Jacques Cousteau was the world's ambassador of the oceans. His popular TV series brought whales, otters, and dolphins right into people's living rooms. Now, in this exciting picturebook biography, Dan Yaccarino introduces young readers to the man behind the snorkel. From the first moment he got a glimpse of what lived under the ocean's waves, Cousteau was hooked. And so he set sail aboard the Calypso to see the sea. He and his team of scientists invented diving equipment and waterproof cameras. They made films and televisions shows and wrote books so they could share what they learned. The oceans were a vast unexplored world, and Cousteau became our guide.
If you know a child who likes the water or marine life, Jacques Cousteau is sure to be a big hit. The story is a simplified biography of Cousteau’s life and how he came to love and explore the sea, then invented ways to share it with the world. Interspersed between the lines are actual Cousteau quotations like, “Man has only to sing beneath the surface and he is free. Buoyed by water, he can fly…” and “It fascinated me to do something that seemed impossible.” Be prepared to be inspired!
The pictures are filled with warm colors that are gently muted. They reflect Cousteau’s love for the sea by reserving the details and bright colors for the undersea shots, while the above-water scenes are far simpler and only have a few different colors in them. The simpler backgrounds include uniform lines and fun geometric shapes, creating simple-looking outlines that provide much entertainment to look at. You can invent games and activities to supplement the story, such as identifying the different colors and types of fish. Children will likely be excited to know that Cousteau is not just a character in their book – he was a real man who actually explored the sea and invented the items shown in the book! Don’t be surprised if your child wants to make a trip to a lake or ocean in the near future, so they can explore under water just like Jacques Cousteau.
I read this book with my niece when she was five, and her favorite Cousteau quote was “The best way to observe a fish is to become a fish.” She asked me what it means, thinking Cousteau literally meant you could turn into a fish. I explained as best I could. I had her tell her mom a few days later, “Mom, the best way to observe me is to become me. Good luck.”
--Audra
Dan Yaccarino is not only known for his children's books, but also his Parent's Choice Award-winning animated TV series Oswald and Emmy-winning Willa's Wild Life, character designs for The Backyardigans as well as his many illustrated toys, games, and other children's products. His bold, stylized illustrations have added wit and energy to the work of such prestigious authors as Margaret Wise Brown, Jack Prelutsky, Kevin Henkes and Patricia MacLachlan.
Dan's internationally recognized art style has earned him a large following in Japan, exhibits in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Rome, and a visit to the White House. Dan's books have been translated into many languages and have inspired ebooks, children's musicals and video adaptations. People all over the world enjoy Oswald, Dan's animated television series about the wonderfully whimsical world of a lovable octopus, which Time magazine chose as one of the top six shows to watch on cable. Animation Magazine hails him as "an American original." Dan's work has been recognized with a host of prestigious awards including the Bologna Ragazzi, The New York Time 10 Best Illustrated, ALA Notable and the Parents Choice Award.
Dan lives with his wife and their two children in New York City and creates his quirky characters in his studio full of vintage toys.