Many Things Under a Rock Young Readers Edition: The Mysteries of Octopuses

Gr 4-6–A complex introduction to the biological wonders of the octopus, adapted from an adult title. Scheel’s seminal work now has a younger reading level, filling a knowledge gap. Yet the book still conveys large amounts of information; the octopus is discussed with thoroughness and wonder. From their extraordinary biology to our still rudimentary understanding of their thoughts and emotions, all aspects of the octopus are analyzed. They are explored through research into their habitats and behaviors, focusing on Alaskan and Australian waters. The research has involved intense interaction with this traditionally solitary animal, yielding a comprehensive profile. Line-drawn illustrations throughout help showcase the octopus’s unique biology. A dry, analytical tone will likely challenge less engaged students. However, this text centering an under-addressed topic still warrants a recommended purchase for collections focusing on biology. A glossary, notes, and index are included.