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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
CW: the story starts off with a character drowning in a ship while his brother screams his name, trying to save him. This is key to the rest of the book's storyline, but it's also a fairly intense way to start a graphic novel for younger readers.
Main premise: a batch of small sea creatures figure out how to rig up an old diver's suit to be filled with water and allow them to manuever on land (or "space" as they call it). It's slightly confusing because all of the creatures involved seem to also be able to manage to survive outside of the water at least for short stretches without the suit, but whatever. The story has strong themes of grief and death, some elements of ocean conservation, and I really love Dan Santat's drawing style, but this isn't as lighthearted and carefree as the cover may lead you to believe.
Main premise: a batch of small sea creatures figure out how to rig up an old diver's suit to be filled with water and allow them to manuever on land (or "space" as they call it). It's slightly confusing because all of the creatures involved seem to also be able to manage to survive outside of the water at least for short stretches without the suit, but whatever. The story has strong themes of grief and death, some elements of ocean conservation, and I really love Dan Santat's drawing style, but this isn't as lighthearted and carefree as the cover may lead you to believe.
I read this with my eight-year-olds after a recommendation from a friend who read it with her kids. This book was lovely, from the art to the heartfelt story about family and dealing with loss. Is it at all plausible? Of course not, but the emotions ring very true.
This was a very beautifully illustrated graphic novel. The story was very intriguing too. Love Dan Santat and his brilliant mind!
Ajatuksia merestä ja perheestä herättävä sarjakuva, joka ei selitä aivan kaikkia asioita, vaan jättää jotakin mielikuvituksen tulkittavaksi. Mitä tapahtuu, jos merestä nousee sukelluspuku, joka näyttää olevan peräisin 1800-luvulta, mutta se onkin robotti, jota merenelävät ohjailevat? Ihastuttavan napakkakokoinen seikkailu, jonka aikana pohditaan menetystä, perheen kanssa vietetyn ajan tärkeyttä töiden sijaan sekä merieläinten vankeudessa elämisen eettisyyttä.
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a surprising delight, a fun story with absolutely gorgeous artwork.
3.5
Dan Santat is my favorite illustrator - and this addition to his work fits so well with what he does. The two storylines follow a group of sea creatures looking for paradise and a girl trying to help her uncle see the reality of his themepark dream. Whimsical and aquatical wrapped in to one.
Dan Santat is my favorite illustrator - and this addition to his work fits so well with what he does. The two storylines follow a group of sea creatures looking for paradise and a girl trying to help her uncle see the reality of his themepark dream. Whimsical and aquatical wrapped in to one.
This gets an Aqua-nah from me, but I imagine kids will like the zany animals and the simple plot with a tidy ending.
Update 4/19/2023: Reading this a second time I LOVED it! I found so much more humor in the illustrations and the creatures’ attempts to act human. It's an enjoyable adventure!