The Big Aquarium Adventure

Learn about frogs, fish, turtles, sharks, and skates! Alex and Jordan Explore Series, Book 1

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Pub Date Jan 23 2025 | Archive Date Mar 21 2025
Developmental Texts | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles

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Description

Discover what helps Stephen stay calm—frogs or skates?

Come with Alex & Jordan as they explore and write about Stephen’s visit to The Big Aquarium, where he is challenged by a shocking request! “Would you like to touch a clearnose skate?” His anxiety rises and he wants to scream and run away.

Alex learns of Stephen’s dilemma while he interviews him, then asks Jordan to research what a skate is. Then, Alex and Jordan write a narrative nonfiction story which includes life cycles and skeleton illustrations, and of course what Stephen chose to do!

With the information presented in three genres, struggling readers are better able to comprehend Stephen’s story. Reading comprehension strategies appear before and after each chapter so new readers can practice alone or with an adult. The content is geared towards fifth graders, but is a Lexile level of 630L (third grade).

The reader is not told that Stephen has autism, but some may recognize his headphones, and that he is triggered by a social interaction. Even though this book was designed for neurodivergent readers, any child ready for early chapter books will love the sea animal facts and Stephen’s story.

Informational fiction that is real, relatable, and relevant! 

Discover what helps Stephen stay calm—frogs or skates?

Come with Alex & Jordan as they explore and write about Stephen’s visit to The Big Aquarium, where he is challenged by a shocking request! “Would...


A Note From the Publisher

Illustrated by Mariana Boune

Other contributors include: Lori Siesto

Hardcover: 97819572828015

Coil Bound: 9781957828022

eBook: 9781957828039

Illustrated by Mariana Boune

Other contributors include: Lori Siesto

Hardcover: 97819572828015

Coil Bound: 9781957828022

eBook: 9781957828039


Advance Praise

Thank you for reading Stephen's story! I appreciate your efforts to completing an honest review. 


Thank you for reading Stephen's story! I appreciate your efforts to completing an honest review. 



Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781957828008
PRICE $14.99 (USD)
PAGES 96

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Average rating from 12 members


Featured Reviews

I thought this was such a fun and interactive book! This is especially great for anyone who is interested in aquamarine life! It felt really nostalgic because it reminded me of the old children's books I used to read when I was younger that were informative, but still easy to read and comprehend! I also really like how there were other themes discussed, such as the teamwork between Alex and Jordan and the anxiousness that Stephen felt. I wasn't expecting the book to dive into these topics, but they're so important to touch upon which I really appreciated as a reader. The questions at the end are also really great and the practice interview is a genius idea! Great book that I can definitely see older kids enjoying!

#TheBigAquariumAdventure #NetGalley

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This is a brilliant little book telling the story of Stephen, who is easily recognised as being autistic, and his retelling of his trip to the aquarium to his friends. There are string educational elements as well as social connections.
I am reviewing this book as someone who has worked in a professional capacity in reviewing children’s books based on diversity, and this book does a good job of representing autism in a discreet yet true way.
I am also an autistic reviewer (whose special interest is aquariums and sharks) and I felt a kinship to Stephen and appreciate the small nods to his autism and his friends reactions to the way he reacts.
Finally, I am someone who works in childcare, and I would definitely recommend this as a book to teach children a little bit about social interaction and specific interests!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

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The Big Aquarium Adventure shows Alex and Jordan interviewing Stephen about his trip to the aquarium. The content is provided in several ways and then there are follow up questions at the end.

When I saw the cover of this book, I thought that it would merely be informative (about sea life), but was happy to see that it also addressed how to deal with anxious feelings in a tangible way (we find out that he was nervous during part of his visit).

The format of the book would be easy to utilize in a classroom setting and touches on a lot of content and how to assess understanding.

Thanks to Developmental Texts and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review.

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A great children’s novel that has a good storyline and will aid in learning. Not only does the book provide facts and information about the sea life, it also provides great information about how to lay out facts and report on them. This is an interesting concept that is sure to help the young readers become better at writing and reporting.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Alex interviews Stephen about his visit to the aquarium. Here, we learn about fish that live in salt and fresh water, scary sharks, frogs, turtles, stingrays, etc. Stephen outlines interesting facts about all the fish he encountered, including life cycles and what areas of the country they can be found. The story is very interactive and would be enjoyed in the classroom. The glossary at the end of the book is a helpful addition for young readers.

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What a cute read! I read this to my son and he was enthralled with all of the information presented. I love how educational this book is! A must read for sure!

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I LET MY SIX YEAR OLD READ THIS ONE AND SHE GIVES IT FOUR STARS. She loves all things aquarium related and specifically loves the Baltimore one so this was right up her alley! Thank you NetGalley, for starting her on ARCs at a young age. :)

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This is a great book for late elementary/early middle schoolers of how to write a story. The story itself is really interesting, sharing many facts about animals. There is an interactive portion which asks readers about their own experiences with aquariums and sealife.

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This was a great children’s book and the cover caught my eye. I thought it was great that it had facts about sea life and it was cute that it was about an aquarium.
This would be a great classroom read.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Developmental Texts for the ebook.

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