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Domesticated Cephalopods
Walking Your Octopus: A Guidebook to the Domesticated Cephalopod
A beautifully produced and richly illustrated book that showcases the day-to-day adventures of independent girl-about-town Victoria Prismall and her pet land octopus Otto. Thirty panoramic, full-page illustrations humorously chronicle the duo's home and social activities that include (among other things) bathing, biking, dating, cooking, playing croquet, and pumpkin carving. Accompanying text explains the "do"s and "don't"s of living with a large land octopus. The book's art is extremely detailed, and each illustration tells its own visual story. The Victorian era characters and period-influenced design elements combine to create a wonderful, collectible art-object for those who still value the classic elegance of ink-on-paper. The hardcover binding is plussed with two-layer embossing and spot varnish, and the interior is printed on extra heavy paper. An exquisite volume for lovers of books, art and pets.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Brian Kesinger
32 books68 followersBrian Kesinger is an American illustrator, author and animator who has worked at Walt Disney Studios for some 16 years. His works are steeped in Victorian steampunk art.
Born into a family of musicians, he was the only one not able to play an instrument. His fondness for drawing was so apparent that his parents supported his artistic training throughout his school days. He started drawing steampunk art long before the term was coined. In 2000 he did the layout and background design for Walt Disney's film Atlantis: The Lost Empire. It was during this period that he developed a fondness for drawing submarines, gears and similar gadgets. Following this he became involved with the film Treasure Planet and grew to like tall ships and sci-fi. Other films he has worked on include Winnie the Pooh, Tarzan, Tangled, Chicken Little, Home on the Range, Bolt and Meet the Robinsons.
Brian Kesinger was raised on a steady diet of Walt Disney creations by parents who felt it important for him to be exposed to art. He was accepted at the Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California during his senior year at high school, becoming in 1996 at age 18 the second youngest animator in the history of the company. He started as a layout artist on the film Tarzan and in his career with Disney Animation has filled many positions ranging from visual development to story artist. In 2011 he received the Annie Award for his story work on Disney's Prep and Landing, with his most recent film at Disney being the Academy Award-nominated Wreck-It Ralph. In Wreck-It Ralph Kesinger's voice is used for the Cyborg, a character based on 'Kano' from Mortal Kombat. Away from his office he has created fantasy steampunk worlds peopled with memorable characters under the banner of "Tea Girls", illustrations using tea-stain washes and finished in ink and watercolours.
Two of his most popular characters are the unlikely duo of Victoria Psismall, an independent young lady, and Otto (Italian for 'eight'), her live-in octopus who is a friend, butler and pet. They have appeared in books, prints, T-shirts, and more. Kesinger has just published his first richly illustrated book on the couple, "Walking Your Octopus: A Guide to the Domesticated Cephalopod". He describes it as "a satirical look at how we all can get a little carried away with how we raise our pets. It’s certainly inspired by my own dog Scout but also inspired by the ups and downs of raising two young children with my wife. My hope is that the book speaks to not only steampunk fans but pet owners and parents as well." Thirty full-page illustrations portray the couple at home and about, bathing, biking, dating, cooking, playing croquet, pumpkin carving, and other activities necessary for the spiritual well-being of an intelligent and worldly octopus.
Kesinger finds it entertaining to draw the octopus and is constantly challenged by having to find things for each tentacle to do. In that sense an octopus is a natural at multi-tasking and has enthralled a great many people. Cephalopods generally have become a theme animal for steampunk, so that Kesinger found the choice of octopus as Victoria's soulmate an easy one to make. The popularity of Otto and Victoria, though, came as a surprise, as did the fan art, tattoos and the appearance of girls cosplaying Victoria at conventions all over the country. He plans to produce a full-length film featuring Otto and Victoria’s adventures, purely to satisfy his own wish for a well-rendered steampunk animated film.
Born into a family of musicians, he was the only one not able to play an instrument. His fondness for drawing was so apparent that his parents supported his artistic training throughout his school days. He started drawing steampunk art long before the term was coined. In 2000 he did the layout and background design for Walt Disney's film Atlantis: The Lost Empire. It was during this period that he developed a fondness for drawing submarines, gears and similar gadgets. Following this he became involved with the film Treasure Planet and grew to like tall ships and sci-fi. Other films he has worked on include Winnie the Pooh, Tarzan, Tangled, Chicken Little, Home on the Range, Bolt and Meet the Robinsons.
