Octopus Moon by Bobbie Pyron

April 19, 2025

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I’m SUPER GRATEFUL Bobbie Pyron stopped by to discuss Octopus Moon.

I have so many feelings about this book.

This necessary,
honest,
B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L book
requires an in-person conversation.

We need to be in a room together for me to do this story justice.

A space in which
I will articulate
why I love Bobbie’s poetry.

In the meantime,
please trust me:
buy it, read it, share it!

I wrote the words in purple, and Bobbie wrote the words in black.

Thank you, Bobbie!

Octopus Moon tells the story of ten-year-old Pearl who is struggling with depression. We follow Pearl’s journey from crippling depression to hope and healing.

Pearl is a sensitive soul who loves animals, the ocean, running, her true-blue beagle, Tuck, her grandfather, and her best friends. But once depression takes over, it is hard to find that light from all the things she loves amidst the darkness.

Poetry is the language of the soul.

Story is essential! From the time we first huddled around fires, we’ve told stories to help us make sense of the world. Stories also help us feel less lonely. I think particularly with kids, stories help us make sense of the world within us.

John Schu, you should have asked me why I wrote this book. I too have struggled with depression and anxiety since I was a very young child. There were no books for kids back in the early 60’s featuring a character dealing with depression, let alone any kind of mental illness. A book like Octopus Moon would have helped me so much! It is my great, good hope that Octopus Moon helps any kid dealing with mental illness feel less alone and “seen.” I also hope my book will help kids (and adults) who don’t struggle with depression understand what that world is like. That it’s not just “a bad day,” or “having the blues.” As the saying goes, a story should serve as a mirror and a window. I hope Octopus Moon does both.

Thanks so much, John! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this!

Thank you so much, Bobbie!

Bobbie Pyron has worked in libraries and bookstores in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah and has been active in local animal rescue work for many years. She’s the author of A Pup Called Trouble, A Dog’s Way Home, and Stay. Bobbie lives in Ashville, NC, with her husband, Todd, and their dog, Sherlock. Visit her at www.bobbiepyron.com.