Splashing Into Marine Science: "Octopus Ocean" with Canadian Author Mark Leiren-Young

The ocean is filled with creatures that can inspire curiosity, spark the imagination and completely change the way we think about intelligence in the animal kingdom. Octopuses are especially fascinating, with their three hearts, blue blood, remarkable camouflage skills and ability to solve complex problems. In Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep, Canadian author Mark Leiren-Young introduces young readers to these extraordinary animals while exploring their biology, behaviour, habitats and the environmental threats they face. Published by Orca Book Publishers as part of its Orca Wild series, the book was nominated for the 2026 Forest of Reading Yellow Cedar Award, which celebrates Canadian nonfiction for readers in Grades 5 to 8. Keep reading for our exclusive interview with British Columbia author Mark Leiren-Young.

Parents and educators may find this book especially meaningful for children who are interested in animals, science or the mysteries of the natural world. Its combination of fascinating facts, current scientific research and vivid colour photography can help make topics such as marine biology, animal intelligence, adaptation and ocean conservation feel accessible and exciting. The in-person and online tutoring service at Teachers on Call recommends Octopus Ocean as an engaging way to support science learning, encourage independent research and open thoughtful conversations about how humans can help protect marine ecosystems.

Celebrating Young Readers Through the Forest of Reading

The Forest of Reading is Canada’s largest recreational reading program, connecting children and teens with outstanding Canadian books in English and French. Organized by the Ontario Library Association, the program includes ten award categories for readers of different ages and gives students across Canada an important role in the process: after reading the nominated titles, they vote for their favourites and help choose the winners. The 2026 program concluded with award celebrations and the Forest of Reading Festival at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8), where young readers, educators and Canadian creators came together to celebrate books and literacy. With the next group of nominees being announced soon, there is plenty for families and classrooms to look forward to. At Teachers on Call, we value programs that make reading interactive, celebrate Canadian voices and show students that their opinions matter.

About the Author: Mark Leiren-Young

Mark Leiren-Young is an award-winning Canadian author, screenwriter, playwright, filmmaker, podcaster and environmentalist. He grew up in Vancouver and now lives in Saanich, British Columbia, where the ocean and surrounding natural environment continue to influence his work. He has written several nonfiction books about marine animals for young readers, including Orcas Everywhere, Orcas of the Salish Sea, Big Whales, Small World, Sharks Forever and Big Sharks, Small World. He is also the host of the Skaana podcast, where he speaks with scientists, environmentalists, Indigenous leaders, filmmakers, authors and young activists about ocean conservation. His work reflects a longstanding commitment to helping people understand and protect marine life, particularly the endangered southern resident orcas.

About the Photography

Rather than relying on a single illustrator, Octopus Ocean uses detailed colour photographs to bring readers closer to octopus species from around the world. Close-up images, informative captions and visual features help readers observe the animals’ bodies, movements, environments and extraordinary camouflage abilities. These photographs make the science easier to understand while capturing the beauty and unusual characteristics that make octopuses so captivating.

About the Book

Published by Orca Book Publishers, Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep is a middle-grade nonfiction book that explores the biology, intelligence, history and habits of octopuses. Readers learn how these solitary animals communicate, escape tight spaces, adapt to their environments and demonstrate distinct personalities. The book also introduces the challenges octopuses and their ocean habitats face, including pollution, overfishing and warming waters, encouraging readers to consider why these remarkable creatures are worth understanding and protecting.

An Interview with Mark Leiren-Young, Author of Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep

Octopuses are such fascinating and unusual creatures. What first sparked your interest in them, and what inspired you to write Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep for young readers?

When I was a kid, my mom took my brother and me to the Vancouver Aquarium (845 Avison Way, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2), and I was obsessed with them. Part of it is that I’ve always been a science fiction fan and if any animal on earth seems like a true alien, it’s the octopus.

From blue blood and three hearts to incredible camouflage and problem-solving abilities, there is so much about octopuses that sounds almost unbelievable. What surprised you most while researching this book?

