Sea Wonders: The Octopus, the Cuttlefish, and the Squid

by Marco Colombo, Francesco Tomasinelli, Craig Foster (foreword)

Explore the world of extraordinary marine creatures in this beautifully illustrated guide to thirty species of octopuses, cuttlefish, and squids.

In Sea Wonders, discover the remarkable characteristics of cephalopods, enigmatic sea creatures with arms directly attached to their heads, who are masters of survival and transformation. Thirty species are collected in this fascinating guidebook, detailing their most surprising habits and



Enterprising, resourceful, and intelligent, they know how to solve problems and can use objects as tools.


They are notorious for escaping from aquaria.


They can recognize people and can even feel dislike for some!


Some species, such as the orchid cuttlefish, are among the most colorful organisms in the oceans.


Others, like the blue-ringed octopus, are famous for their lethal bite.


Some of the world’s largest invertebrates are cephalopods—including giant squids the size of a bus—about which very little research exists to this day.


 

The first half of the book contains fifty gorgeously detailed and realistic illustrations and delves into the species' main characteristics and the secrets of their underwater world. The second half features specimen cards with scientific information and fun facts for easy reference.

REMARKABLY BRIGHT Cephalopods are fascinating creatures increasingly understood as intelligent, sophisticated, and resourceful animals. Their unexpected cognitive capacities encourage us to reflect on how we relate to the natural world, making it clear that it is not only mammals and birds who deserve our empathy.



THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED SCIENTIFIC Various species of octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish are explored in these pages, with in-depth information on habitats and habits as well as fun facts.



FOREWORD BY OSCAR-WINNING Craig Foster, producer of the 2020 Academy Award–winning documentary My Octopus Teacher is a naturalist, ocean explorer, and author of Underwater My Octopus Teacher's Extraordinary World.

Perfect


Anyone with an interest in marine creatures and the undersea world


Birthday, housewarming, or seasonal gift for nature lovers


Oceanography and marine biology students, teachers, and professionals


Fans of animal and nature books like Amphibious Soul, The Secrets of the Sea Revealed, and The Soul of an Octopus

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

Published June 3, 2025

Reviews

[Nicole Chipp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Octopuses are my favorite animal and I will take any opportunity to learn more about them. I thought this book was a great introduction to a variety of cephalopod species. I loved the illustrations of each species and appreciated the overview of each species in the back of the book. I'm glad there were references and further reading in the back of the book, and I look forward to picking up additional books about cephalopods. I would happily purchase this book. If I saw this on someone's coffee table, I would eagerly pick it up.
While I thought the book fulfilled its purpose, I personally found it lacking in some areas. I would have enjoyed the book more if there was more information about each species instead of one to two paragraphs. I would have also appreciated photographs of each species (when possible) in addition to the illustrations.
If you've read this book and want to learn more about specific species, I have to books I highly recommend. The first is "The Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery which focuses predominantly on Giant Pacific Octopuses. The second is a children's nonfiction called "The Lady and the Octopus" by Danna Staaf which covers the life of Jeanne Villepreux-Power who researched the Great Argonaut and invented aquariums in the process.

[Pauline Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love cephalopods. They’re some of my favorite animals so when I saw this for download on Netgalley I had to read it.

This is a very good little book. It has three sections to it. The first is general information about cephalopods, the third is little paragraphs about specific ones with artistic renderings, and the third is scientific information about the species talked about in the second section.

All of the sections are very informative. I knew about going into this but I can see how things good for people just starting to learn about the animals. The second and third sections especially. It had a lot of good information about each animal. (I especially like they included my personal favorite, the vampire squid).

Overall I just loved this. Highly recommend for animal lovers and nature/ocean lovers especially. Good for all ages.

[Richard Derus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real Rating: 4.75* of five

The Publisher Says: Explore the world of extraordinary marine creatures in this beautifully illustrated guide to thirty species of octopuses, cuttlefish, and squids.

In Sea Wonders, discover the remarkable characteristics of cephalopods, enigmatic sea creatures with arms directly attached to their heads, who are masters of survival and transformation. Thirty species are collected in this fascinating guidebook, detailing their most surprising habits and abilities:
Enterprising, resourceful, and intelligent, they know how to solve problems and can use objects as tools.
They are notorious for escaping from aquaria.
They can recognize people and can even feel dislike for some!
Some species, such as the orchid cuttlefish, are among the most colorful organisms in the oceans
Others, like the blue-ringed octopus, are famous for their lethal bite.
Some of the world’s largest invertebrates are cephalopods—including giant squids the size of a bus—about which very little research exists to this day.

