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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
I gave it 3.5 for the art alone. The story left me a little underwhelmed. I was rooting for Sophie,her uncle and the creatures but many things didn’t make sense or flow. I also think more character development was needed. But the art! Wow
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, Death of parent
Most readers will be able to empathize with the grief that Dan Santat, and his "Aquanaut" characters, express in this poignant graphic novel. Although the dialogue is overshadowed by the captivating illustrations, together both elements offer readers a reassuring thought when it comes to loss.
Several of the people I have discussed the GN with have had similar reactions to the overall outcome of this highly promoted piece. We enjoyed it, but much like other titles that were projected 'blockbusters', "Aquanauts" did not (fully) meet our anticipation.
That is not to say that Santat's piece was terrible, and hardly worth the hub-bub. Given the nature of how the book depicts death, grief, and 'moving forward', it could very well be used as spring board into a discussion with young adults about one of the most uncomfortable and confusing experiences we all face at one point or another.
Side Note: for those who are movie buffs, get ready for "Finding Nemo" meets "Terminator 2: Judgement Day". You'll know when you see it.
Again, I did not feel as though I wasted time with this GN, and if you have similar or opposing thoughts feel free to share them! I love of a good discussion when two sides of the coin are present.
Several of the people I have discussed the GN with have had similar reactions to the overall outcome of this highly promoted piece. We enjoyed it, but much like other titles that were projected 'blockbusters', "Aquanauts" did not (fully) meet our anticipation.
That is not to say that Santat's piece was terrible, and hardly worth the hub-bub. Given the nature of how the book depicts death, grief, and 'moving forward', it could very well be used as spring board into a discussion with young adults about one of the most uncomfortable and confusing experiences we all face at one point or another.
Side Note: for those who are movie buffs, get ready for "Finding Nemo" meets "Terminator 2: Judgement Day". You'll know when you see it.
Again, I did not feel as though I wasted time with this GN, and if you have similar or opposing thoughts feel free to share them! I love of a good discussion when two sides of the coin are present.
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Aquanaut is a moving, adventurous tale about a group of endangered sea creatures who commandeer a diver's suit in order to travel out of the ocean. This whimsical story includes a dwarf octopus, a sea turtle, and a crab named Sodapop who discover Aqualand, a theme park similar to SeaWorld. These animals travel in the diver's suit in the 3 kids in a trenchcoat style popular in cartoons. They accidentally stumble upon Sophia, a girl who is missing her parents and they also help some other animals at the theme park. This book has themes of grief and loss, preserving one's legacy, and of course, of family. It is recommended for ages 8-12. This book is a Caldecott award winning book as well as the National Book Award for Children's Literature. I highly recommend it!
inspiring
Reading through Hoopla for "Let's Get Graphic" readathon 2024
Three sea creatures turn an old diving suit into a land-walking aquanaut to deliver a message to a sea life scientist who lost his brother at sea five years prior. This was fun, well-drawn, and heartwarming, as it is a story of both family and friendship.
Three sea creatures turn an old diving suit into a land-walking aquanaut to deliver a message to a sea life scientist who lost his brother at sea five years prior. This was fun, well-drawn, and heartwarming, as it is a story of both family and friendship.
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes