A Thor’s day to remember

Author and biologist Thor Hanson will present his latest kids’ and adult non-fiction works at two afternoon talks at Manzanita’s Hoffman Center on Thursday, Oct. 2.

First, at “Storytime with Thor Hanson” he will present his children’s book, “The Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure” with images by Galia Bernstein.

The book tells the true story of Inky the Octopus, who escaped from his tank at the National Aquarium in New Zealand, made his way to a drainpipe and then out to the ocean. Inky made international headlines for the story of his hijinks. The book uses the story to give information about the intelligence and resourcefulness of octopuses.

Next, Hanson will read from his adult non-fiction work, “Close to Home: The Wonders of Nature Just Outside Your Door.”

Using a mix of science and story, Hanson opens the door to the nature that thrives in our yards, gardens and parks. The inspiring work shows how to retrain our eyes to reveal natural worlds of wonder.

Hanson is a Guggenheim Fellow, a Switzer Environmental Fellow and winner of the John Burroughs Medal. His books include “Close to Home,” “Buzz,” “Feathers” and the children’s favorite “Star and the Maestro.” His work has been translated into a dozen languages and earned many accolades, including the Phi Beta Kappa Award in Science and three Pacific Northwest Book Awards. He co-hosted the PBS Nature series “American Spring Live,” and has appeared on programs ranging from Fresh Air to Science Friday, and WIRED Currents. Hanson lives with his family on an island in the Pacific Northwest.

Registration for both talks is strongly recommended; walk-ins are welcome as space allows.

“Storytime with Thor Hanson” begins at 4 pm and the reading from “Close to Home” begins at 5:30 pm at the Hoffman Gallery, located at 594 Laneda Avenue in Manzanita. Tickets for the second reading are $20. For more information go to hoffmanarts.org or call 503-368-3846.