8th to the 12th of October, International Cephalopod Awareness Days

Every year from the 8th to the 12th of October, International Cephalopod Awareness Days come around to teach the world about cephalopods. This event is all about celebrating and sharing how fascinating and incredible they are!

October 8   – Octopus Day, for all the eight-armed species

October 9   – Nautilus Night, a time for all the lesser-known extant cephalopods

October 10 – Squid Day/Cuttlefish Day, or Squittleday, covering the tentacular species

October 11 – Kraken Day, for all the fantastical cephalopods of myth, movies, literature and legend

October 12 – Fossil Day (to coincide with National Fossil Day), for all the incredible suckers that have gone extinct but left an impression with us.

I have written about this week before here and about Octopus Day here, but since then new books have been added to the library, so here are some to look for on each of these days.

Octopus:

Nautilus:

Squid:

Kraken:

Fossils:

29th September Goose Day

Goose Day, also known as Michaelmas Day (the Feast of St Michael) has its roots in Medieval England when geese were used to pay the rent.

Goose was traditionally served on this day as a lucky charm to ensure wealth and prosperity through the colder months. If you had goose for dinner, you were *golden* for winter. 

While it was once seen as a symbol of good fortune, today we know that factory farming can be less than kind to our feathered friends. 

Geese are more than just honking birds.
There are many reasons to appreciate geese.

1. • Geese are highly intelligent animals. They have excellent memories and are known for their problem-solving abilities.
2. • Geese are very social creatures that form strong bonds with their family members and flock mates. Geese mate for life and are fiercely protective of their families. When they find their goose soulmate, they’re in it for the long waddle.
3. • These birds are incredibly resilient, thriving even in cold climates.
4. • Geese play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by grazing on aquatic plants and spreading seeds, helping to maintain healthy wetlands and grasslands.
5. • Ever noticed how geese fly in a V-formation? This clever strategy reduces air resistance and conserves energy, showcasing their teamwork and cooperation.
6. • Geese are natural watchdogs. They’ve been used for centuries to protect everything from farms to military outposts. They were even used by the Romans to guard their temples!
7. • Need a natural lawnmower? These birds will happily keep your grass and weeds in check, without the need for electricity or harmful chemicals.
8. • Goose eggs are larger and richer in flavour compared to chicken eggs, perfect for a gourmet omelette.

There are lots of stories about geese. The ones from fairytales such as Jack and the Beanstalk and The Ugly Duckling. And others such as The Golden Goose  and Goose Girl, both from Brothers Grim and Honk, Honk! which is based on  a Russian folktale.

 

There are stories where a goose fears for its life because of a  fox.

There are picture book series about geese eg.

• Goose  by Laura Wall

• Duck and Goose  by Tad Hills

• Gossie by Olivier Dunrea

• Suzy Goose  by Petr Horacek

• Katerina by Judith Kerr

Books based on the children's game:

Old favourites:

Ones with rhyming vocabulary:

Some easy chapter books:

And of course some nonfiction: