SOLVED. Illustrated book - Cetaceans, evolved dolphin species that have technology and can speak are discovered by deep sea explorer scientists, read 1997. [s]

[Kelsey]

They lived in an underwater cave system that somehow had oxygen where they built a society; had beautiful full page paintings, slightly steampunk in design. Read in 1997 or so. Cetaceans may be cetasapians or another word instead?

[Kris]

The Secret Oceans by Betty Ballantine?

Kelsey, is this a graphic novel (or short picture book)? Science fiction for children, teens (young adults), or older adults?

Is there conflict between the evolved dophins and humans? Are whales mentioned?

[Kelsey]

I believe it was longer than a traditional picture book would be, but the book was almost the size of a coffee table book, hardcover, and the pages were glossy, so more like a picture book than a graphic novel. If I am remembering correctly, though, it seemed aimed at an older age group than I was at the time I read it--I recall there was a romantic subplot I didn't really understand. There was some sort of conflict between the cetaceans and the humans, something like the dolphins did not want other humans to know they existed but one scientist wanted to bring them back to the surface?

[Kelsey]

It is the Secret Oceans! Thank you so much!!

[Kris]

Great. Glad we could help, Kelsey.