The first half of the book contains fifty gorgeously detailed and realistic illustrations and delves into the species' main characteristics and the secrets of their underwater world. The second half features specimen cards with scientific information and fun facts for easy reference.

REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES: Cephalopods are fascinating creatures increasingly understood as intelligent, sophisticated, and resourceful animals. Their unexpected cognitive capacities encourage us to reflect on how we relate to the natural world, making it clear that it is not only mammals and birds who deserve our empathy.

THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED SCIENTIFIC FACTS: Various species of octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish are explored in these pages, with in-depth information on habitats and habits as well as fun facts.

FOREWORD BY OSCAR-WINNING FILMMAKER: Craig Foster, producer of the 2020 Academy Award–winning documentary My Octopus Teacher is a naturalist, ocean explorer, and author of Underwater Wild: My Octopus Teacher's Extraordinary World.

Perfect for:
Anyone with an interest in marine creatures and the undersea world
Birthday, housewarming, or seasonal gift for nature lovers
Oceanography and marine biology students, teachers, and professionals
Fans of animal and nature books like Amphibious Soul, Oceanology: The Secrets of the Sea Revealed, and The Soul of an Octopus

Marco Colombo (co-author) is an environmental guide, scuba diving master, TV scientific consultant, and wildlife and underwater photographer. His photographs and articles have appeared in National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Nat'Images, and elsewhere. Colombo has won multiple categories in the Natural History Museum, London’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. He is the author of more than ten books about biodiversity and conservation issues, a frequent speaker, and a university instructor.
Francesco Tomasinelli (co-author) is a freelance biologist, science communicator, and photographer. As a photojournalist, he has joined several scientific expeditions in the Tropics and has documented various conservation programs in Italy and abroad. Tomasinelli has written more than three hundred magazine articles and fifteen books on natural sciences, served as an animal expert for Italian television, worked as an instructor for various learning institutions, including Università di Genova, Pavia, dell’Insubria, and Politecnico di Milano, and created a number of scientific exhibitions.
Giulia De Amicis (illustrator) is a designer and illustrator who presents complex information through infographics, data visualization, cartography, and illustration. She focuses on projects related to environmental issues, marine conservation, animal welfare, human rights, and human geography for clients including newspapers, research institutes, NGOs, and the educational sector. De Amicis has illustrated several picture books for National Geographic Kids and other publishers. She works and lives in Brighton, UK.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: My affection for Tentacled Americans is well-known enough not to need restating here and now. You can imagine my excitement when this beauty, about my dotes, written and illustrated by real scientists, endorse by the My Octopus Teacher guy, came onto my radar.

I'll say that I love the way we're taught about the life and the habitat of each species covered. It's lovely to have such evocative illustrations to enjoy as well. There's a corking "further reading" section, and as this is a popular science book intended to bring the cephalopods to our homes and thoughts, I wasn't distressed by the lack of inline citations.

The Table of Contents should act as a pretty fair guide to the purpose and organization of the book:

The first text/illustration spread for aesthetic evaluation.


Interior spreads, showing the text/illustration interrelationships found throughout the book.


I'm really impressed that there was as much detail as exists in the text. As mentioned, it's not intended as more than an overview to present the amazing beings in quick, absorbable way. What a beautiful set of illustrations! They're not precisely correlated with the introductory text but close enough to make them handy references.

All in all a lovely (self-)gift for the fancier of these remarkable creatures. It's also a great gift item for the younger person considering the world's ocean as a subject of study. Older middle-grade students will be challenged, scientists not involved, but the amateur of any age will love it.


The species-by-species section's all organized this way.

Too cool to leave out! Enjoy them all.

[Kay · Rating 1 out of 5]

As someone who loves octopuses, I was immediately drawn to this book based on its title and pretty cover.

The book presents itself as a guidebook, showcasing thirty unique species and sharing information on their habits and abilities. However, while the concept is promising, the execution didn’t fully meet my expectations. The tone of the text felt geared toward a middle-grade audience, which in itself isn’t a bad thing, but as something being promoted as good for “oceanography and marine biology students, teachers, and professionals” I expected a bit more. The language often came off as being too casual and lacked specifics. There were moments where the phrasing was so vague it was unclear what the authors were actually describing.

