Sketch, written and illustrated by Jacques Goldstyn. Translated by Helen Mixter. Greystone Kids, 2025. $24.95 all ages

"In the schoolyard, hundreds of kids walked
back and forth as though they were robots.

Many of them were staring at a small box, 
mesmerized by its glowing screen. 

Sketch had a box too. In his, there were 
a notebook and colored pencils."

I am a resolute admirer of Jacques Goldstyn and the books he writes for children. In this one, that was published last year, he introduces a young boy who is born not looking like other children. He simply has a different look. He has more spunk, more spontaneity, and is even a tiny bit wild ... and he is funny! He keeps his parents very busy. 

The family lives in a perfect place, where everything looks the same as it has always looked. When Sketch arrives at the playground with his parents, the other parents take their children home. It doesn't bother Sketch, or his parents. He loves the life he leads; his parents love him as he is. School means adapting to look and be as much like the other children as is possible. 

"But he kept his slightly sketchy look."

The principal is not impressed and determines to keep a careful eye on him. His teacher insists he lose his creativity to be like the others. It is an impossible ask for a young boy who explodes with ideas, imagination and a need for adventure. Art class is his happy place; his art teacher loves his work, and encourages him. 

""Listen to me, Sketch. I love what you do. It's so special. 
There will always be people who try to discourage you. 
Don't listen to them. Persevere.""

Luckily, Sketch's parents continue to encourage him at every turn. A move to high school does not change much for him ... until he meets Flow, Muddy, and Doodle. Finally, he finds his people! Each looks very different from the other high school students, but they find comfort in being together. When his friends worry they may have to find someplace else where they will be accepted, Sketch has a brilliant response: 

"No. We mustn't go. We have to draw ourselves in."

The final spread makes my heart sing! 

                                                                                     

My Presentation Today is About the Anaconda, written by Bibi Dumon Tak and illustrated by Annemarie Van Haeringen, with translation by Nancy Forest-Flier. Levine Querido, Raincoast. 2025. $29.99 ages 9 and up

""But unlike the koala, the Tasmanian devil isn't
a marsupial that eats the leaves of trees, but a
marsupial that spends the whole day eating meat.
His jaws are stronger than those of any mammal
of the same size. So the lynx and the wolverine and
the Norwegian Forest cat don't stand a chance with
their teeth and fangs. The grip of a Tasmanian
devil's jaw is much stronger than theirs. That's
because his head is huge compared to the rest of
his body. He can rip the skin off a kangaroo with 
the greatest of ease, and break the bones of a
wallaby as if they were twigs."

I had not read anything about this book when I ordered it. It was the title that intrigued, and made me wonder what I might find within its pages. I am so happy to have read it, and to tell you about it. You will know exactly the reader who will give it a try and then pass it on to a friend sure to enjoy it as well. 

The premise is that one animal presents a report on another. There are twenty different pairings. They will surprise and delight interested readers with their views and opinions as they tell their audience about the animal they have chosen to present. While one speaks about the other, they provide some very interesting information, and perhaps a touch too much about themselves. That definitely happens when the cleaner fish chooses the shark, and then goes on to ensure the offering provides plenty of personal data about the cleaner fish.

At the end of the report (and sometimes in the middle, or at any other time) unnamed participants interrupt with questions and comments about what is being shared. There are some tense moments, and animal personalities provide ideas that may never have been considered. The animals come from across the globe; some may be unfamiliar. In general, readers will gain knowledge that is common or not. A cassowary speaks about the many species of hummingbirds in the Americas. The howler monkey chooses the unicorn, then fills his report with blatant lies. When called on it, he admits he made it up as entertainment and reminds critics that they all listened while he was giving his account. So, what's the problem? 

The book is very entertaining, and informative. There is much to learn here. The illustrations hold strong appeal, while matching the tone of the often-humorous text. The ending, an index created by the earthworm and a midwife toad, explains how the animals will be listed and how the index itself works. 

"Each animal's name is followed 
by the number of the presentation
they give, or in which they have 
something to say." 

It's a perfect book to share in a classroom where a class presentation is part of the learning. So many kids fear such an assignment. This allows for a bit of comic relief prior to those presentations. It's chatty and accessible for sharing with the class or passing on to teams of readers who could use it as a readers' theater project.  

