• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

With their blue blood, big brains and eight arms, octopuses are dramatically different from any other being.

Octopuses are masters of camouflage and known for their incredible escapes from tight spots. New research shows that they are highly intelligent creatures, and while they prefer to be alone, they will interact with humans and display unique personality traits.

In Octopus Ocean, discover the mysteries and histories of octopuses big and small—their biology, habitat and habits—and explore the top threats to their future, including warming oceans, over-fishing and pollution.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Mark Leiren-Young is a writer, documentary filmmaker, playwright, podcaster and orca activist. His book The Killer Whale Who Changed the World won the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada general audience book award. He wrote, directed and produced an award-winning documentary The Hundred-Year-Old Whale, and his documentary about Moby Doll is being produced by Middle Child Films. Mark hosts Skaana, a podcast about orca and ocean stories and is actively involved in the fight for the survival of the endangered southern residents. Mark has written for other young audiences for ABC, PBS, YTV, Treehouse and BBC Kids. His books for young readers include Big Whale, Small World, Orcas of the Salish Sea and the City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize winner, Orcas Everywhere. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia.

“Mark Leiren-Young is the kind of author who produces trustworthy works of nonfiction that will both entertain and educate children.”–CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Mark Leiren-Young's profile page

• Commended, Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection

“An unusually lively meet and greet—stimulating and informative.”

Kirkus Reviews

“Thanks to My Octopus Teacher and other media, octopuses are having a moment, and thanks to this title in the Orca Wild series, middle-grade readers can understand what makes this strange animal so fascinating. The numerous color photos for different octopus species from around the world are the real attention-grabbers in this inviting and informational book.”

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