What do you think?
Rate this book
Domesticated Cephalopods
Traveling With Your Octopus
A lavishly illustrated Victorian era travelogue chronicling the international journeys of Octo-Victorian globetrotters Victoria Prismall and her pet land octopus Otto, this scenic follow-up to Brian Kesinger's instant classic Walking Your Octopus is sure to delight all manner of world adventurers. Thirty panoramic, full-page illustrations showcase Victoria and Otto as they explore destinations in Scotland, France, Holland, Spain, Austria, Romania, Italy, Russia, China, Japan, Thailand, New Zealand, Mexico, and beyond. From snowy Himalayan peaks to lush Amazon rain forests... from the tombs of the Pharaohs to the depths of the oceans... from the beaches of the Caribbean, to the plains of the American west... see it all from the comfort of your favorite reading spot. The book's art is both beautiful and captivating, with each illustration telling its own visual story about the whimsical characters and their fun-filled situations. As with Walking Your Octopus, this book is 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 February 1, 2015
153 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 30, 2018
One of the cutest things i've ever seen!
A joy from beginning to end. Beautiful illustrations accompanied by charming, humours annotations.
Magical!!! One of my most treasured books.
A joy from beginning to end. Beautiful illustrations accompanied by charming, humours annotations.
Magical!!! One of my most treasured books.
December 7, 2014
I absolutely adore Brian Kesinger's art, and this particular book is one I've been eagerly anticipating. Since I'll be soon be traveling abroad with Oswin, my own cephalapod, I could not have been more gleeful that Brian chose this subject for his new Victoria and Otto book. So much fun, and the artwork is brilliant.
July 27, 2015
Adorable. I want this art for my walls!
June 1, 2016
OMG this book is so freaking adorable!! I want my own pet octopus now! <3
December 10, 2014
Even better then the first book! A more cohesive look to all the drawings with a fun story. I especially loved The Life Aquatic" reference. Also I would totally buy the Otto-ized ye olde thyme travel stickers!
July 25, 2015
Ahhhhhh I love this book! The art is so pretty and colorful! Love the characters! This is a must read!
August 9, 2016
Ah so much fun and such great artwork combined. I am a fan!
January 1, 2026
The world today is moving at a tremendous pace and keeping up can severely tax the stamina of even the hardiest of individuals. To preserve one's sanity, it is imperative to take time for leisurely pursuits Including your pet octopus in these adventures is a great bonding experience, but it can also be a bit of a challenge.
And to follow up Brian Kesinger's Inked Tails, another adventure with Victoria Prismall and her cephalopod companion Otto. I have long needed to add this second installment in the series to my collection and I decided to treat myself to it over Christmas.
It is another cracker, giving the reader key information for travel, adventure, and relaxation with your octopus. Throwing in facts about the terrific tentacled tide‑dwellers, the pages place Victoria and Otto around the world enjoying their vacation.
As always the artwork is outstanding with the attention to detail being second to none. 5 stars.
The three hearts of an octopus facilitate the flow of oxygen throughout its body The extra cardiovascular support is especially helpful while summiting the high -altitude peaks of the Himalayas.
And to follow up Brian Kesinger's Inked Tails, another adventure with Victoria Prismall and her cephalopod companion Otto. I have long needed to add this second installment in the series to my collection and I decided to treat myself to it over Christmas.
It is another cracker, giving the reader key information for travel, adventure, and relaxation with your octopus. Throwing in facts about the terrific tentacled tide‑dwellers, the pages place Victoria and Otto around the world enjoying their vacation.
As always the artwork is outstanding with the attention to detail being second to none. 5 stars.
The three hearts of an octopus facilitate the flow of oxygen throughout its body The extra cardiovascular support is especially helpful while summiting the high -altitude peaks of the Himalayas.
August 30, 2022
Oh, how wonderful a book with pictures that fully describes how to travel with your cephalopod. I am very partial to travelogues. I am pleased that they have faithfully depicted New Zealand and included it on the tour. Brian Kesinger is an excellent artist. His pages are fun and funny. Otto has a wide and versatile palate of expressions considering his eyes are closed throughout the book. I do wonder why Victoria Prismals hair is green, but no matter. It only adds to the wonderous watercolour and ink illustrations. This is a forever book you can enjoy reading with your octopus over and over again. Then when you travel, your octopus will be able to be prepared for all the wonders of the world. Travelling with an octopus is eight times the adventure. I look forward to finding the others in the series, including Walking your Octopus, Colouring with your Octopus and Time Travelling with your Octopus. Jolly good read, job well-done, lashings of fun. (This is part of my reading what I find in other people's houses series. I read this book in Edinburgh, Scotland, at Artemus Deadman hame.)
October 26, 2021
Mr. Kesinger's eye for details, always creates beautifully illustrated visions for his story books.
