This beautifully illustrated book explores the alluring underwater world of the octopus–a creature that resembles an alien lifeform, but whose behavior has earned it a reputation as one of the most intelligent animals on the planet. This magical journey into the world of the octopus will reveal how the large and capable brain of these creatures occupies their whole body–not just their heads–and they can actually adjust their genetic makeup to respond to the demands of the environment. It will allow readers to watch them change shape and color in order to camouflage themselves more effectively than any other species. And it will divulge how octopus mothers give their all in order to bring forth a new generation. With this offering, author Sy Montgomery–known by many as the “octopus whisperer”–returns to the species she knows and loves, offering current and compassionate stories about the scientists on the front lines of octopus research and conservation.