MANY THINGS UNDER A ROCK YOUNG READERS EDITION

Follow an octopus scientist around the world to learn about the fascinating lives of these enigmatic cephalopods.

Drawing on 25 years’ experience as a marine biologist, David Scheel explores the natural history and behavior of octopuses to better understand their motivations and priorities. This work delves into his efforts to locate, track, and study octopuses, offering plenty of firsthand observations and information about approximately 20 species. This densely packed text will be most inviting to readers with a solid science background and an interest in marine science. Despite being slimmer than the original adult edition, this volume is still jampacked with detailed anecdotes, references to relevant research, and thoughtful insights. Many chapters conclude by posing questions that scientists have yet to answer. The narrative also includes discussion of the detrimental effects of the climate crisis on octopus species. Much of Scheel’s work has been concentrated in Alaska, and throughout the book he credits and expresses thanks to the Indigenous people who shared knowledge and experience that aided his work as a researcher and writer. Detailed black-and-white line drawings by the author’s daughter include a few anatomically specific illustrations and convey the beauty of octopuses as well as their behavior. Additional visual aids—charts and photos of species and habitats—would have provided a richer reading experience for readers.

A deep dive with appeal for those who are passionate about science and marine animals.