Manfish - Jennifer Berne, Éric Puybaret

“Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau” by Jennifer Berne, illustrated by Éric Puybaret, is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book that brings to life the childhood and adult journey of Jacques Cousteau — a boy who dreamed of flying under the sea.

This inspirational story highlights how curiosity, passion, and perseverance can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. Cousteau’s life becomes a call to protect and explore the wonders of the world’s oceans.

Main Themes of the Book

• Curiosity and Wonder: Cousteau’s childhood fascination with water
• Innovation: The invention of the Aqua-Lung and the beginnings of scuba diving
• Exploration: Adventures aboard the research ship Calypso
• Environmental Awareness: The importance of ocean conservation
• Inspiration: Following your dreams and making a difference

Reasons to Read this book by Jennifer Berne

• Introduces children to a real-life environmental hero
• Celebrates exploration, creativity, and invention
• Encourages love for nature and marine life
• Filled with stunning illustrations by Éric Puybaret
• A perfect blend of biography and poetic storytelling

“Manfish” is more than a children’s biography—it’s an invitation to dive deep into the wonders of our planet and discover the power of dreaming big. With its lyrical prose and mesmerizing illustrations, it sparks admiration for Jacques Cousteau and encourages young readers to explore, respect, and protect the natural world.