Review of Sea Legs: A Graphic Novel (Sea Legs, #1) by J. M. F. Dellario
I was drawn to Sea Legs: A Graphic Novel not only because of its vibrant cover but also because I have always had a fascination with stories of adventure on the open sea. The author, J. M. F. Dellario, brings a unique blend of personal experience and imaginative storytelling that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. As I dove into Janey’s world—her life aboard a sailing ship—memories of my own childhood adventures came flooding back, resonating deeply within me and sparking a sense of nostalgia.
Set in the early ’90s, the graphic novel chronicles Janey’s fourth-grade journey, a year unlike any other. Her parents live on a steel sailing vessel, the Merrimaid, firmly moored in Miami but eager to set sail for the Caribbean. This initial setting establishes a beautiful contrast between childhood curiosity and the inherent loneliness that accompanies Janey’s new life at sea. I particularly appreciated the subtle exploration of long-distance friendships, reminiscent of the challenges we all faced in a pre-digital age, when pen-and-paper letters were the only means of connection.
Janey, along with her beloved cat, Sassa, navigates not only the seas but also the treacherous waters of childhood friendships. Rae, her best friend back in Miami, becomes a lifeline through letters filled with longing and the everyday dramas of a normal fourth-grader. Meanwhile, the arrival of Astrid—a girl who lives on another boat and appears to embody the spirit of adventure—adds an intriguing layer of complexity. Janey’s fascination with Astrid’s aloofness and mystery invites a mix of admiration and concern, forcing both Janey and the reader to confront deeper themes of vulnerability and the impact of adult influences on young lives.
Dellario’s art is as captivating as the story itself. The illustrations brimming with color and detail seamlessly transport you to sun-soaked islands and bustling harbors. I found myself pausing to absorb each panel, as they conveyed emotions that words alone could not encapsulate. The visual storytelling enhances Janey’s experiences; one delightful page showcasing the island’s markets had me yearning for tropical flavors and vibrant sights, while another starkly depicted the loneliness that crept in when she was far from Rae or stuck in a stifling moment aboard the ship.
One of the aspects that struck me most was how the narrative unfurls at a gentle pace, much like a sailboat gliding through water. There’s a contemplative rhythm that feels reminiscent of childhood itself—the moments of thrill interspersed with stretches of waiting and longing. It’s in those quieter moments that the real emotions emerge, making Janey’s eventual confrontation with the complexities of her friendships all the more powerful.
While it may appear a light summer read at first glance, Sea Legs dives into heavier themes, exploring what it means to feel lost and the dynamics of friendships shaped by distance and difference. I found myself reflecting not only on Janey’s experiences but on my own childhood friendships and the ways they shaped who I’ve become.
This graphic novel is perfect for young readers and adults alike, especially those who appreciate coming-of-age stories infused with adventure and emotional depth. It serves as a potent reminder of how important it is to remain connected, and how easily children can slip through the cracks without supportive adults in their lives. Sea Legs is a beautiful journey both across the sea and into the hearts of its characters, leaving the reader wishing for more adventures to come.
In closing, if you seek a book that will tug at your heart and stir your sense of adventure, dive into Sea Legs: A Graphic Novel. You might just find a little piece of your own childhood there, too. Highly recommended!
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