Illustrations in this novel are great, just felt the pacing was a little off - there are some elements missing and a reader has to make some mental leaps to follow the plot. This is an intense book for young readers with a character drowning at sea at the start.

The premise of the book is unique and contains themes of family, loss, ecology of the ocean, environment versus big business, etc. ( )

The art is wonderful, but the plot was clunky and sometimes confusing. While the characters were excellent to look at, it felt like they didn't quite come alive. Sophie is having trouble at school in the beginning but that is just left dangling. The ocean creatures' motivation didn't gel for me. And the villain was a total evil businessman stereotype.

Overall this book reminded me of the movies Free Willy, The Life Aquatic, and Finding Nemo/Dory.

I had super high hopes for this one, but it kinda let me down. I don't see it winning awards, but I think a lot of young readers will love the art and the physical comedy of fish in a man-suit. ( )

Trigger warnings: Death of a father in a boating accident, grief and loss depiction
Score: Six points out of ten

It was only okay. ( )

A little girl named Sophia loses her father to science exploration. There is a shipwreck, and her father is lost at sea, but his scientific breakthrough is saved and brought home by the uncle. The uncle and family are part of Aqualand, that is supposed to be about science but is more about money and entertainment. Years later, Aqualand is in a bit of trouble, and the powers that be will not let the scientist work on/with their amazing discovery. But an Aquanaut walks into the park and things start to change. This is no man in a water suit. It is the animals of the sea driving this human suit on a hunt to find a safe space. This book is amazing. Everything done by Santat is amazing, so this meets expectations. It does feel a little sad, but the story is one kids will understand, and one they will want to read more than once. ( )

As library's are preparing for the Summer Reading theme "Oceans of Possibilities," I think this graphic novel is going to either rise to the top of request lists....or be one that needs to get on display.

While it is a book that has Santat's humor, and an array of fun ocean creatures, it is also a book about coping with loss. Of leaving a legacy and what that means. Of protecting those who need protecting. Deeper topics than you might anticipate in a graphic novel.

It's a very easy read. The text on each page is minimal to average. Yet I think it will be enjoyed by many. There are other graphic novels I personally have liked better, I won't hesitate to recommend this one. ( )