Graphic novel 'The Aquanaut' is 2023's Kids Reading Across Rhode Island selection

"The Aquanaut," by Dan Santat, is the 2023 Kids Reading Across Rhode Island selection, the Rhode Island Center for the Book has announced.

The graphic novel begins with young Sophia moping around Aqualand, the marine theme park founded by her dad and her uncle, after her father is lost at sea. But her world is turned upside down when an "aquanaut" breaks into the park's research lab. Her surprising discovery that the aquanaut is not what it at first seems to be — and her realization that the theme park's mission has taken a dark turn — kicks off a frantic race to free the captive marine creatures before it's too late.

Santat will attend the kickoff and book-signing event at the Rhode Island State House on May 13 from 2 to 4 p.m., featuring games, music and activities sponsored by Rhode Island libraries and community organizations. (It's the first time since 2019 that the event will take place in person instead of online.) Participating families will receive a free autographed copy of the book, while supplies last.

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Sea creatures from the Providence-based performance troupe Big Nazo also will be delivering copies of the books to schools and libraries.

Santat's other children's books include the graphic novel "Sidekicks" and the picture books "The Guild of Geniuses" and "The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend," for which he won a Caldecott Medal. He lives in Alhambra, California, with his family.

Kids Reading Across Rhode Island aims to inspire children in grades three through six to keep reading over the summer break. The program is a partnership between the Rhode Island Center for the Book and the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services.

Sets of books are available to classroom teachers and library discussion groups by contactingdanielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov. Additional information about the program can be found on the websites of theRhode Island Center for the Book (www.ri.book.org) and the Office of Library and Information Services(olis.ri.gov/youth/krari)

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: 'The Aquanaut' is 2023's Kids Reading Across Rhode Island selection