Brian Kesinger was raised on a steady diet of Walt Disney creations by parents who felt it important for him to be exposed to art. He was accepted at the Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California during his senior year at high school, becoming in 1996 at age 18 the second youngest animator in the history of the company. He started as a layout artist on the film Tarzan and in his career with Disney Animation has filled many positions ranging from visual development to story artist. In 2011 he received the Annie Award for his story work on Disney's Prep and Landing, with his most recent film at Disney being the Academy Award-nominated Wreck-It Ralph. In Wreck-It Ralph Kesinger's voice is used for the Cyborg, a character based on 'Kano' from Mortal Kombat. Away from his office he has created fantasy steampunk worlds peopled with memorable characters under the banner of "Tea Girls", illustrations using tea-stain washes and finished in ink and watercolours.
Two of his most popular characters are the unlikely duo of Victoria Psismall, an independent young lady, and Otto (Italian for 'eight'), her live-in octopus who is a friend, butler and pet. They have appeared in books, prints, T-shirts, and more. Kesinger has just published his first richly illustrated book on the couple, "Walking Your Octopus: A Guide to the Domesticated Cephalopod". He describes it as "a satirical look at how we all can get a little carried away with how we raise our pets. It’s certainly inspired by my own dog Scout but also inspired by the ups and downs of raising two young children with my wife. My hope is that the book speaks to not only steampunk fans but pet owners and parents as well." Thirty full-page illustrations portray the couple at home and about, bathing, biking, dating, cooking, playing croquet, pumpkin carving, and other activities necessary for the spiritual well-being of an intelligent and worldly octopus.
Kesinger finds it entertaining to draw the octopus and is constantly challenged by having to find things for each tentacle to do. In that sense an octopus is a natural at multi-tasking and has enthralled a great many people. Cephalopods generally have become a theme animal for steampunk, so that Kesinger found the choice of octopus as Victoria's soulmate an easy one to make. The popularity of Otto and Victoria, though, came as a surprise, as did the fan art, tattoos and the appearance of girls cosplaying Victoria at conventions all over the country. He plans to produce a full-length film featuring Otto and Victoria’s adventures, purely to satisfy his own wish for a well-rendered steampunk animated film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
August 7, 2016
Rating: 4.5* of five
The Publisher Says: A beautifully produced and richly illustrated book that showcases the day-to-day adventures of independent girl-about-town Victoria Prismall and her pet land octopus Otto. Thirty panoramic, full-page illustrations humorously chronicle the duo's home and social activities that include (among other things) bathing, biking, dating, cooking, playing croquet, and pumpkin carving. Accompanying text explains the "do"s and "don't"s of living with a large land octopus. The book's art is extremely detailed, and each illustration tells its own visual story. The Victorian era characters and period-influenced design elements combine to create a wonderful, collectible art-object for those who still value the classic elegance of ink-on-paper. The hardcover binding is plussed with two-layer embossing and spot varnish, and the interior is printed on extra heavy paper. An exquisite volume for lovers of books, art and pets.
My Review: I can't remember snickering, chortling, giggling, or smirking this much in a very long time. The absurdity of the premise is matched only by the beauty of the object.
"The adventurous spirit of the octopus is infectious. After spending time with them, you will find yourself attempting many activities that might have heretofore been out of range of one's more mundane lifestyle." This fronts a page showing Victoria, our intrepid octopus-adopter, attempting (with limited success) to ice-skate, supported by the smiling, multi-skated Otto the rescued octopus.
Inspired, divine steampunky-bizarro silliness. If the pictures don't make you smile, I'd tell you to unpucker and drink a G&T and then look again. If they still don't make you smile, apply for a sense of humor graft.
The Publisher Says: A beautifully produced and richly illustrated book that showcases the day-to-day adventures of independent girl-about-town Victoria Prismall and her pet land octopus Otto. Thirty panoramic, full-page illustrations humorously chronicle the duo's home and social activities that include (among other things) bathing, biking, dating, cooking, playing croquet, and pumpkin carving. Accompanying text explains the "do"s and "don't"s of living with a large land octopus. The book's art is extremely detailed, and each illustration tells its own visual story. The Victorian era characters and period-influenced design elements combine to create a wonderful, collectible art-object for those who still value the classic elegance of ink-on-paper. The hardcover binding is plussed with two-layer embossing and spot varnish, and the interior is printed on extra heavy paper. An exquisite volume for lovers of books, art and pets.
My Review: I can't remember snickering, chortling, giggling, or smirking this much in a very long time. The absurdity of the premise is matched only by the beauty of the object.
