Tewantin based author and illustrator Sandra Severgnini’s latest book release shines a light on the elusive Mimic Octopus, following its recent discovery in Noosa.
Meet Him brings the world of the shallow ocean seabed to life. The illustrations give a realistic picture of the sea creatures in this environment and how perfectly the octopus impersonates and outwits them.
“I am fascinated with the magical natural world around me and it inspires my words and helps bring sensitivity and humour to my illustrations,“ Sandra said.
“I came across an article on the Mimic Octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) and it fascinated me. So much so that I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I asked around and no-one I spoke to had heard of them. I wanted to share that fascination with others, especially children.
“The mimic octopus was only discovered in 1998, first in the Indo-Pacific region off the coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia, but since then they have been sighted on the Great Barrier Reef, more than 2000 kilometres from where they were first described.
“As they successfully mimic so many other creatures, scientists still have a lot to learn about them. They may have been under our noses all along, so to discover one right here in Noosa is extremely exciting. Happy ending… Sealife successfully released the Mimic Octopus back into the Noosa River.”
Rescued from seemingly dire circumstances, this resilient cephalopod received the highest level of care, including medical attention and specialised rehabilitation which saw it returned to full health.
After an extensive search to find the perfect release site, the mimic octopus was taken by boat and released into the water surrounding Makepeace Island.
Oliver Underwood, Curator at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast said, “this successful release represents more than just rehabilitating a single animal; it embodies our dedication to wildlife preservation and conservation.“
“Collaborations like this one with Wildlife Noosa enable us to advocate for marine life protection and showcase the strength of unity in safeguarding our oceans.“
Sandra’s other books include Grub and Tree Beings (also published by EK Books), as well as Boogie Woogie Bird, In the Shadow of an Elephant, Where’s Lucky?, and The Christmas Garden. In 2020, Tree Beings was an INDIES Finalist for Juvenile Nonfiction (Children’s) and won a Wilderness Society Environment Award for Children’s Literature.
“I owned an art gallery and retail store before finally deciding it was well and truly time to nurture my lifetime passion and focus on children’s picture books,“ she said.
“To date I have been lucky enough to have illustrated six books, authorstrated two and currently have two more on the way.“
Pick up a copy of the book locally at Harry Hartog Maroochydore, The Junction Bookstore Noosaville, Annie’s Books On Peregian, or ask your local bookshop.
Find the book online at ekbooks.org/product/meet-mim/?v=6cc98ba2045f
