"This book reveals new science and remarkable discoveries about the octopus, one of nature's most elusive and intelligent animals"-- "The companion to the highly-anticipated National Geographic television special--narrated by Paul Rudd and airing for Earth Day--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, acclaimed author Sy Montgomery--known, thanks to her bestselling book, 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"-- Provided by publisher. Provided by publisher.

Includes index.

Foreword / by Alex Schnell, Ph.D. -- Introduction: From monster to superhero -- Masters of camouflage -- Gelatinous geniuses -- Octopus Kingdom -- Epilogue: Expanding imaginations, opening hearts -- Octoprofiles / by Warren K. Carlyle IV -- Acknowledgments -- Illustrations credits -- Index.