A Fishboy Named ... Sashimi, by Dan Santat. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2026. $12.99 ages 6 and up

 

"WAIT!"
Where am I?

Relax.

My mom and I live here with my 
grandpa. They kicked you out of
the market after your sugar crash.

All I remember was drinking a 
liquid called MOUTHBOMB.

*GASP* MOUTHBOMB has 
so much sugar it's illegal in
three states!

Here. Have some water."

In another funny book from Dan Santat readers meet Sashimi, a fishboy who is trying to maintain a secret identity as he attends a human school. It's Tuesday night in Barnacle Bay when a pirate follows 'something' through town until he finally loses the creature. On Wednesday Sashimi shows up as a new grade six student. Classmates have countless questions to ask; Sashimi avoids many of them. Joey is tasked with showing the new kid around school, while also trying to understand some of his weirdness. Sashimi makes friends with the class pet, a female goldfish named Kevin, who helps him try to understand his new reality. 

After drinking a new soda, Sashimi's reaction is zombie-like and leads Joey to help take care of him, while also admitting he would like to be friends. The two begin a quest to find the Beast of Barnacle Bay. Chaotic adventure ensues. This creates plenty of laughs for readers. Sashimi is full of heart and hope. He doesn't see the world in the same way Joey does. That holds much appeal for middle grade readers. 

It is the first in a planned series of six books about the fishboy. Such books are a perfect way to get more kids reading, a needed pursuit as statistics are showing a deep drop in reading for kids today. It's often hard for kids who are different to find themselves in the books they read. They will be drawn to Sashimi whose outward appearance belies the fact that he is a lot like those who are reading about him. The novel is both witty and full of charm. It is sure to find a large following, waiting patiently until September to meet up with Sashimi once more.                                                                                          

NIck the Sidekick, written and illustrated by Dave Whamond. Kids Can Press, 2026. $12.99 ages 6 and up

 

"HE DISLIKED CLICHES, SO HE DIDN'T
WANT TO BE A TYPICAL SUPERHERO.

Is it written somewhere that if you're a 
superhero, you have to wear spandex?

Hey, that's one of the reasons I got into
the biz. I get to wear a spandex onesie 
all day! 

Okaa-aa-aay ... 

And why the cape? It's just 
cumbersome."

The story opens with Nick, caped and determined, sitting on a garbage can. He knows he is no hero, but he could assist someone more heroic than he is. Just don't call him a sidekick! His huge ears result in teasing at school, but also in super hearing. It comes in handy at times; at other times, it's not so helpful. Once school is out, Nick is enlisted by Super Fantastic Guy to help solve crimes. His smarts, his grades and his hearing make him a good candidate for SUPERHERO. 

Nick has many questions about the traditions of superheroes, and has no plans to be like them. He is not thrilled with the purple-and-lime outfit or the fanny pack he is given. His lessons in flying do not go well, nor do the following training sessions. While Nick is not getting much attention at all, Super Fantastic Guy loves how people treat him. No matter what happens, Nick does not give up on himself - an extremely fine character trait for a superhero. 

The graphic novel is used to full effect with brilliant coloring and humorous retorts that keep readers entertained and moving forward. As Nick provides all the intel needed to solve crimes because of his  hearing and smarts, Super Fantastic Guy takes the credit. That is, until a final funny turnabout shifts the limelight in the right direction. Now, who's the superhero? 

The artwork is filled with movement and energy. Nick's character is fully relalised throughout the story and leaves readers with a new kind of hero. Perhaps we will meet him again, or someone like him.

Camp Monster, written by Kate Messner and illustrated by Falynn Koch. Bloomsbury Children's Books, Raincoast. 2026. $19.99 ages 8 and up

 

"All cheer, Monster Camp, 
the home of the brave ...

We're not afraid 
of dark or damp
or forest, lake 
or cave. 

Monster Camp is where we stay
to sing and roar and drool, 
to swim and craft and howl and play
'cause Monster Camp is cool."

I was not a summer camp keener. In fact, I did my best not to go at all. The one time I did, I was so homesick my dad came to pick me up early. It had nothing to do with the campers, the leaders or the daily plans made for us, it was me. So when I read this book, it filled me with memories of what fun it might have been had I stayed. Of course, this summer camp is quite different when you consider the attending campers. 