The book is divided into two sections, and I found the choice to separate the catalog portion, with the most specific and useful details (i.e., common names, scientific names, size comparisons, habitat information, and fun facts), from the earlier narrative section puzzling. Much of the information I was looking for while reading the front half only appears later in the catalog. Even within that section, there were still elements I wished had been included. For instance, while depth is listed for each species, a visual representation, such as a depth chart along the edge of the pages would have made that information easier to grasp. Similarly, simple range maps could have enhanced readers’ understanding of where each species is typically found.

Another issue that stood out was the inconsistency in how species were presented. Some entries focused on individual species while others covered entire families (e.g., “pygmy squids”), and the scientific and even common names weren’t always clearly visible or easy to reference in the first half of the book. Additionally, the lack of citations throughout the main text, and lack of references in general, combined with the inclusion of non-scientific sources in the “To Learn More” section at the end, left me questioning the reliability of the information. The book promotes having “thoroughly researched scientific facts”; wouldn’t you want to highlight where that research came from?

However, the illustrations are really nice and a highlight of the book. I did find myself wishing that they went a step further; for example, rather than simply depicting the animals, I would have loved to see them engaging in the unique behaviors described in the text. This isn’t necessarily a problem but just think it would have been nice to help depict some of the information being presented.

Overall, I think this book would likely be too simple for readers already familiar with cephalopods, but it could serve as a gentle, visually rich introduction for those just beginning to explore this world. Ideally, it would act as a starting place leading into more detailed and scientifically rigorous works on the subject. However, I do worry about the lack of specific information and scientific backing throughout the book. The absence of clear, accurate sources and explanations could lead to misunderstandings or a skewed sense of how we know what we know. Even for an introductory text, clarity and accuracy still matter, and in this case, their absence undermines the book’s potential as a trustworthy resource.

1.5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Chronicle Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Wendy with a book · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an eye-catching cover! I got pulled into this ARC like the sucker on an octopus’s tentacle.

I came away with a deeper appreciation for cephalopods, and the illustrations are striking throughout. That said, the structure and layout were a bit confusing.

The title is Sea Wonders: The Octopus, the Cuttlefish, and the Squid, but the animals aren’t presented in that order. After a general introduction to cephalopods, the first creature featured is a nautilus, which doesn’t fall into any of those three groups. The rest appear in the order of cuttlefish, then squid, then octopus, which felt out of sync with the title.

Each animal is split into two sections: a narrative page with an illustration, and a catalog entry at the back with basic facts like size, depth, and habitat. I wish these had been combined into a single spread per animal, more in the style of Dorling-Kindersley. I think it would have been more visually engaging, and also less confusing than reading about an animal without knowing whether it’s larger than a man or the size of a thumb. If the two-section format remains, I’d recommend adding a clear header with the animal’s name on the narrative page, along with a label showing whether it’s a cuttlefish, squid, or octopus.

I’d also suggest a review to ensure the illustrations match the descriptions. For example, one animal is described as having a large yellow eye, but the artwork shows it as green.

I used to write exhibit signage for a large zoo, so I may be pickier than most readers. It’s also an ARC, so some things may still change. But with a publication date of June 3 and my review written on May 31, I’m assuming it’s nearly final.

Thank you to Chronicle Books & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for me honest review.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌊 Sea Wonders: The Octopus, the Cuttlefish, and the Squid by Marco Colombo & Francesco Tomasinelli (Foreword by Craig Foster)

A mesmerizing plunge into the alien intelligence and artistry of cephalopods.

✨ Review
🔍 Scientific Richness: Colombo and Tomasinelli illuminate the bizarre biology and behaviors of octopuses, cuttlefish, and squid with textbook-level accuracy, yet make it feel like a detective story.

🎨 Visual Splendor: Tomasinelli’s photography is the star—chromatic skin, hypnotic movements, and intimate close-ups transform each page into a living aquarium.

📖 Narrative Flow: The prose balances poetic wonder with crisp facts, though some sections prioritize aesthetics over deeper ecological context.

🌍 Ecological Urgency: Craig Foster’s foreword anchors the book in conservation, framing these creatures as ambassadors for ocean fragility.

🧠 Mind-Bending Insights: Revelations about cephalopod cognition (tool use, dream-like states, personality quirks) challenge how we define intelligence.

