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Young Readers

Still Lurking About

Many years ago, the writer and artist Patrick Scullin got on the radar of many furry fans with his illustrated steampunk adventure Pandamonium: Death of a King. Well, it turns out he’s still around, teaching graphic arts at Riverside City College in California — and, still finding time to make comics, some of them definitely furry! Ninja Pig, for instance, goes like this: “In a land where loyalty is sacred and betrayal is death, a noble samurai’s life is cut short  — not in war, but by the hand of a jealous brother-in-arms. But this warrior’s story doesn’t end with the blade. Through forbidden mystic arts, his soul survives — transferred into the body of the nearest living vessel: A humble, wallowing pig.” Then in a sillier vein, there’s Stray: Toaster Trouble. “The tale of a stray coyote and his band of misfit pets as they defend their suburban backyard with humor and heart from enemies foreign and domesticated.” Find both of these and more at the artist’s official web site.

image c. 2026 by Patrick Scullin

The Ocean is Fluid

Another graphic novel series for young folks, with a welcome message of self-acceptance. That’s the Shark Princess series, written and illustrated by Nidhi Chanani.Meet Kitana—a Shark Princess and the first of her kind. Her allergy-ridden best friend Mack wants to be one too, but he worries that his sharp teeth and big sneezes make him too dangerous to be a princess. With Kitana’s help, Mack realizes his unique shine. When Mack puts on his crown for the first time, these Shark Princesses are ready to explore the ocean and embark on a fintastic adventure! Nidhi Chanani’s signature artwork brings this underwater series to life in a spunky tale about friendship and redefining who and what a princess can be.” Shark Princess and its sequels are available from Penguin Random House.

image c. 2026 Penguin Random House

Elementary, My Dear Truffles

Meet two pets with very different views on life in The Great Puptective, the first in a graphic novel series written and illustrated by Alina Tysoe. “Truffles the cat is the only pet in the house and reigns in peace and quiet, only exerting himself to find the best place to take a nice, long nap — preferably in a spot of warm sunshine. Then Poppy the puppy bursts onto the scene. Poppy is loud, enthusiastic, excitable, and — worst of all — a puptective! She’s got an eye for crime and a nose to solve all mysteries that come her way… even though she’s not completely sure what a mystery is. Truffles cannot let this intrusion stand. Poppy won’t be able to continue disrupting his precious me-time if she’s shipped to the North Pole! But could this irrepressible new companion be just what this grumpy cat needs?” This and more adventures are available from Simon & Schuster.

image c. 2026 Simon & Schuster

All White Now

This has been around a while — time we got to it. Between Snow and Wolf is a full-color graphic novel written by Agnes Domergue and illustrated by Helen Canac. “What secret is hidden in the heart of the forest? Lila lives with her father on a snowy island. From a young age, he has protected her from a curse and a demon. One day when he is away for a longer period of time, Lila imagines him already a prisoner and decides to go looking for him. She then discovers a forest asleep under the snow, populated by enigmatic spirits and a white wolf.” The inspiration of Hayao Miyazaki is quite obvious here — and the comparison is welcome. This is still available in hardcover from Magnetic Press.

image c. 2026 Magnetic Press

Unexpected Heritage

More notable young-adult fantasy from Penguin Random House: Dragonborn, by Struan Murray. “There is a secret world of dragons that lurks at the edges of our own. But dragons also live among us. These Slumberers have been human for so long they have forgotten their true selves — until something awakens the dragon within… Twelve-year-old Alex Evans is about to wake up. Ever since her father’s death, Alex’s overprotective mother has smothered her with unbreakable rules and unspoken fears. Feeling trapped, Alex’s frustration has become too big to hide away. Burning inside, she erupts into a fierce, fiery roar… A new school and a new life await Alex on the legendary island of Skralla, one of the last surviving dragon havens. There, she will train alongside other young dragons who are wild, untamed, and — unlike Alex — skilled at transforming and embracing their dragons within. As dark factions begin to rise, Alex finds herself in a race to unlock her long-dormant power before Drak Midna, the greatest dragon of all, rises again to wage war against the human world.” Minor thing perhaps, but check out that dragon scale decoration on the pages. This is something else!

image c. 2026 Penguin Random House

Small Ears, Big Heart, Big Dreams

Here’s a new non-human fantasy novel written and illustrated by Academy Award-winning animator (Incredibles 2) and director (PiperAlan Barillaro: “When Bunns is born with small but perfectly functional rabbit ears, the warren is abuzz with auguries. Surely such short ears spell bad luck for the community. Sheltered in her family’s burrow, Bunns listens to the rhythm of her mother’s heartbeat — Thump, thump, thump — a song of home and belonging. Her father explains that unlike a rabbit’s words or thumping feet, a heartsong cannot lie. But the unknown world of the meadow, the sounds and smells above, call to Bunns. When at last she’s ready to brave the staring and whispering of neighbors who fear her because she’s different, and the disapproving elders who threaten to banish her family, she finds a world beyond the warren where myths and riddles, magic voyages, and important new friends await. Can the ‘bad omen bunny’ follow her own heartsong to a destiny — a wish — meant just for her?” Bunns Rabbit is available now from Penguin Random House.

image c. 2025 Penguin Random House

Bearing Witness

The great and mighty Katherine Applegate (author of The One and Only Ivan — and many more furry books) returns with a new fantasy called Pocket Bear, illustrated by Charles Santoso. We’ll let the publisher explain: “Thimble-born from tip to toe, Pocket Bear remembers every moment of his ‘becoming: The glimmering needle, the silken thread, the tender hands as each careful stitch brought him closer to himself. Born during the throes of WWI, he was designed to fit into the pocket of a soldier’s jacket, eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that he always gazed upward. That way, glancing at his pocket, a soldier would see an endearing token of love from someone back home, and, hopefully, a good luck charm. Now, over a century later, Pocket serves as unofficial mayor of Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, where stuffed toy animals are refurbished and given a fresh opportunity to be loved. He and his best feline friend Zephyrina, known far and wide as ‘The Cat Burglar’, have seen it all, and then some. An unforgettable tale of bravery, loyalty, and kindness, Pocket Bear reminds us all that love comes in many forms (sometimes filled with fluff), and that second chances are always possible.” Published last year, this new book is available in hardcover from MacMillan Publishers. (Happy New Year, y’all!)

image c. 2026 MacMillan Publishers

Brave, Loyal, and Determined

While out shopping for books this holiday season, we came across I Am Rebel, a new young adult fantasy novel by Ross Montgomery. “Rebel is a good dog. He loves his simple, perfect life on the farm with his owner, Tom—until one day, when the war comes too close. Tom is determined to join the rebellion to defeat the king’s men, but Rebel knows that war is dangerous, and he will stop at nothing to save his beloved human. How can he bring Tom home before it’s too late?” Check it out over at the publisher’s web site, in hardcover and trade paperback. (Bright Blessings and Happy Holidays from us to you, everyone!)

image c. 2025 Candlewick Press

Ant-y Free’s

As we have noted before, Jay Hosler is a biology professor with a special interest in bugs — or more precisely, insects. And they like to channel that interest into writing and illustrating full-color graphic novels for young readers — like their most recent creation, Ant Story. “Meet Rubi, a tiny ant with a big personality and an even bigger love for stories. Who knew the small world of her colony could be full of unexpected friendships, epic adventures, and death-defying escapes? Follow Rubi on the journey of a lifetime as she uncovers the mystery and wonder of one of the world’s tiniest, mightiest insects.” Look for it now from Harper Collins.

image c. 2025 Harper Collins Publishers