This book is a fantastical jaunt through the different cultures of the world, with Victoria and her pet cephalopod, Otto. As they travel, we can enjoy snapshots that regal the flavor of each place they visit.
My favorites were Africa and Scotland.
I especially enjoyed the pictures, but the commentary is adorable, too.
Good, clean fun! For all ages.
Cheers~
This book is a fantastical jaunt through the different cultures of the world, with Victoria and her pet cephalopod, Otto. As they travel, we can enjoy snapshots that regal the flavor of each place they visit.
My favorites were Africa and Scotland.
I especially enjoyed the pictures, but the commentary is adorable, too.
Good, clean fun! For all ages.
Cheers~
October 22, 2018
This is such an adorable, heartwarming book. The art work is incredible and the Victorian steampunk style is just spot on, cute and funny at the same time. I wish I had known this as a child. Perfect treatment for any mild to serious case of „adulthood“. Pure food for heart and soul. 10/10 ❤️
March 16, 2019
This witty presentation of tips for traveling with your domesticated cephalopod, features the Victorian Victoria and her eight-legged pet, Otto. The globetrotting duo are featured in a series of delightful illustrations accompanied by droll commentary. Great fun!
December 28, 2020
This book is beautiful, mischievous, and magical. Every single thing about it is charming, with whimsical writing and gorgeous art. My little sister got this for me for Christmas, and it's really brought me joy.
July 21, 2017
Absolutely adorable!
September 4, 2017
octo-victorian book about a girl who travels with her pet cephalopod and how you should go about doing it too. (hilarious / cute / funny picture book style story)
January 15, 2018
Not quite as good as "Walking Your Octopus" but still very cute, and the illustrations are top-notch.
April 13, 2018
Great illustrations, delightful humor, now I have to look for the third book
July 24, 2018
The illustrations are quirky, comfy, steam-punky in style. I liked it as much as the first. Not one I'd buy though.
January 25, 2019
This is the best 💙
The drawings are just beautiful and funny, and text is amusing in itself.
I love the combination of real Octopus facts with humor (:
The drawings are just beautiful and funny, and text is amusing in itself.
I love the combination of real Octopus facts with humor (:
April 7, 2020
Love it!
January 8, 2022
Loved it of course beautiful art and each panel is a story in itself this series is just amazing.
February 4, 2023
This art in this book is amazing. I wish I had multiple copies and unlimited wall space so that I could unbind the art and have all the pictures framed and hung up on my walls.
Read
August 4, 2024Delightful; fanciful travels but with clever nods to actual octopus traits
January 24, 2025
A splendid follow-up to WALKING YOUR OCTOPUS. Kesinger's work is top-rate.
October 1, 2016
The illustrations seemed even more vibrant and colorful in this sequel, but I preferred seeing Otto in his mundane life from the first book. Nevertheless, this is a great book and a nice gift for the cephalopod (or cephalopod-lover) in your life.
August 17, 2015
This book needs to be on the shelf of every Victorian young lady (or steampunk equivalent) who is considering traveling with her octopus. While not as detailed as a Lonely Planet guide, the suggestions are so varied and interesting that it is a must-have.
I understand that this book is a sequel to _Walking Your Octopus: A Guide to the Domesticated Cephalopod_, but I have not been exposed to that tome. Both works center on Otto, an octopus, and his human companion ("owner") the leggy Victoria Psismall. They are not above amateur treasure-hunting in the Caribbean, or tomb-robbing in Egypt, but they do it with style and panache, so it's probably a goodish thing.
The illustrations are fun, even if Otto serves as a constant reminder of how little one gets done oneself in a given hour, for he seems capable of doing eight things at once, and doing seven of them rather well.
I understand that this book is a sequel to _Walking Your Octopus: A Guide to the Domesticated Cephalopod_, but I have not been exposed to that tome. Both works center on Otto, an octopus, and his human companion ("owner") the leggy Victoria Psismall. They are not above amateur treasure-hunting in the Caribbean, or tomb-robbing in Egypt, but they do it with style and panache, so it's probably a goodish thing.
The illustrations are fun, even if Otto serves as a constant reminder of how little one gets done oneself in a given hour, for he seems capable of doing eight things at once, and doing seven of them rather well.
February 14, 2015
It is the absolute best children/steampunk book around! Traveling with Your Octopus takes Victoria and Otto on Grand Tour around the world. Brian Kesinger's story is as artistic as his illustrations!
August 1, 2015
I think I liked this better than the first one. It's really adorable, and I love the henna page. I'm disappointed that they didn't go to Australia, though. If they can cuddle with lions and play alpenhorns, surely they could cuddle koalas (or box with roos) and play the didgeridoo!
December 16, 2014
I love these books! Cleverly written with gorgeous artwork - it's witty enough for adults to get a laugh and the children love the pictures!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews