Who's this? A little flapjack octopus. You may almost have missed him. You see, he's not the type to stand out in a crowd. Unless you were looking for him, you might not spot him at all. He's one of the shy ones.

He's not the type to stand out. In fact, unless you were looking for him, you wouldn't know he was missing at all. But you know us, the shy ones, we can always spot one another.

This delicate picture book about a quiet little octopus that keeps to himself in a school of lively fish explores the topic of shyness and friendship. Stunningly illustrated by bestselling creator of Hug Me, Simona Ciraolo, this book is sure to resonate with young children across the world, particularly those who are just starting school.

“Gorgeous, muted illustrations show an entrancing variety of sea life, and the personalities of each creature carry the story […] A feast for the eyes.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Ciraolo’s palette is bright and her line is supple; she makes shyness seem downright fashionable.”
—Publishers Weekly 

“A wonderful read in the classroom to help children develop empathy and understanding, but also an uplifting read for any shy littles. They will feel seen and understood!”
—Little Cub Literacy