Olly only picks up seven instruments. That leaves one tentacle free — but for what instrument?

Let the Orchestra Play On

Not an instrument, as it turns out, but something else … a conductor’s baton! Because it just so happens that the next musician Olly comes across is the conductor of the ‘All Crab Ocean Orchestra.’ With his guidance, Olly masters the final leg of his journey (so to speak) to being a truly multitalented musician. He’s even scouted by ‘Ocean’s Got Talent,’ one of the premiere aquatic competition shows!

At first, Olly doesn’t even want to compete — what if he messes up and embarrasses himself? But never fear: “luckily for Olly, he now had friends that supported him, help talk through his emotions, and who would be there for him whenever he needed a fin to lean on.” And with that support, he takes to the stage.

What happens next? You’ll just have to read to find out.

A Multitalented Read

In Olly the Octopus’ Underwater Orchestra, author David Armitage creates a heartfelt narrative that reflects its endearing protagonist — which is saying a lot, since octopi have 3 hearts! The story carries an essential lesson for children that teaches the importance of persisting through difficulties and how it’s okay to lean on others for support. The book communicates this message without preaching to young readers, but instead by clearly demonstrating how Olly’s friends help him build his confidence and self-worth to ready himself for his big performance.

And there’s fun to be had for readers of every age, as Olly comes across alliterative mentors such as “Kevin the Killer Whale who just killed it on the keyboard, a giant guitar-playing squid named Grace, and a battered doc called Clive who played a clarinet in a band called ‘Cod n Chips.’” The author’s humor makes this book the perfect story time read-aloud. But ultimately, it’s still the wholehearted message of this book that carries it to the grand finale.