⭐ Star Breakdown (0–5)
Scientific Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Visual Storytelling: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Readability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Environmental Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Overall: 4.7/5
A beautiful book that dissolves the boundary between science and art, like ink in water.

🙏 Thank you to NetGalley, Marco Colombo, Francesco Tomasinelli, and Craig Foster for the advance review copy. Sea Wonders isn’t just a book; it’s a portal to a world where tentacles write their own poetry.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, illustrated guide of cephalopods. I’m not sure who the target audience is exactly, because it would be easy for a young child to follow but gives enough information for grownups. I read every book I can find about animals, octopuses being one of my favorite species, and this volume was entertaining and illuminating. At first, I was a little disappointed that there were no photographs, but I was very impressed when I compared Giulia De Amicis’ gorgeous drawings to photos on the internet. They are almost identical, and yet more elegant. Yes, the background is lost, but the illustration seems to bring all the different characteristics to the forefront. The brief text accompanying every species is very informative and I especially loved the catalog section at the end, with all the details about these creatures, including their size (with a handy comparison to humans) and fun facts. A solid read for nature lovers.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Chronicle Books | Princeton Architectural Press.

[Anastey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley, Chronicle Books, Marco Colombo, and Francesco Tomasinelli for sending me this advanced review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a great book! I think there is something here to enjoy for all ages, even adults. The illustrations are beautiful, and there are a few that I wouldn't mind having on my wall.

I learned so many new interesting tidbits about all sorts of tentacled sea creatures. I also didn't know there were that many types out there.

I think this would be a really good book to sit down and read with an older child. The info isn't too deep for them not to be able to understand it, and I think older kids would be able to read it solo with no problem too. I'd say middle school would be the perfect age range to really grasp and understand it.

This would make a really fun holiday or birthday gift for a kid that loves animals.

[Lauren Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun and easy read! It’s perfect for casual marine enthusiasts of a variety of ages. The information is mostly surface level and quick and if you’re looking for a more textbook type description of these animals this book may not be what you’re looking for. The art is a great aspect, especially given how hard some of these species are to catch on camera. It really helps bring these crazy looking creatures to life.

My only qualm is that I’d love more information! The authors drop some really cool facts and then don’t expand on them. I feel like I could have read a whole chapter on the dreams of octopus!

[Laura N · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sea Wonders offers readers a look into the fascinating world of cephalopods. After a brief overview of who and what cephalopods are, readers are treated to beautiful illustrations of octopus, squid, and cuttlefish paired with a species description. This is followed by a cephalopod field guide that shares their habitat, distribution, their size (with a helpful graphic of the animal next to a human) and a fun fact. Back matter includes suggested books, websites, and videos to learn more about cephalopods. There is also a glossary. This was a fun and interesting read.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC of this book. I read this one in just a couple of days. I love books like this. The illustrations weren't quite my style but they are definitely someones style, and should not at all discourage anyone from reading this. There were a lot of fun facts and several kinds of squid I never knew existed. This is one I will highly contemplate buying a hard copy of when it comes out.

[Amber’s TBR Adventure · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated introduction to Octopus, Cuttlefish, and Squid.🦑 Designed as a coffee table reference the information is basics of some of the species with nice illustrations to accompany. The Catalog at the end is essentially a fact sheet for each species discussed throughout the book and is my favorite feature.

Would be great for grade school/ middle school students who want an introduction to these sea creatures.

Thank you to the publisher for providing an e-arc via NetGalley

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated guide explores 30 species of cephalopods (octopuses, cuttlefish, and squids), highlighting their remarkable intelligence, adaptability, and diverse characteristics—from camouflage to venom. The book includes detailed illustrations and scientific classifications. It’s a fascinating and heartwarming read for anyone interested in the natural world.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Elizabeth Sheeley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to publisher and author for ARC!

I enjoyed this, I would have preferred a bit more detail, but that's just me! I think for anyone looking for a good overview, or introduction, this book would be great! The illustrations were really well done, and I really liked the artist's style. The writing was easy to understand.

[Alanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute coffee table book with fun art and surface level information. It’s perfect for curious kids or adults with short attention spans. The field guide pages in the back were also a nice touch. Overall, short and concise with wonderful formatting, a great jumping off point for some research rabbitholes or artistic inspiration.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and great info!

[Norgri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations of some of the most intriguing creatures in the sea.

[Emily Posthumus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute - learned about several species I wasn't aware of.