How smart they are, the way they think and the way they seem to pop out of their eggs knowing how the world works. There’s a reason the subtitle is “Geniuses of the Deep.” Almost every octopus expert I interviewed basically said the same thing…if they didn’t have such short lifespans, octopuses would rule the world.

Books like Octopus Ocean can make science feel exciting and accessible for kids. How do you hope the book encourages young readers to become curious about biology, marine science, or the natural world around them?

I’m always inspired by Jane Goodall’s philosophy that we protect what we love. With all my books for young readers, I hope the stories help connect our hearts to, well, their three hearts.

How can teachers use Octopus Ocean in the classroom to bring science and environmental learning to life? Are there particular topics, activities, or discussions you think could help students dig deeper into what they discover in the book?

One thing that makes writing books about marine animals so exciting is that scientists are starting to shift their research in recent years from anatomy to behavior, and they’re discovering new things every day. So beyond looking to the facts in the book, please look towards the latest news. As I was writing Octopus Ocean, scientists discovered that octopuses may dream, and that they do work with—and train—other sea animals to hunt with and for them. Also…consider trying to think about how animals think and imagine the world as they might.

Alongside all the amazing facts about octopuses, the book explores serious threats facing our oceans, including warming waters, overfishing, and pollution. How do you introduce these issues to young readers in a way that informs and empowers them rather than leaving them feeling overwhelmed?

This is the focus of my latest book for Orca—One Ocean: 7 Ways to Save the Seas. I’ve interviewed so many ocean experts, Indigenous leaders, politicians, scientists, activists, filmmakers and authors for my books and especially for my podcast, Skaana: One Ocean, and almost all of them remain optimistic. This is in part because it is mind-blowing how quickly animals in the ocean and those ocean habitats can recover if we just leave them alone. Also, try to tune out the negative voices on social media.

Much of your recent work has focused on marine life, from orcas and sharks to octopuses. What have these different species taught you about the ocean and the importance of protecting the ecosystems they share?

We need to stop pretending that we’re not animals too and that this is “our planet.” One of my best friends since high school is one of Canada’s most respected scientists. His specialty is dealing with infectious diseases, and he and I wrote a piece together about sharing the planet with the other animals.

As someone who grew up in Vancouver and has spent so much of your career writing about the ocean, is there a favourite place along the British Columbia coast where you go to connect with nature, write, or find inspiration?

I think the most amazing thing about BC—that I always miss when I’m away—is just how present nature is. Living in Vancouver and seeing mountains every day…Living in Victoria and seeing the ocean almost every day…The idea that when I drive home from the University of Victoria (3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2) it’s a rare day that I do not see a deer and, maybe, a rabbit or a squirrel. It’s all inspiring.

Congratulations on Octopus Ocean being a 2026 Forest of Reading Yellow Cedar Award nominee. What did that experience and recognition mean to you?

I love that this was an award that came from young readers because the books are for them.

What can young readers and their families expect next from Mark Leiren-Young?

The next book is about polar bears. I’m also working on a play for young people about endangered species and I’m finishing my documentary about the southern resident orcas. I am always interviewing people for my podcast, where the interviews are accessible for everyone. Because I am not a scientist (the last time I took a science class I was in grade 9 and almost failed Chemistry), I do all I can to make sure experts explain things so that people like me can understand what’s going on and what we can do to help.

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Whether young readers are already fascinated by ocean life or are just beginning to explore marine science, Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep offers an inviting journey beneath the surface. Mark Leiren-Young’s enthusiasm for these intelligent animals encourages children to remain curious, consider perspectives beyond their own and recognize the importance of protecting the ecosystems humans share with other species. Through our Hooked on Books series, Teachers on Call is proud to celebrate Canadian authors and books that help students connect literacy with science, environmental awareness and the wider world around them. Looking for more recommendations for the science enthusiasts in your life? Check out Chomp-O-Rama by Maria Birmingham and Dogs vs. Humans by Stephanie Gibeault.