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

by David Scheel, Laurel "Yoyo" Scheel (Illustrator)

This compelling middle grade adaptation dives deep into the mysteries and misunderstandings of one of our planet’s most enigmatic animals. Among all the ocean’s creatures, few are more captivating―or more elusive―than the octopus. Marine biologist David Scheel investigates these strange beings to try and answer long-held How can we learn more about an animal whose perfect camouflage and secretive habitats make them invisible to detection? How does an almost-boneless package of muscle and protein defeat sharks, eels, and other predators, while also preying on the most heavily armored animals in the sea? How do octopus bodies even work? Octopuses are both fierce predators and vulnerable prey; they are antisocial jerks but also neat-freak roommates; they are in every ocean habitat and yet, being rarely encountered, nowhere at all. This fascinating and engaging middle grade adaptation of Many Things Under a Rock shows young readers how to embrace the wisdom of the unknown―even if it has more arms than expected. black-and-white artwork throughout

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published January 14, 2025

Reviews

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"Many Things Under a Rock, Young Readers Edition" by David Scheel is an enchanting dive into the enigmatic world of one of the ocean's most fascinating creatures—the octopus. Geared towards younger readers, this book masterfully blends scientific facts with engaging storytelling, making the mysteries of octopuses accessible and intriguing for young minds.

David Scheel, a respected marine biologist, brings his extensive knowledge and passion for these cephalopods to life in a way that is both educational and entertaining.

This book is structured to take readers on a journey through the various aspects of octopus life, from their unique anatomy and intelligence to their behaviors and habitats. Each chapter is packed with interesting tidbits and captivating insights that are sure to spark curiosity and wonder.

The young readers edition is beautifully illustrated with vibrant images and diagrams that complement the text perfectly. These visuals not only enhance the learning experience but also help to keep younger readers engaged. The combination of vivid imagery and clear, concise explanations makes complex concepts easy to understand.

Scheel's writing style is approachable and engaging, striking the right balance between informative and fun. He has a knack for breaking down scientific information into bite-sized pieces that are digestible for younger readers without losing the essence of the subject matter. His enthusiasm for the topic shines through on every page, making it impossible not to share in his fascination with these remarkable creatures.

The book includes a series of activities and fun facts that encourage readers to actively engage with the material. These interactive elements make the learning process more dynamic and hands-on, fostering a deeper connection with the subject.

Additionally, the book emphasizes the importance of marine conservation, instilling a sense of responsibility and stewardship in young readers.

"Many Things Under a Rock, Young Readers Edition: The Mysteries of Octopuses" is a delightful and educational read that will captivate young readers and inspire a love for marine biology. David Scheel has succeeded in creating a resource that is not only informative but also immensely enjoyable. This book is a must-have for any young nature enthusiast or aspiring marine biologist.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beneath the ocean waves, myriad creatures make their homes in and around the kelp, coral, and other landmarks found there. The octopus is one of the most curious of these creatures, both because of its appearance and due to its unique interactions with the outside world. With eight arms, suckers on each, a bulbous head, and an inquisitive personality, the octopus not only ranges in size and habitat but also in demeanor. As scientists take time to observe and study the octopus in its various environments around the world, ever more is being discovered about how the octopus lives now, and how that life is changing along with the warming climate.

This book chronicles one scientist’s experiences studying the octopus primarily off the coast of Alaska, discovering elements of the octopus’ environment and behavior both directly and with the help of native people from the area. By collaborating with others, the author is able to paint a more complete picture of the octopus across both space and time. With each new discovery, readers are connected to the science and other important details about this aquatic creature, and through this education, readers increase their understanding of the need to protect the many species of octopus found in the world.

Best for confident readers, this book incorporates a plethora of facts into its dense narrative. Very little white space is found amidst the text, and while there are choice illustrations included, they are few and far between. While these design elements are not well suited to young readers, however, this book is an immersive non-fiction account that will appeal to anyone deeply interested in the mysterious octopus. Back matter includes a glossary as well as a discussion of the resources utilized within the book. All together, this is a robust discussion of one scientist's observations of several types of octopus, and it will inspire confident scientific readers to learn more about one of the most enigmatic creatures on the planet. This book is a good addition to nonfiction collections for young adults readers.

[Shilo Quetchenbach · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kiddo (10) lost interest in this very early despite loving science journalism books like this. I managed almost half of it before I gave up.

The Goodreads descripition says in the first sentence that this is "compelling," but it absolutely isn't. It's dry and ponderous and long-winded and takes forever to get to the point and reading it is like trying to pay attention to the ancient professor who should have retired already and speaks in a monotone. It's painfully dull.

It's supposed to be a young reader's edition, but it does a terrible job of making the subject interesting to young readers. I can't imagine how dull the original version must be.

I think the best thing about it is the title. There were some interesting tidbits sprinkled in, but not enough to compel me to push through and finish it.

*Thanks to W. W. Norton & Company for providing an early copy for review.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love science books that read like action-adventure stories. The scientist in this travels around to observe octopi in their natural habitat, which is not easy for several reasons. One reason is simply that octopi are not social, and it can be difficult to even know if you are seeing the same octopus as before. Octopi are intelligent and fascinating, but reading this made me feel as though there is still so much more to learn.
One of my favorite parts was how the writer knows an octopus who doesn't like him, and sprays him when he sees him, to the point that he will spray him and deliberately miss everyone else in a crowd. There were suspenseful parts and funny parts, and I'm thinking I'll read the regular edition next. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

[Christine Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if kids will enjoy this as much as I did, but I found it easy to read and fascinating. Octopuses are cool.