Mark Leiren-Young is an award-winning author, screenwriter, playwright and filmmaker. He is the author of three books about whales for children: Orcas Everywhere: The Mystery and History of Killer Whales (which was short-listed for a Red Cedar Book Award and the Information Book Award and won the City of Victoria Children's Book Prize), Orcas of the Salish Sea and Big Whales, Small World (which were all commended as selections for the 2020 CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens). He has also written two books about sharks, including Sharks Forever: The Mystery and History of the Planet's Perfect Predator (which was commended as an Honor Book for the 2023 Green Earth Book Award) and Big Sharks, Small World. He has written TV shows for young viewers for Netflix, CBC, ABC, BBC Kids and PBS. He wrote, directed and produced the award-winning documentary The Hundred-Year-Old Whale. Mark hosts the podcast Skaana, sharing ocean stories, and is actively involved in the fight for the survival of the endangered southern resident orcas. He lives in Saanich, British Columbia.

"An unusually lively meet and greet--stimulating and informative."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Clear, captioned photographs, information boxes called 'Ink Spots', and accessible information will find fans keen to learn more about these fascinating creatures...Hand this book to those kids who want more information about some of the world's most interesting creatures."

-- "Sal's Fiction Addiction"

"Thanks to My Octopus Teacher and other media, octopuses are having a moment, and thanks to this title in the Orca Wild series, middle-grade readers can understand what makes this strange animal so fascinating. The numerous color photos for different octopus species from around the world are the real attention-grabbers in this inviting and informational book."

-- "Booklist"

★ "[Leiren-Young's] first-person account will leave readers feeling as if they're exploring the ocean alongside him. Close-up color photographs throughout are vivid and fascinating. Budding scientists and animal lovers will keep this stellar title in full-circulation as they learn the mysteries and history of octopuses, from their biology, habitats, habits, and threats to their future."

-- "School Library Journal (SLJ), starred review"

"The author is a skilled storyteller, and his playful, entertaining writing style is evident right away. Prepare to be amazed as you read the 12 short chapters that cover basic octopus physiology, intelligence, history and ancestors, life cycle and relatives...A reliable source of up-to-date information for readers to learn more and a forum to encourage them to spread the word, to help inspire others, and to take action. Highly recommended."

-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"

"Mark Leiren-Young dives into the mysterious lives of these masters of camouflage and escape. [An] entertaining and informative book."

-- "BC BookWorld"

Publisher: Orca Book Publishers

Pub date: 2025-02-11

Length: 104 pages