The Keeper of the Octopus by Neridah McMullin is a heartfelt and imaginative story that follows Pippy and a gentle, giant creature. Year 4 students from Tenison Woods College caught up with the author to discuss her novel. See the full Q&A via the video below.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Since her father sailed away, Uncle Isaac is the only family Pippy has left. Together they spend their days fishing off the coast, until one day Pippy is knocked into the sea and rescued by a gentle, giant creature …
Uncle Isaac knows it’s time to tell Pippy the truth. Pippy is the descendent of a long line of Keepers – the Keeper of the Octopus, responsible for the giant octopus who protects the fisherfolk of the village. At first, Pippy is hesitant to meet Octavia, but soon the octopus is sharing her dreams with Pippy and they recognise each other as kindred spirits. But when the Calamary Brothers come to Portablow, she learns of their search for a particular giant octopus. It’s up to Pippy – and her rag-tag crew of a cat, a dog, a hobgoblin called Ferg and an albatross – to rescue Octavia from the Calamary’s clutches.
WATCH VIDEO
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neridah McMullin loves animals, true stories and history. An author of twelve books for children, Neridah is also an award-winning short story writer and poet. Her middle-grade fiction novel Evie and Rhino was shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year in 2023, shortlisted for the Readings Prize and won the Australian Speech Pathology Book of the Year for Younger Readers. Her picture books Drover, Shearer and Tearaway Coach, set during the Victorian gold rush, were published to great acclaim. Her picture book Eat my Dust was a CBCA Notable in 2024. Neridah believes she was born at least 100 years too late. She loves old books, old people and local historical societies. She also loves footy, family, walking her dog and meeting other people’s dogs.
(4/5)
The Keeper of the Octopus is magic realism, where the protagonist, Pippy, is grieving the loss of her parents. Her mother has supposedly drowned, her father has disappeared. Cared for by her aging great uncle, Pippy is adrift both physically and metaphorically as they sail in their treasured boat The Flying Seahorse.
Pippy lives in the British Isles within a small village steeped in folk lore and tales of the sea. Pippy finds that she has inherited her mother’s role of protecting the large octopus Octavia, that lives in the mouth of the river of her village.
The novel explores many themes of loss and reconnection overlaid with an environmental theme. Pippy is involved in a quest to protect not only Octavia but also the sea creatures in her local environment. The story has a nautical vocabulary as well as local colloquialisms, which may need a little research by the reader.
I found this an engaging tale of reality, underscored by engaging magic.
(4/5)
Crusty craypots! What a magical story of Pippy and her loyal friends.
Despite taking a little while to hold my attention, I am so happy that I stayed to the journey’s end.
The Keeper of the Octopus would be a fantastic class read. There are some great themes woven through the story that would make for further educational discussion.
And, I learned much about octopi, moon phases and damaging fishing practices.
Our protagonist, Pippy, is portrayed as capable and kind. And, it is a delight that Captain Whiting is a ‘she’. But I did notice some grammar and spelling errors.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and think others will too.
(3/5)
A young girl named Pippy loses her mum and dad and has to live with her Uncle, whose mind is slowly deteriorating, in a small seaside town. Early into the novel we discover that her mother was the Keeper of the Octopus and with her passing meant that Pippy would assume the role.
I love the idea of a girl who feels drawn to the ocean and finds purpose there after a time of grief. I loved her fun adventures and how she was able to save the day from the dreaded Calamary Brothers.
What I wasn’t a fan of in this novel is that Pippy is going through some pretty awful things; the loss of her mum, the abandonment of her dad and now Uncle Isaac’s health is depleting. But these are all things are glossed over. I feel like we don’t let Pippy feel the grief of all of that. I understand that as a junior fiction novel, but it would have been nice to see a bit more of her character developed as she navigates these big events.
I think if you’re looking for tale packed with whimsy and fun, look no further.
(5/5)
The Keeper of the Octopus is an astonishing story about Pippy Cocklebiddy, who is a young, kind, and brave girl. When I first picked up this book, I had no idea what to expect, but after the first chapter, I was unable to put it down. This book tugged at my heartstrings, knowing that Pippy had gone from being afraid and quiet, to standing up for what she believes in.
When I read a book, my favorite thing to do is imagine myself as the character, and the author definitely set the scene for me. Pippy did not care what others thought of her and was always a hundred percent herself, which is definitely a huge strength. I was so engaged all throughout the story, especially reading about Pippy’s growth.
I have not read any of this author’s other books, but I am hooked on their writing. This book inspired me and sends a powerful message to other young girls.
(4/5)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Keeper of the Octopus. It blends myth, memory, and the ocean’s deep secrets. McMullen weaves a lyrical tale of transformation and ancestral magic. The protagonist’s bond with the octopus becomes a symbol of emotional depth and the blurred line between reality and imagination. It is rich and atmospheric, pulled me into a world where nothing is quite as it seems. A beautifully strange story that is perfect for fans of surreal, character-driven narratives.
(5/5)
The Keeper of the Octopus is a magical story, with warm and funny characters throughout. I loved the way the story guided you through Pippy’s heartache and loneliness, her commitment to family and friendships, accepting connection and ultimately taking on the role of Keeper of the Octopus. This beautifully written book wrapped its tentacles around me and took me on an amazing adventure from the shores of a gnarly fishing community, into a magical underwater world. It threw in a trio of rogues, a fierce desire to save, restore and protect, and Pippy’s brave and wild chase in the pursuit of freedom.
And in the quiet, if I really listened, I too could hear a faint shoosh, a soft pumping, and the blip of three heart beats thumping.
I couldn’t stop reading this beautifully written story. Off to find some more writing by Neridan McMullen to share around.
(4/5)
The Keeper of the Octopus is a heartfelt and imaginative story with a strong message about caring for the ocean. The pacing flowed well and felt age-appropriate throughout—nothing was too complex or far-fetched. The blend of magical realism and environmental themes was handled in a gentle and engaging way.
The characters were warm and easy to connect with. Pippy is a likeable protagonist, and the supporting cast added fun and depth to the story. You really want them to succeed.
One of the biggest strengths was the vivid world-building. The setting felt alive, and the magical elements were creative without becoming overwhelming for younger readers. The theme of protecting marine life was woven in naturally and will absolutely resonate with anyone who picks up the book.
Overall, this was a lovely, well-paced story that balances whimsy with meaning. A solid 4-star read.