They are a unique and well-described group of fantasy creatures at a summer camp run by a family of yetis. This year, for the first time, it is open to all monsters. This year's campers, alongside the yeti family and their diverse band of counsellors, include two goblins, a griffin, a vampire, a werewolf, and an ogress. Each camper's character is unique and carefully presented to readers to help them understand their differences. 

It is important to those running the camp to always be on the lookout for humans, as they don't want to be discovered. Although early encounters between campers are not always cooperative and friendly, as they spend time working together and sharing responsibilities things get better and they begin to enjoy the experiences. Lessons learned are similar to what might happen in real life for those reading this excellent graphic novel. 

Artwork is detailed and captures attention with its bright colors, familiar settings, and distinct  personalities. Letters written from campers build on understanding personality. Humorous wordplay adds to the appeal at every turn.  The wait for summer vacation gets shorter each day; perhaps a summer camp is in the offing for some. 

Fiddlhead Forest, written and illustrated by Jana Curll. Greystone Kids, 2026. $18.95 ages 8 and up

 

"Millipedes are among the earliest 
known land animals. There were
millipedes before dinosaurs! 

They are super burrowers. 

They are mostly harmless and 
will often curl into a coil if 
threatened."

The eternal question about a tree falling in the forest gets a new lease on life when the author explains how the flora and fauna in the forest ecosystem come to the rescue. A new graphic novel in the Little Habitats series features a fern narrator who promises to keep the tree from becoming a log. Fern wants to see the forest get back to normal where trees stand tall. To that end, she will enlist the help of other creatures of the forest to help the tree stand again. 

The titles of each of the eight chapters make evident the use of wordplay in describing the efforts considered to ensure her promise is kept. Despite the ideas presented by Millipede and Slug and help from Moth, Lichen and Mushroom, there appears there is little to be done to ensure that tree will rise from the forest floor to its former glory. 

Information concerning the particular traits of each member of the forest community is infused with clever wordplay while also offering a clear look at each one. Ultimately, not one of the described forest inhabitants has what it takes to move the huge tree trunk. Only then does Fern recognize that the tree can now take on a very important new role in the ecosystem as a nurse log. The benefits of nurse logs in the forest cannot be overstated. It will provide nutrients, shelter, forest growth, and a surface for plants and even new trees to grow and flourish. 

"I guess we FERN-ally figured it out.

It was a LOG time coming." 

Combining fact and fiction (faction), Jana Curll will have her readers chuckling time and again with her storytelling. Not only does she share facts in an informational text, she also entertains with her word choice while doing so. What a way to learn something brand new! 

Cabin Head and Tree Head, written and illustrated by Scott Campbell. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2025. $18.99 ages 6 and up

 

"Wait! I have hit something!

What is it? 
Bring it up!

An old shoe! I knew 
there was treasure 
down there, Tree Head!

Let's go and enjoy this 
treasure, my friend. 

I cannot wait." 

It's pretty easy to tell from the book's cover that the two main characters have a lot on their minds. Cabin Head sports a cabin with a red door; Tree Head a tree with a tire swing. A look at the front endpapers shows a variety of characters all on the march to find their place inside the book. Readers will want to take time to identify them according to their head gear. I see Pool Head, Swing Head, Lamp Head and many more. What fun! 

Cabin Head and Tree Head have a slight resemblance to humans - a body with legs, feet, arms, a mouth and eyes. The main difference, of course, comes with what's on their heads, and the heads of every other individual in this graphic novel. The two are best friends and each of the six main stories have them moving from place to place with friendly greetings and conversations, solving problems that arise, painting portraits, and on it goes ... 

Imagine a reader's surprise to meet the Earth on someone's head, or Garden Head's astonishing talent at making leafcuts asked for by anyone who wants a change. 

"Tree Head would like a LEAFCUT! 

Oh, wonderful!

What did you have in mind? 

I would like a dolphin jumping over a wave
made of stars with an octopus surfing on it
eating a taco covered in planets and a tiger 
with a hat. 

That sounds very complicated. It may not
turn out how you imagine it."

Scott Campbell's soft watercolor scenes and the humorous but goofy concepts he uses to create a dreamlike world, meant to entertain and suspend belief, make for a book that will loved and passed along to someone else sure to appreciate it. Friendship is at the heart of the novel, leaving parents and children with a desire to read it again. It's definitely original, and also charming. Early readers will love it, and we will all look forward to meeting the two friends in the future.