Secrets of the Octopus

Take an illuminating journey into the life of the octopus, one of nature’s most intelligent and complex animals.

Come closer than ever to these elusive creatures, thanks to insights from an international bestselling author—working with the founder of Octonation and the world's top octopus researchers—all enhanced with vivid National Geographic photography.

The companion to the popular National Geographic Disney+ special Secrets of the Octopus, narrated by Paul Rudd, this beautifully illustrated book explores the 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 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. Working with her is Warren Carlyle—founder of OctoNation, the world's largest octopus fan club—who adds 16 "octoprofiles" to this beautiful book.

For all animal lovers—and especially those drawn to this magical marine being—this will be a book to relish, for both its fascinating imagery and its charming storytelling.