Thick as Thieves: A Graphic Novel

by Dan Santat, Dan Santat (Illustrator)

Overview

Caldecott Medalist, National Book Award winner, and New York Times bestselling creator Dan Santat returns to Sidekicks with a brand-new adventure in this second series installment! Suit up for high-octane action and laughs!

There's trouble at the Society of Superheroes!

Captain Amazing, the longtime hero of Metro City, has retired, and he's enjoying a much-needed vacation at the World's Biggest Ball of Yarn. But while he's away, there's trouble at home! A massive data breech disrupts the Society of Superheroes, and a flash drive containing sensitive information about Captain Amazing and other heroes winds up in reckless hands. Meanwhile, an unannounced visitor named Whipley arrives at the captain's house, and his pet sidekicks -- Manny, Roscoe, and Fluffy -- are skeptical of the stranger's intentions. The only sidekick excited by the visit is Shifty.

Could Whipley be Shifty's loving, long-lost brother as he claims? Or is he framing the sidekicks for his own personal gain and vengeance?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338879186
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	01/06/2026
Series:	Sidekicks , #2
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Dan Santat is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, which won the prestigious Randolph Caldecott Medal in 2015. He is also the creator of the acclaimed graphic novel The Aquanaut, and his graphic memoir, A First Time for Everything, was the 2023 National Book Award Winner for Young People's Literature. His art is featured in numerous children's books, including Dav Pilkey's Ricky Ricotta series as well as picture books by Henry Winkler and Jake Gyllenhaal. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and pets. Visit him online at dansantatbooks.com.

Editorial Reviews

★ "Santat's sequel is an absolute gem that blends a thrilling (and uniquely quirky) superhero tale with an endearing exploration of found family... A purr-fect graphic tale full of tail-wagging, fur-raising excitement as well as heart and substance." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"This newly relaunched series is sure to capitalize on the popularity of comics and superheroes, the author's reputation for kid-friendly work, and the same blend of adventure, mischief, and humor that appeals to fans of Aaron Blabey's The Bad Guys." -- The Horn Book Magazine

Praise for Sidekicks:

"Hilarious and heartfelt... a charming and well-told tale about friendship." -- Kazu Kibuishi, creator of Amulet

"The lovable menagerie of crime-fighting pets offers lots of laughs and a boisterous and exuberant storyline; Santat's illustrations are clear, engaging, and neatly stacked into easy-to-read panels." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Lively, insightful, and just plain fun, this convergence of capes and creatures will find a wide audience in animal lovers and superhero fans alike." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A superhero story that is skillfully plotted and artfully executed at every turn. Sidekicks is a graphic novel that plays on classic comic storylines, yet manages to make them completely modern. A dangerously entertaining mix... Santat's vivid artwork will turn heads. Dramatic full-color illustrations splash across each page, the energy palpable. Wide-angle panels give off a cinematic vibe that kids will eat up." -- School Library Journal

From the Publisher