Remarkably Bright Creatures: Dyslexia-friendly Edition

by Shelby Van Pelt

Genres: Fiction

600 pages, Paperback

Published October 23, 2025

About the author

Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel, REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES, was published by Ecco/HarperCollins (US) and Bloomsbury (UK) in Spring 2022.

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she’s now missing the mountains in the Chicago area with her husband and two children.

Reviews

[Amber Follette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute! It was a nice change from the books I typically read, and the storyline was adorable. There are multiple POVs and they all play well into each other.

[Carol Werner Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt is a rare gem that manages to be both whimsical and profoundly moving. While a "talking octopus" might sound like a gimmick, Marcellus is the heart of this story; his dry, insightful observations of the "simple" humans around him provide a perfect counterpoint to the heavy themes of loss.

Tova Sullivan is an equally compelling lead, representing a demographic often overlooked in fiction with grace and quiet strength. The way their lives intertwine with the young, flailing Cameron is expertly paced, leading to a conclusion that is as much about solving a mystery as it is about finding a family. It is a gentle reminder that even when we feel most alone, connection can be found in the most unexpected places—even in a tank at the local aquarium.

This is a book that touched me to the core, it's a tentacled masterpiece on grief and hope. I had a hard time getting through the final pages as I couldn't see because I couldn't quit crying. I've read a lot of books and this is a first for me!

A 5 STAR must read!

[Phoenix1000 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it's a light easy read. The topics aren't light, such as grief and loss, but are relatable and handled in a quirky way with a cluey octopus.
It can be somewhat predictable but it was a very pleasant read and a break from the type of books I've read lately.

[Bronwyn]

A lovely pick for the first book club book of the year with an interesting mix of character POVs, including Marcellus the octopus.
I skipped around a bit which is unusual for me - it was a bit slow to start but also I really wanted to know what happened!

[Kirsty longworth browne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the imagination in this book. Talked about it for weeks.

[Grace Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. Slow to begin with, but give it time to set the scene and you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful tale ❤️

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable, quirky read.

[Agatha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much. Can no longer eat octopus.