"The adventurous spirit of the octopus is infectious. After spending time with them, you will find yourself attempting many activities that might have heretofore been out of range of one's more mundane lifestyle." This fronts a page showing Victoria, our intrepid octopus-adopter, attempting (with limited success) to ice-skate, supported by the smiling, multi-skated Otto the rescued octopus.
Inspired, divine steampunky-bizarro silliness. If the pictures don't make you smile, I'd tell you to unpucker and drink a G&T and then look again. If they still don't make you smile, apply for a sense of humor graft.
October 29, 2016
So this was the book I ended up reading to my kids. The word choice had my kids thinking I'm sure.
I found the artwork very rich and amazing.
I found the artwork very rich and amazing.
February 20, 2014
This book is an object of beauty, and so carefully and lovingly put together. I'm impressed with Baby Tattoo as publishers right off the bat: they designed this book to best present its contents. Remarkable.
I wanted an affordable way to have many of Kesinger's Otto & Victoria prints so that I could stare at them in offline space and maybe pet the pages. NO JUDGING.
The accompanying text is icing, with an adorable bit of worldbuilding about pet cephalopods in a steampunk Victorian society.
Pardon, I'm going to cuddle the book again.
I wanted an affordable way to have many of Kesinger's Otto & Victoria prints so that I could stare at them in offline space and maybe pet the pages. NO JUDGING.
The accompanying text is icing, with an adorable bit of worldbuilding about pet cephalopods in a steampunk Victorian society.
Pardon, I'm going to cuddle the book again.
February 1, 2018
This guidebook is an absolute delight for the eyes and the mind, whether you're a Victorian about town or a cephalapod waiting for its forever home. The charms of these whimsical illustrations are unlimited, and I can't wait to get my hands on Kesinger's subsequent octo-oriented titles! I smiled the whole way through.
September 17, 2013
"Please remember that one's pet is a living creature and not an accessory. Always be mindful of it's dignity." "Octopus females can lay upward to 200,000 eggs, so it's suggested that one find a stationary shop that will sell birthday cards in bulk." "Humming the tune God Save the Queen can sooth the octopus into a calm, meditative state." These are some of the tips you'll learn in this quide book as well as enjoying the visual story of the beautiful artwork presented.
June 26, 2015
The book itself is a very awkward size, which caused issues with my purse. But my God, those illustrations were beautiful! I didn't really get the humor in most of the story, but I could look at those drawings all day. Amazing artwork! Seriously, just pick up the book for that!
December 31, 2016
Un objeto de colección, lindísimo y simpático xD
Todos los detalles están demasiado bien cuidados, tanto en las ilustraciones como en el libro como objeto en sí. La edición es preciosa *_*
Todos los detalles están demasiado bien cuidados, tanto en las ilustraciones como en el libro como objeto en sí. La edición es preciosa *_*
August 4, 2020
Given the years it took to track down this book it was a bit of a disappointment how insubstantial it was in content. More of a children's book with wonderful art on every second page.
March 15, 2015
Found this in the comic book store and my friend (whom I trust implicitly on all things bookish) said it was awesome and I had to read it. It went into my pile sight unseen. Yet again, she proves herself a worthy reviewer. This was delightful in every way. From the steampunk illustrations to the advice for raising your cephalopod, I enjoyed every quick minute of this. Every child and adult should be exposed to this and I'm so hopeful that this is going to be one of a series.
January 6, 2018
What a lovely little gem of steampunk art this book is!
Otto and Victoria are enchanting characters who easily bring you into their pretty world of steampunk adventures.
The superficial layer, of visually appealing and humorous images, makes the book worth reading. The simple story also lends itself to a deeper analysis where you might consider the rewards and practicalities of adopting a very non-standard pet.
I absolutely love these characters :)
Otto and Victoria are enchanting characters who easily bring you into their pretty world of steampunk adventures.
The superficial layer, of visually appealing and humorous images, makes the book worth reading. The simple story also lends itself to a deeper analysis where you might consider the rewards and practicalities of adopting a very non-standard pet.
I absolutely love these characters :)
March 16, 2014
I am in love with this book!
I love the style, I love the idea, it's incredibly cute and funny. I've got a love for details and this artwork - to me - delivers on every page.
It's the kind of book that you pick up thinking *whot the...?*, intrigued you read it and realize that now you do want an octopus. Seriously. LOL
I love the style, I love the idea, it's incredibly cute and funny. I've got a love for details and this artwork - to me - delivers on every page.
It's the kind of book that you pick up thinking *whot the...?*, intrigued you read it and realize that now you do want an octopus. Seriously. LOL
July 14, 2015
LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! Love the art style! Love the story! Love the characters and I myself love two animals more than most others; cows and octopuses. I love them so much that this book made me smile! I really want to own this book and read it whenever I feel sad because it made me smile so much.
April 25, 2017
Walking Your Octopus was such a cute freaking book! It's essentially a visual, steampunk inspired guidebook for owning a pet that happens to be an octopus. It's just really darling and the illustrations are whimsical, pretty in detail and have that steampunk flair. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, so much so, that now I want my own octopus!
July 22, 2015
This is brilliant and adorable!
May 8, 2019
Cute book with adorable illustrations. Makes me wish this had been around when my daughter was small - she would have loved Otto the octopus and would have had us read this book until it fell apart. I'd like to see the other books in the series.
February 12, 2026
I loved this book! The story was incredible and the illustrations were fantastic! I think there are three more books in this series so I want to get them all!
May 10, 2019
A steampunk-inspired guide to caring for your octopus - this is a very cute book with inspired and fun artwork being the highlight. It's a quick read, but you'll want to pore over the images; they capture joy and humor and some are even teasingly risque - they capture the feel of Victorian steampunk perfectly. The writing is on point as well, and it all comes together as a fun package. I'll have to hunt done some more of the series - they look like fun too.
January 17, 2015
I was all set to buy a second copy of this book so I could cut it apart for framing. I've done this before with art books I really like for artists whose work I can't afford, but it always makes me feel like a barbarian. Fortunately, BK's art is available in the form of highly affordable prints -- I'm so excited! -- although, their low price tempts me to over-buy and I'm not sure really how many pictures of octopuses my house needs. At the rate I'm going, I'll have one in every room.
This is the ideal book for devoted pet owners. Otto is The Every-Pet, Victoria, The Good Pet Owner.
This is the ideal book for devoted pet owners. Otto is The Every-Pet, Victoria, The Good Pet Owner.
June 1, 2013
CUTEST STORY EVER!!
the art is adorable and the story is too cute. everyone should have an octopus.
the art is adorable and the story is too cute. everyone should have an octopus.
August 3, 2013
Short Review: Everything you need to know if you want to own an octopus. Also, everything you need by way of slightly sassy steampunk art.
September 30, 2015
Gorgeous and fun!
December 26, 2013
már csak az a kérdés, hogy nekem mikor lesz házipolipom? csak mert kéne!
November 17, 2019
Love the art! I pick up books for my nieces all the time, but this one stayed with me. A whimsical guide to keeping an octopus.
May 25, 2015
I love the artwork and humor of this book.
I almost want to buy a couple and turn it into framed artwork :)
I almost want to buy a couple and turn it into framed artwork :)
June 20, 2015
Adorable! And steampunk! I think I would want a smaller cephalopod for a pet, though.
December 31, 2015
Everything anyone could ever need to know about keeping and taking care of cephalopods.
August 9, 2019
This gorgeous book is whimsical and an absolute treat. You can tell every illustration was made in such joy. It truly leaps off the page, it's infectious. I LOVE this book, and it's such a fun delicacy. The author has an etsy page featuring some of the illustrations too, for those who want to decorate their walls with them (and trust me, you will).
Such a great time, I loved all of it. I want to get an octopus and name her Ophelia.
Such a great time, I loved all of it. I want to get an octopus and name her Ophelia.
December 21, 2024
The art in this was really fun. The ideas make me think my dogs and Ratfink were all part octopus. I think any smart pet needs to be kept occupied but will enjoy a cardboard box as much as an expensive toy. All pets need to be rewarded and need to know they are safe and loved to be their best.....just as people do.
January 14, 2025
A delightful, whimsical, goofy art book with captions that comment on living with an octopus very matter-of-factly.
The book is physically very long and bound on the short edge. The size contributes to the whimsy of the book, but it makes it rather difficult to read without endangering the long pages.
The book is physically very long and bound on the short edge. The size contributes to the whimsy of the book, but it makes it rather difficult to read without endangering the long pages.
March 7, 2026
Victoria learns to take care of her new pet octopus including taking it on walks, having it do up her laces, feeding it buckets of fish and clams, and fending off suitors. This is a gorgeous, fun book and its odd size (27" across two pages when fully open) plays off the octopus length/squishiness well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews