English Cymraeg

Aqua Boy

Name: Aqua Boy
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

by Ken Wilson-Max

Interest age: 4 to 5

Published by Otter-Barry Books, 2024

Picture books

About this book

Aaron and his family are ocean guardians on their island. Aaron loves the sea and wants to know everything about it, like his older sister. One day he’ll even go underwater, but he’s a bit scared now.

After a big storm, Aaron is helping clear up all the plastic rubbish that’s been swept in. Suddenly, he spots an octopus stranded on the sand. The octopus is bravely looking at him. Can Aaron be brave like the octopus?

This gentle story has depths to it, like the ocean. It’s about facing your fears when you’re ready to do so. It’s about protecting the ocean and the creatures that live in it. It’s about a loving, encouraging Black family. It’s about teamwork, because we all need to do our part in protecting the environment.

At the back, there are two pages of information about octopuses and the ocean, meaning that fact-hungry children will also enjoy poring over it. Ken Wilson-Max's artwork has bold colours and strong outlines, making this a visual feast, as all his books are. It makes a lovely set with his Astro Girl and Eco Girl.

About the author

Born in Zimbabwe, Ken Wilson-Max lives in London. He has written and illustrated over 50 books for children. He also illustrates things for grow-ups and businesses and publishes work from other creators through Alanna Max.

As a younger man, Ken made stories from what he saw in his travels. He was excited and so the work was exciting. As he became more experienced and familiar with his surroundings, he saw that everyone had a story to tell. He became determined to inspire others to tell theirs. He found this made his stories much better. It also allowed him to experiment and learn. Since 2014, he’s also been publishing the Chicken Newspaper for children all over the world.

More books like this

I Will Swim Next Time

by Emily Joof and Matilda Ruta

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Lenny in the Garden

by Ken Wilson-Max

2 to 4 years
Catch!

by Trish Cooke, illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max

2 to 4 years
Lenny Has Lunch

by Ken Wilson-Max

2 to 4 years

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