Octopuses, squids, cuttlefish, and chambered nautiluses all belong to a special group of mollusks called “cephalopods,” which literally means “head-footed.” These sea creatures have long captivated scientists, inspiring some surprising inventions and discoveries throughout history. This month’s book list celebrates the wild and wonderful world of these incredible animals!
The Lady and the Octopus: How Jeanne Villepreux-Power Invented Aquariums and Revolutionized Marine Biology by Danna Staaf
Version 1.0.0This biography of Jeanne Villepreux-Power dives deeply into both the historical context that shaped Jeanne and the scientific questions that captivated her. Jeanne’s passion for observing animals in their natural habitat, at odds with the conventions of her time, led to her invention of the glass aquarium, which she used to make many important discoveries about marine life. Jeanne’s contagious enthusiasm for cephalopods jumps off the page in this multifaceted portrait of a scientific pioneer, written by marine biologist Danna Staaf.
Obsessive about Octopuses by Owen Davey
Filled with incredible illustrations and fascinating factoids, Owen Davey introduces readers to the “weird and wonderful” world of octopuses. This browsable book features some of the lesser known species, like the wonderpus octopus and the flapjack octopus, and even gives out awards to the most sociable, most nimble, and most fashionable octopuses in the ocean.
Ink! 100 FUN Facts about Octopuses, Squid, and More by Stephanie Warren Drimmer
You can’t go wrong with National Geographic. This very visual book introduces readers to a variety of squids including cuttlefish that camouflage themselves and octopuses that outsmart their predators. The text is written by experts with first hand experience and includes many fun facts. It’s both educational and entertaining.
The Octopus Scientists written by Sy Montgomery, with photographs by Keith Ellenbogen
This book whisks young readers off to Moorea, Tahiti where they take front seat with scientists who devote their lives studying octopuses and their superpower abilities. The pictures are remarkable and engaging, and the writing is equally captivating.
Search for a Giant Squid written by Amy Seto Forrester, illustrated by Andy Chou Musser
This enthralling choose-your-own-adventure book places readers right inside a submersible to search for the elusive giant squid. Readers will learn about both ocean life and submarine technology as they make decisions about where to explore and how to overcome the obstacles they encounter along the way. And if they don’t find the giant squid on their first try, they can always start over for a whole new adventure!
Amazing Octopus: Creature from another World written by Michael Stavaric, illustrated by Michele Ganswer
This book takes a unique approach. It explores and views octopuses as otherworldly, almost as aliens. The text and original, black and white illustrations really capture the magic and mystery of these creatures. It introduces this topic by first talking about the evolution of all sea creatures, to provide context.
What Do We Know About the Kraken? by Ben Hubbard
This book explores the kraken, a legendary sea monster of enormous size, a mix between a squid and octopus. It’s part of the “What do we Know ABout” series that takes a look at popular monsters from folklore. The kraken was spoken and written about for centuries, and readers can find out what sea creatures may have inspired these myths.
The Incredible Octopus: Meet the Eight-Armed Wonder of the Sea by Erin Spencer
This book combines fantastic photographs with in-depth facts about octopuses. It shows what life is like for these magical creatures, how their suction cups work, how they use their nine brains, what they eat, and what adaptation skills they have. It also features real stories about octopuses that escaped from their tanks.
Giant Squid: Searching for a Sea Monster by Mary M. Cerullo and Clyde F. E. Roper
Part science textbook, part detective story, this Smithsonian book recounts biologist Clyde Roper’s search for a real-life sea monster. Readers will enjoy unearthing clues about the giant squid as they follow along with Roper’s ocean adventures. Cerullo’s text is full of facts and accompanied by a variety of eye-catching images, including both black-and-white illustrations and up-close photographs.
Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep by Mark Leiren-Young
This recently released book is part of the Orca Wild series, which provides in-depth looks at fascinating creatures from across the planet. Leiren-Young shares his own octopus encounters as he uncovers what makes these animals so unique. This playful book covers octopus history, physiology, habitats, habits, and threats to their survival.
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This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:
Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 60+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere (Capstone, 2025), DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was a Crystal Kite winner for the Canada and North America division, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, a Cybils Award nominee, and winner of the Dogwood Readers Award. A science enthusiast from a young age, Lydia now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.
Callie Dean is a researcher, writer, and musician living in Shreveport, LA. Her first picture book, Marvelous Mistakes: Accidents That Made History, will be published in 2026. For more information, please visit https://calliebdean.com.
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