Dan Santat (Sidekicks; The Adventures of Beekle) mixes the silly with the serious in the delightful adventure graphic novel The Aquanaut. Caldecott winner Santat, using his trademark illustrative style, creates a spirited and thrilling story for middle-graders.
Sophia has lived with her Uncle Paul since her father died at sea. He had been doing research with his brother to help expand the mission of their marine park, Aqualand: saving endangered sea life. Sophia is depressed, doing poorly in school and struggling with the tragedy. Uncle Paul is wrapped up in guilt and trying to maintain the mission of Aqualand, which, because his single investor wants it to be more of an attraction, is slowly turning into a kind of Sea World. At the marine park, Sophia meets an aquanaut in an old-fashioned diving suit piloted by four rare sea animals. Sophia and the aquanaut have a connection, and they're soon off finding plenty of trouble for all the right reasons.
The authenticity of Santat's characters keeps readers invested in their experiences, and the marine characters provide a lightness--their bumbling efforts to understand the human world (what they call "space") are amusing and uplifting. Santat's thick broken line creates a feeling of motion and energy; his dramatic use of shadows and his character's bulging eyes enhance the intensity and suspense; and his thoughtfully orchestrated use of panels heightens the humor and tension. The Aquanaut is a moving and entertaining read that should engage adventure and science fans alike. --Jen Forbus, freelancer