Thick as Thieves: A Graphic Novel (Sidekicks)
By (Author) Dan Santat
Illustrated by Dan Santat
Scholastic US
Scholastic US
15th January 2026
United States
Children
Fiction
Graphic novels
Childrens / Teenage fiction and true stories
Childrens / Teenage fiction: Action and adventure stories
Childrens / Teenage fiction: Humorous stories
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Law, police and crime
Childrens / Teenage fiction: Nature and animal stories
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Humour and jokes
Graphic novel / Comic book / Manga: Humorous / Funny stories
Childrens / Teenage fiction: Crime and mystery fiction
Paperback
240
Width 152mm, Height 228mm
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
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
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.