The Aquanaut by Dan Santat is praised for its stunning illustrations and engaging narrative, capturing the adventure and heartwarming relationships. Critics appreciate its imaginative storytelling and emotional depth. However, some note that the plot can be predictable. Overall, it's a visually appealing and touching read suitable for young audiences.

A reader who enjoys The Aquanaut by Dan Santat likely appreciates adventurous, visually engaging graphic novels with themes of friendship and environmentalism. This audience would also enjoy Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi and Hilo by Judd Winick for their similar blend of humor and heart.

The Aquanaut by Dan Santat follows a young person named Sophia, who encounters a mysterious aquanaut—a creature wearing an old diving suit—at a marine theme park. Together, they embark on an adventure to uncover secrets about Sophia's family's past, confronting themes of loss, friendship, and discovery.

Heartwarming / Fantastical / Adventurous / Emotional

- The Aquanaut is illustrated by Dan Santat, who is well-known for his Caldecott Medal-winning book, The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend.
- The graphic novel took roughly a decade to create, with Dan Santat initially developing the idea shortly after finishing work on another graphic novel, Sidekicks.
- Dan Santat incorporates elements of marine biology into The Aquanaut due to his personal interest and background in the subject, having originally planned to pursue a career in the sciences before becoming an illustrator and author.

**The Aquanaut**  
A group of four sea creatures inhabiting and operating a diving suit as a single entity, embarking on a journey to find safety and ultimately befriending a human ally.

**Sophia**  
A 12-year-old girl with long, brown hair, who becomes the aquanaut's closest friend and ally, while navigating her own personal challenges and growth.

**Paul**  
Sophia’s uncle and a marine biologist dedicated to researching marine life, who struggles to balance his work commitments with caring for his niece.

**Mr. Lula**  
An antagonist driven by financial interests, who prioritizes profits over ethical considerations and conservation efforts at Aqualand.

Dan Santat

Middle grade

Graphic Novel/Book

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Aquanaut and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Aquanaut Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Aquanaut Background

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section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Pages 1-88

The Aquanaut Pages 1-88 Summary & Analysis

Pages 89-172

The Aquanaut Pages 89-172 Summary & Analysis

Pages 173-245

The Aquanaut Pages 173-245 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Aquanaut Character Analysis

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Themes

The Aquanaut Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Aquanaut Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Aquanaut Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Aquanaut Essay Topics

The Aquanaut: A Graphic Novel

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Aquanaut?

Reading Age

Book Details