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. 

Alien Nate, written and illustrated by Dave Whamond. Kids Can Press, 2026. $12.99 ages 6 and up

 

"Don't get me wrong...I love it here on Earth.
I mean, you're only a one-star planet on Galaxy 
Advisor, but you've timed your rotation around
the sun to match your calendar year. Unheard of!
 Plus, you have penguins, and they're so cute..."

There is no imagination among the inhabitants of Vega. In fact, on that planet everyone is named Nate. All is well with the state of their planet until they discover Voyager I, which has been sent from Earth to share information about Earth with whoever happens to find it. The presence of a pizza, forgotten on board, creates a huge problem for the Vegans. They want more; to that end, they send Nate to bring pizza back to Vega. 

Upon arrival, Nate meets Fazel who helps protect him from the 'suits' who are in pursuit of him. In doing so, Fazel also helps Nate learn about Earth, and more importantly, about pizza which is Nate's mission. After plenty of taste testing, Nate participates in the controversial conversation over pineapple on a pizza. As his time on Earth comes to an end, Nate needs Fazel and his friends to help with fixing his spaceship, so he can return home with the secret of the pizza the Vegans covet. It's a great premise for young readers interested in the graphic novel story forma ... lots of dialogue, plenty of adventurous action, and learning more than was ever expected.  

The illustrations are filled with expression, as well as humorous questions and opinions that come from Nate's time spent with Fazel. Nate's take on the humans he meets are formed by knowing those who love pizza, the noises humans make, and their ability to create the food he wants to take home with him. Here's to  energetic adventure, silly escapades, and PIZZA ... lots of pizza!  

Inbetweens, by Faith Erin Hicks. First Second, Raincoast. 2026. $31.99 ages 12 and up

"We already have our next animation
assignment, So why are you ditching
to watch movies?

Don't you care about the course?

Of course I care. But I don't want 
to animate every second this summer.

Ormidale is a huge opportunity. 
I want to do well here. 

You are doing well! I just thought
it would be fun to hang out with 
our friends for one night.

I'm not doing well enough." 

I've read a number of graphic novels in the past few days, and am going to go on a bit of a run to tell you about them, starting today. I know you will have readers in your family or classrooms whose interest lies with these titles. 

Inbetweens is a terrific novel about twin sisters who are thrilled to have been accepted in a summer course at Ormidale College, a renowned animation school. It's 1999 in Canada, and the two are going to be moving on to high school, both with an abiding interest in art and drawing. Well known as "the crazy art twins", they are keen to expand their experiences at the seven-week institute. They differ in both personality and appearance; their shared love of animation has been a constant for them since a trip to Disney World four years ago. 

Ash is extroverted and energetic; Sloane is a quiet observer. It doesn't take long before they meet Nisha and Cameron, two students who bring their own personalities and talents to the group. As the weeks pass, each demonstrates what makes them different while sharing a love of animation. Each approaches the assignments from a different perspective and with a strong sense of accomplishment. Two instructors offer equally diverse approaches to the work being shared and assigned. Ms. Hicks is adept at describing the tough work it takes to be an animator, and the range of work shared, from anime to Disney cartoons. 

Douglas Frye, a well-respected animator admired by Ash, turns out to be a teacher who discourages his fledgling students and has each harboring doubts about the work they are doing. Lisa Sato, is the opposite of that. She encourages the students to face the challenges, think seriously about their art, and to pursue what they see as most important to each. Animation holds great appeal, but it can lead to other interests and successes. Lisa suggests it is a 'lifetime of learning' that takes an artist where they want to be. 

Readers will be intrigued watching the four characters find their way, while pursuing their dreams and learning that those dreams may not be the same as they were at the beginning of the new learning. This story has wide appeal as they learn that doing something well takes hard work and dedication while being courageous enough to slog through some tough times. 

Fans of Faith Erin Hicks will recognize her remarkable artistic and storytelling talents. As she explores animation concepts and the emotional toll the new learning takes, she creates believable characters experiencing bumpy moments along a path that leads each to understand that the art you make for yourself is what really matters in a quest for real success.  

Put Your Records On, written by Corinne Bailey Rae and illustrated by Gillian Eilidh O'Mara. Rocky Pond Books, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"The song starts with a fairground organ
climbing up, up, up a melody staircase
and dancing back down again. A cheeky 
clarinet, high and squeaky like a monkey, 
plays the tune at first, then raspy horns 
come in, all slurry, like tired lions roaring.

Bea's eyes light up. 
"It reminds me of the circus," she says."

I listened to this song endlessly twenty years ago when it was a radio hit. What a voice, and what a sad story resulted in it being written. I always loved listening to music, and this one was very appealing. I have included a video of the full song at the bottom of this post. 

It is Corinne Bailey Rae's first children's book, and introduces a girl and her great-aunt. It is her aunt who suggests the magic in music to her niece. Every Sunday Bea visits with her Aunt Portia, as the rest of her family is busy with other things. It's an easy skateboard ride to get to her aunt's house; they love to spend the time together. Every week, they share tea and news about the week that has just passed. They go outside to check the garden, feed the animals, and take the dog for a walk. 

Today, Bea has a special request: 

"Bea says to Portia, "Today I'd like to do 
SOMETHING I'VE NEEVER DONE BEFORE."

As luck would have it, Portia invites Bea to follow her upstairs and shows her into a locked room that sparkles with color and contains 'old things of mine', including an extensive record collection that fills many shelves. Portia tells her that she has been collecting them since she was a child. They hold all the songs Portia loves. Here, there are songs for every emotion. As they listen to the music Portia chooses, the two are affected in similar ways to the feelings each song evokes. They talk about their feelings and respond to the wonders of the music they are hearing. 

A worry about the thunderstorm outside is eased by a new song played. 

"FINDING A SONG YOU LOVE IS LIKE FINDING 
A NEW FRIEND WHO SHARES YOUR FEELINGS."

As the two say goodbye, Portia reminds Bea that she can 'put her records on' whenever she needs to do so. Bea can't wait to hear next week's songs. While Portia does not reveal the titles of the songs they listen to, endpapers offer the information needed for readers needing more, and wanting to hear those same songs enjoyed by the two. Ms. O'Mara does a wonderful job with color and motion in her brilliant digital illustrations. An author’s note discusses Rae’s personal connection to the music shared throughout the book.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVw0rhHDH

https://youtu.be/rjOhZZyn30k?si=CrZlwf4S4_g5hSWu