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Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Aqua Boy, written and illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $23.99 ages 3 and up

 


"That night there was a big storm, and 
the next morning the beach was full 
of trash from all over the world. 

Everyone went to clean it up. 

"Looks like the ocean sent us back our 
trash!" said Dad. 

"One day we are going to clean up the 
ocean for good," said Angel.
"

This tender story of a family working together for the greater good of the environment is encouraging and uplifting. Aaron and his sister live by the ocean, where their parents work as guardians of the beach by taking care of it as best they can. The children love the ocean as much as their parents do. 

Aaron wants to be more like his sister. Angel knows a lot. She explains that it is her home and she loves swimming there. Aaron loves the water, too. He has a fear of putting his head underwater; he knows he needs to be braver. His parents encourage him every day. 

Their cleanup continues following a storm. Aaron is very surprised to see an octopus on the sand, and wonders why it is there. His family suggests it might be stranded. They return it to the ocean. As they do, Aaron notices the octopus looking at him. As the octopus slips back into the water,  Arron gathers the strength needed to go underwater, too. It's only the beginning for him.

In back matter, the author suggests ways for young readers to protect the octopus and the ocean. 

"Families, communities, and schools 
everywhere can become ocean 
guardians and help to save the ocean. 

Find out more at oceana.org "

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