Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Éric Puybaret (Illustrator) "OUR STORY starts many years before, in France, with a little baby boy born under the summer sun..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2–5—A new generation of children is introduced to the pioneering oceanographer and filmmaker. Beginning with Cousteau's childhood in France where he marveled at the sea and dreamed of breathing underwater, Berne reveals the unique mix of curiosity, ingenuity, and passion that drove Cousteau to make underwater exploration possible. She describes his early experiments and forays into amateur filmmaking, helping readers understand the man he became. Most interesting is the simple explanation of how Cousteau and his friends developed the first fins, wetsuits, and scuba gear. Children will be surprised to know that before this man, the sport of scuba diving was nonexistent. Berne gently leads readers to Cousteau's passion for saving the underwater environment and then follows up with suggestions for further inquiry in her author's note. Almost poetic in its rich descriptions, the text is superimposed on ethereal acrylic paintings, submerging readers in the marine world. Shades of blue and green represent swaying, wraithlike strands of seaweed that both readers and oceanographers dart through while exploring the briny depths.—Nicki Clausen-Grace, Carillon Elementary School, Oviedo, FL
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From Booklist

*Starred Review* Writing in simple poetic language, both lyrical and concise (“Bubbles rising through the silence of the sea, silvery beads of breath . . . a manfish swimming, diving into the unknown.”), Berne offers a luminous picture-book biography about Jacques Cousteau. In just a few lines per page, she follows Cousteau through his life as he develops his twin passions for filmmaking and oceanic exploration, and she shows how a life’s path can begin with deep, childhood curiosity: “Little Jacques loved water—the way it felt on his hands, his face, his body. And water made him wonder. He wondered why ships floated. Why he floated.” Puybaret’s smooth-looking acrylic paintings extend the words’ elegant simplicity and beautifully convey the sense of infinite, underwater space; and an inventive format further reinforces the text: a bisected scene shows a diver’s waterline view above and below the surface; a series of panels depicts Cousteau and his friends learning to dive progressively deeper; and a gatefold dramatically suggests deep-sea depth. A closing scene, coated in sooty grays, describes how human activity has damaged sea life; and in a final, inspiring message, Berne calls for young people to become caring stewards of the earth. Only one disappointment: where are the source notes? Grades K-3. --Gillian Engberg

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; illustrated edition edition (April 23, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811860639
• ISBN-13: 978-0811860635
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #57,064 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book for All Ages, May 10, 2008

By	Abigail D. Malik (Kentucky) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Jennifer Berne's tale of Jacques Cousteau's journey from child to young man to manfish is breathtaking and inspiring. This children's book is a lovely look at a world that's often forgotten in our busy lives - the sea and its inhabitants and the effect we have on each other.

Berne's chronicles of Cousteau's journeys, his ambition and his deep passion for life are inspirational to young and older readers alike. The sea is bigger than life, and so is this book's message: dream big and follow those dreams. Cousteau gives us all a little hope that perhaps changing the world isn't really all that hard.

I recommend getting this book for anyone in your life who loves and respects the sea and its life - or anyone who appreciate life at all. The illustrations and the poetic tale are unforgettable.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonder-ful Children's Book, May 18, 2008

By	Elaine Smith (New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The story of Jacque Cousteau's developing fascination with the sea and it's inhabitants is beautifully told and illustrated in this volume for children. . The ocean's wonder is brought vividly to life, as is Cousteau's message that we need to take responsibility to sustain the life that dwells within it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Manfish, May 11, 2008

By	B. Kirk (New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A beautifully written and illustrated book about a boy who grew up to be one of the world's most ardent conservationists. Both children and adults will appreciate and hopefully heed the important message woven into this charming story. The unusual perspective of the illustrations and the surprise foldout plunge you even deeper into a watery world. This is a book to give to anyone who loves the ocean and the earth.