Dan Santat

Dive in to this whimsically adventurous graphic novel from Caldecott-winning author-illustrator Dan Santat! Ever since her father was lost at sea, Sophia has been moping around Aqualand, a marine theme park. But Sophia's world is turned upside-down when an aquanaut breaks into the park's research lab. To her amazement, Sophia discovers that the aquanaut is not what it seems: inside lives a band of goofy sea creatures! And when they all realize that Aqualand is more sinister than advertised, Sophia is determined to help the aquanaut crew free the park's captive marine life before it's too late.

The Aquanaut: A Graphic Novel

Sarah Sammis

This alternate timeline not-quite-Sea World story thrives on Dan Santat's retro styled artwork. For parents (or grandparents) reading this book with their children (or grandchildren) who grew up in San Diego, they will recognize the park as it once was.

With this being a literal fish out of water adventure story with a strong environmental message, older readers might also be reminded of The Man From Atlantis that was on air about the same time that Sea World went through its first set of major changes.

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EmmaLee Babcock

liberate the sea creatures!

The Aquanaut was a quick and fun read. Santat’s art and storytelling blended together seamlessly through a tale of found family, friendship, and remembering what’s important in the face of grief and capitalism. 


Sophie’s need for a friend after her loss touched my heart, and when she finds it in the most unlikely of places, her uncle is reminded of the root of his mission founded by himself and his brother. Sea Creatures in Costume wasn’t on my 2022 bucket list of reads but I now believe it should be on everyone’s! When searching for likeness and family outside of the one you already have, the Aquanaut is soon reminded that they’ve always had each other’s backs, even in scary and dangerous situations.

With rich colors and a smooth read, The Aquanaut has become one of my favorite June reads.

Free the squids! Free the whales!

The Aquanaut: A Graphic Novel

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