Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.

Many Things Under a Rock Young Readers Edition

The Mysteries of Octopuses

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

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 questions: 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.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

  • Formats

  • Accessibility

    The publisher provides the following statement about the accessibility of the EPUB file supplied to OverDrive. Experiences may vary across reading systems. After borrowing the book, you may download the EPUB files to read in another reading system.

    Ways Of Reading

    • No information about appearance modifiability is available.

    • Not all of the content will be readable as read aloud speech or dynamic braille.

    Conformance

    • No information is available.

  • Languages

  • Reviews

    • Kirkus

      November 15, 2024
      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. (map, glossary, source notes, index)(Nonfiction. 12-18)

      COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

    • School Library Journal

      December 1, 2024

      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. VERDICT The mysterious octopus is explored in-depth through its evolution and ecology in this young readers adaptation, targeting engaged and patient tweens.-Jessica A. Bushore

      Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

    • Booklist

      December 1, 2024
      Grades 5-8 This young readers' version of a behavioral ecologist's study of the giant Pacific octopus makes for great, educational reading. It may frustrate report writers looking for quick facts, but kids who enjoy informative nonfiction that unfolds like a story will be entertained by the author's slightly meandering narrative. He tells of working with tribal elders in Alaska, his research methodology, and his adventures deep underwater, tracking down elusive and solitary octopuses. He effectively communicates his passion and awe for these fascinating creatures and shares his ongoing scientific findings that debunk outdated, often contradictory assumptions about octopuses' life cycles. He recounts historic records of octopus infestations and subsequent disappearances in various parts of the world, dating back to the nineteenth century, and takes an open-ended view of myths, legends, and stories from the past featuring descriptions of huge, predatory monsters that may or may not have been octopuses. An eloquent addition for STEM collections, this cross-curricular offering touches on ocean and shoreline habitats, ecology, conservation, the effects of climate change, marine biology careers, and lots of octopuses.

      COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

    • The Horn Book

      January 1, 2025
      Adapted from an adult book by the same name, this title invites readers into the fascinating world of octopuses. In straightforward yet vivid language, a scientist who specializes in octopuses describes the creatures' many unique qualities, such as the biological adaptations that make them superior hunters and hiders, their apparent ability to recognize and relate to one another, and even the possibility that they dream while asleep. Occasional line drawings break up the text. The level of included detail makes this most appropriate for very devoted octopus admirers; a glossary, source notes, and index (unseen) are included.

      (Copyright 2025 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

Languages

  • English

Loading