Unfathomable: 20 Wild (But True) Stories About the Ocean

Author Mary Boone
Illustrated by Max Temescu
Hardcover Library Binding
$22.99 US
On sale Feb 17, 2026 | 192 Pages | 9780593904787

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Wrestle an octopus, swim through a sunken city, and discover 20 incredible-but-true stories from our unbelievable—and unpredictable—oceans. From acclaimed nonfiction writer Mary Boone comes an illustrated look at the fascinating stories that take place under (and above) the sea.

Did you know you can survive being swallowed by a whale? Or that octopus wrestling used to not just be a pastime but also an actual sport? Or, that once a town in Oregon didn't know what to do with a whale carcass that washed up on their beaches, so they...BLEW IT UP?

As strange as it sounds, those stories are 100% true. And the sea holds more secrets. Grab your snorkel and dive into 20 incredible-but-true tales of survival at sea, sunken treasures hiding under the ocean's surface, jellyfish that live forever, and so much more.

From accomplished nonfiction author Mary Boone comes an illustrated look at the unfathomable tales our oceans have to tell. Each chapter contains one story, with interview quotes and hands-on research that uncovers the science and history behind the event. You’ll get facts AND more!

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Mary Boone has ridden an elephant, jumped out of an airplane, DNA-tested salmon, and baked dozens of cricket cookies—all in the interest of research for her books and magazine articles. She's written more than 70 nonfiction books for young readers. She loves creating the sorts of books that make readers say WOW! Mary grew up on a farm in Iowa and spent many years writing and editing for daily newspapers. She now lives in Tacoma, Washington.

Max Temescu View titles by Mary Boone

About

Wrestle an octopus, swim through a sunken city, and discover 20 incredible-but-true stories from our unbelievable—and unpredictable—oceans. From acclaimed nonfiction writer Mary Boone comes an illustrated look at the fascinating stories that take place under (and above) the sea.

Did you know you can survive being swallowed by a whale? Or that octopus wrestling used to not just be a pastime but also an actual sport? Or, that once a town in Oregon didn't know what to do with a whale carcass that washed up on their beaches, so they...BLEW IT UP?

As strange as it sounds, those stories are 100% true. And the sea holds more secrets. Grab your snorkel and dive into 20 incredible-but-true tales of survival at sea, sunken treasures hiding under the ocean's surface, jellyfish that live forever, and so much more.

From accomplished nonfiction author Mary Boone comes an illustrated look at the unfathomable tales our oceans have to tell. Each chapter contains one story, with interview quotes and hands-on research that uncovers the science and history behind the event. You’ll get facts AND more!

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Author

Mary Boone has ridden an elephant, jumped out of an airplane, DNA-tested salmon, and baked dozens of cricket cookies—all in the interest of research for her books and magazine articles. She's written more than 70 nonfiction books for young readers. She loves creating the sorts of books that make readers say WOW! Mary grew up on a farm in Iowa and spent many years writing and editing for daily newspapers. She now lives in Tacoma, Washington.

Max Temescu View titles by Mary Boone

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