The Aquanaut: A Graphic Novel

Biographical Note:
Dan Santat is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, which won the prestigious Randolph Caldecott Medal in 2015. He is also the creator of the acclaimed graphic novel The Aquanaut, and his graphic memoir, A First Time for Everything, was the 2023 National Book Award Winner for Young People's Literature. His art is featured in numerous children's books, including Dav Pilkey's Ricky Ricotta series as well as picture books by Henry Winkler and Jake Gyllenhaal. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and pets. Visit him online at dansantatbooks.com.

Review Quotes:

An American Library Association Best Graphic Novel for Children

★ "Kinetic panel artwork impresses throughout, with smart pacing that swings between hilarity and suspense." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"The art in this graphic tale is something special... Santat's vividly expressive visuals are, even more than usual, riveting." -- Kirkus Reviews

"An endearing tale of love, loss, and the value of family -- biological and found." -- School Library Journal

"Poignant and often funny, The Aquanaut is Santat's triumphant return to the graphic novel genre." -- NPR

"A spirited and thrilling story." -- Shelf Awareness

"A humorous and heartwarming tale." -- BookPage

Praise for Sidekicks:

"Hilarious and heartfelt... a charming and well-told tale about friendship." -- Kazu Kibuishi, creator of Amulet

"The lovable menagerie of crime-fighting pets offers lots of laughs and a boisterous and exuberant storyline; Santat's illustrations are clear, engaging, and neatly stacked into easy-to-read panels." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Lively, insightful, and just plain fun, this convergence of capes and creatures will find a wide audience in animal lovers and superhero fans alike." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Praise for Sidekicks: Thick as Thieves:

★ "Santat's sequel is an absolute gem that blends a thrilling (and uniquely quirky) superhero tale with an endearing exploration of found family... A purr-fect graphic tale full of tail-wagging, fur-raising excitement as well as heart and substance." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"This newly relaunched series is sure to capitalize on the popularity of comics and superheroes, the author's reputation for kid-friendly work, and the same blend of adventure, mischief, and humor that appeals to fans of Aaron Blabey's The Bad Guys." -- The Horn Book Magazine

Ever since her father was lost at sea, Sophia has been moping around Aqualand, the marine theme park her dad and uncle created. 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 four goofy sea creatures! And when they all realize that Aqualand has evolved into something much darker than Sophia's dad had envisioned, Sophia is determined to help the aquanaut crew free the park's captive marine life before it's too late.

Review Citations:

• Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 02/01/2022 (EAN 9780545497602, Hardcover)
• Booklist 02/01/2022 pg. 39 (EAN 9780545497602, Hardcover)
• Publishers Weekly 01/24/2022 pg. 58 (EAN 9780545497602, Hardcover) - *Starred Review
• Shelf Awareness 03/04/2022 (EAN 9780545497602, Hardcover)
• Horn Book Magazine 07/01/2022 pg. 135 (EAN 9780545497602, Hardcover)
• School Library Journal 09/02/2022 pg. 1 (EAN 9780545497602, Hardcover)
• Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2022 (EAN 9780545497602, Hardcover)
• Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 02/01/2022 (EAN 9780545497619, Paperback)
• Publishers Weekly 01/24/2022 (EAN 9780545497619, Paperback) - *Starred Review
• Booklist 02/01/2022 pg. 39 (EAN 9780545497619, Paperback)
• Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2022 (EAN 9780545497619, Paperback)
• Horn Book Magazine 07/01/2022 pg. 135 (EAN 9780545497619, Paperback)
• School Library Journal 09/02/2022 pg. 1 (EAN 9780545497619, Paperback)
• Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2022 (EAN 9780545497619, Paperback)

Contributor Bio:Santat, Dan
Dan Santat is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, which won the prestigious Randolph Caldecott Medal in 2015. He is also the creator of the acclaimed graphic novel The Aquanaut, and his graphic memoir, A First Time for Everything, was the 2023 National Book Award Winner for Young People's Literature. His art is featured in numerous children's books, including Dav Pilkey's Ricky Ricotta series as well as picture books by Henry Winkler and Jake Gyllenhaal. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and pets. Visit him online at dansantatbooks.com.