For Island Pacific Academy Grade 4 student Adelaide ‘34, the idea for her artwork started with curiosity and a fascination with one of the ocean’s most intelligent creatures.
“I drew an octopus because I think they are intelligent,” she said. “I’ve seen how they can open things to get food, like crabs. I think they’re really smart, and I think that’s why they would be a perfect pet.”
Her drawing was submitted to the Young Artists “Perfect Pets” national contest, which invited children ages 4–12 to imagine and illustrate their ideal pet – real or imaginary – for a chance to be published in a professionally produced anthology.
Adelaide’s octopus was more than just creative, it was thoughtful.
“They have three hearts,” she explained. “I think they need that many to pump blood through all their arms – they have eight.”
Her work was selected for publication alongside submissions from students across the country, with many other Island Pacific Academy students earning a place in the Perfect Pets book.
But Adelaide’s recognition didn’t stop there.
Her artwork was chosen for the cover of the book.
“It feels really shocking,” Adelaide said. “I’m still in shock.”
For Auxiliary Programs Supervisor, Zachary Faulkner, known as “Mr. Z,” who helped bring the opportunity to students, the recognition reflected something he had already seen in her.
“With Adelaide, what stood out was her consistency and attention to detail,” he said. “She approached the challenge with focus and intention. It wasn’t just about finishing, it was about doing it well. She’s also someone who has engaged with multiple challenges, so this felt like a moment where her continued effort really paid off.”
Adelaide’s cover feature turned a simple idea into something lasting – a piece of artwork shared far beyond the classroom.
