Aqua Boy

by Ken Wilson-Max
Aqua Boy cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Children's Fiction
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Hardback • £12.99
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Format • £12.34
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Technical
  • ID: 311
  • Added: 2025-09-10
  • Updated: 2025-09-10
  • ISBN: 9781536237276
  • Publisher: Candlewick Press
  • Published: 2024-05-21
  • Formats: 49
  • Reviews: 4

Aaron lives by the ocean with his family, who are dedicated Ocean Guardians protecting the beach and marine life. Though he loves the sea’s colors, sounds, and smells, Aaron is afraid to put his head underwater, unlike his sister Angel, who swims freely. The story follows Aaron’s journey as he helps rescue a stranded octopus during a beach cleanup, which inspires him to face his fear and swim underwater to watch the octopus return to the sea. Ken Wilson-Max’s warm illustrations and gentle narrative emphasize themes of environmental stewardship, empathy for marine creatures, and personal courage. The book also includes educational content about ocean life and pollution, encouraging young readers to appreciate and protect the marine environment while relating to Aaron’s quiet bravery and transformative first experience underwater.

Reviews
Just Imagine · 2025-09-10
thoughtful 4.25

The book sensitively addresses environmental issues and personal responsibility through the story of children who vow to clean up the oceans after a storm, blending social awareness with an engaging narrative.

This review focuses on the environmental themes woven into the story, praising how the book raises awareness about ocean pollution in a way that is accessible to children. It appreciates the mix of personal growth and ecological responsibility, showing how young characters take initiative to make a positive impact. The reviewer values the book’s ability to inspire young readers not only through the protagonist's personal journey but also through a broader message about caring for the planet. This dual focus on emotional and social themes enriches the reading experience and encourages thoughtful reflection on environmental stewardship.

Quick quotes

    After a storm the beach is strewn with litter and the children vow to clean up the oceans.

    Not just litter on the beach but a call to action for young readers.

    Blends social awareness with engaging narrative for children.

BookReadingTIC · 2025-09-10
encouraging 4.00

The story is recommended for children who face fears, especially fear of swimming, as it offers an encouraging narrative about overcoming anxieties.

The reviewer highlights the book's appeal not only to children but also to anyone dealing with fears, making it a versatile read for families and educators. The narrative's gentle approach to confronting fears like swimming is praised as both empathetic and motivational. This perspective sees the book as more than just a children's story; it’s a tool for emotional growth and reassurance. The calm and supportive tone throughout the book helps readers feel understood and empowered, making it a valuable resource for helping kids tackle their anxieties.

Quick quotes

    A story all children will enjoy.

    Good to read to anyone that has something they are afraid of, including swimming.

    Offers an encouraging narrative about overcoming anxieties.

YA Books Central · 2025-09-10
inspiring 4.25

The story inspires quiet bravery in children through a boy's love of the sea and marine life, highlighting a transformative first experience that resonates with young readers.

This review emphasizes the emotional depth of the story, focusing on how the protagonist's connection to the ocean encourages courage in a gentle, relatable way. It notes that the book will particularly resonate with young readers who have an interest in marine animals and the natural world, making it both an inspiring and educational read. The reviewer appreciates the narrative's ability to convey bravery not through loud actions but through quiet personal growth, which can be very meaningful for children facing their own fears or challenges. The story's transformative experience serves as a touching milestone that young readers can identify with, fostering empathy and curiosity about the ocean.

Quick quotes

    A boy's love for the sea and marine animals spurs him to quiet bravery.

    A transformative first experience that will resonate with young ocean lovers.

    The story encourages courage in a gentle and relatable way.

BookTrust · 2024-04-25
engaging 4.00

The book features bold colours and strong outlines in its artwork, which effectively captures the underwater theme and engages young readers.

The artwork in Aqua Boy by Ken Wilson-Max is characterized by bold colours and strong outlines, making the underwater scenes vivid and appealing to children. This visual style supports the story's themes and helps maintain the interest of its intended age group, enhancing the overall reading experience for young audiences.

Quick quotes

    Ken Wilson-Max's artwork has bold colours and strong outlines, making this ...

    Interest age: 4 to 5.

    Published by Otter-Barry ...

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