Books by Dan Santat

The Guild of Geniuses

by Dan Santat

From Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, a funny, empathetic (and GREAT-LOOKING) picture book about the cure for feeling neglected.
Are you having a bad weather day? You should try Dr. Lancaster's Portable Weather Machine. Want to rise above it all? Check out Dr. Torrance's Anti-Gravity Belt. Yes, THE GUILD OF GENIUSES has created many fantastic inventions to satisfy humanity's most pressing needs...So when Fred's best friend Mr. Pip seems a little down, Fred knows just who to call. The Guild introduces Mr. Pip to other monkeys (in case he was lonely) and throws him a parade (so he can feel important). But it turns out Fred may hold the solution after all -- and he doesn't have to be a genius to be a good friend.

Are We There Yet?

by David Levithan, Dan Santat

Sixteen-year-old Elijah is completely mellow and his 23-year-old brother Danny is completely not, so it's no wonder they can barely tolerate one another. So what better way to repair their broken relationship than to trick them into taking a trip to Italy together? Soon, though, their parents' perfect solution has become Danny and Elijah's nightmare as they're forced to spend countless hours together. But then Elijah meets Julia, and soon the brothers aren't together nearly as much. And when Julia suddenly decides that maybe it's Danny she's really interested in, Danny has a decision to make: does he honor his relationship with the brother he thinks hates him, or does he follow his heart, which sorely needs some repairing of its own?

Are We There Yet?

by David Levithan, Dan Santat

Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat--creator of The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend and After the Fall--takes readers on the road trip of a lifetime!

"Are we there yet?" Every parent has heard this classic kid question on a long car ride--and after reading this astonishingly inventive new book (that even turns upside down for several pages!), you'll never look at being bored the same way again.

Let's face it: everyone knows that car rides can be boring. And when things get boring, time slows down. In this book, a boy feels time slowing down so much that it starts going backward--into the time of pirates! Of princesses! Of dinosaurs! The boy was just trying to get to his grandmother's birthday party, but instead he's traveling through Ancient Egypt and rubbing shoulders with Ben Franklin. When time flies, who knows where--or when--he'll end up.

Are We There Yet?

by David Levithan, Dan Santat

Sixteen-year-old Elijah is completely mellow and his 23-year-old brother Danny is completely not, so it’s no wonder they can barely tolerate one another. So what better way to repair their broken relationship than to trick them into taking a trip to Italy together? Soon, though, their parents’ perfect solution has become Danny and Elijah’s nightmare as they’re forced to spend countless hours together. But then Elijah meets Julia, and soon the brothers aren’t together nearly as much. And then Julia meets Danny and soon all three of them are in a mixed-up, turned-around, never-what-you-expect world of brothers, Italy, and love.

Are We There Yet? isn’t about a place on a map, it’s about a place in the heart. David Levithan has written a magical story of a journey definitely worth taking.

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend (Caldecott Medal Winner)

by Dan Santat

Dan Santat's Caldecott Medal-winning The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend is a humorous and thoughtful celebration of friends.
This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and--at long last--is given his special name: Beekle.

The #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Dan Santat--creator of After the Fall and Are We There Yet?--combines classic storytelling with breathtaking art in an unforgettable tale about friendship, imagination, and the courage to find one's place in the world.

Comics Squad: Recess!

by Jennifer L. Holm, Matthew Holm, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Dan Santat, Raina Telgemeier

A bust-your-gut-laughing graphic-novel anthology with original contributions from the most beloved names in the genre! * Jennifer Holm & Matthew Holm * Jarrett J. Krosoczka * Dav Pilkey * Dan Santat * Raina Telgemeier * Dave Roman * Ursula Vernon * Eric Wight * Gene Yang *

Wowza! Calling all kidz! Do you like comics? Do you like laughing till milk comes out of your nose?! Look no further—do we have the book for you! All your favorite comic creators are right here in this handy-dandy hilarious book! This all-star tribute to classic Sunday comics includes eight sidesplitting, action-packed stories about every kid’s favorite subject—RECESS! With popular characters from Babymouse and Lunch Lady and brand-new soon-to-be favorite characters from superstars including Dav Pilkey! Raina Telgemeier! Gene Yang! and many more! Comics Squad also features Pizza Monsters! Secret ninja clubs! Aliens! Talking desserts! Dinozilla! Death-defying escapes! Bad guys! Good guys! Medium guys! Superheroes! Bullies! Mean girls! Epic battles! True love! Outlandish schemes! Evil plans! Fun! Jokes! Terrible puns! And other surprises that will tickle your funny bone! WARNING: THIS BOOK MAY CAUSE EXCESSIVE LAUGHTER AND POSSIBLE SILLINESS. No assembly required. (Pizzatron 2000 not included.)

Sidekicks: A Graphic Novel

by Dan Santat

Suit up for this high-octane graphic novel debut by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat!

Captain Amazing, the hometown hero of Metro City, is so busy catching criminals that he rarely has time for his pets -- he hasn't even noticed they've been developing superpowers of their own!

So when Captain Amazing announces he needs a sidekick, his eager pets -- a dog, a hamster, and a chameleon -- all decide to audition for the part and a chance for one-on-one time with the Captain. But while each pet is focused on winning the coveted sidekick spot, an even bigger battle in Metro City is about to unleash...

Dr. Havoc, Captain Amazing's long-time nemesis, is hatching up a new scheme, and the Captain's found himself in serious trouble. Can the warring pets put their squabbles aside to save the day? Will the return of a forgotten friend help them in their time of need? Or will this be the end for Captain Amazing?

Get ready for sibling rivalry royale as pets with superpowers duke it out for the one thing they all want most: a super family.

Sidekicks: A Graphic Novel

by Dan Santat

Caldecott Medalist, National Book Award Winner, and New York Times bestselling creator Dan Santat returns to Sidekicks! This expanded edition includes a brand-new cover and sixteen pages of a never-before-seen epilogue! Suit up for high-octane action and laughs!

Captain Amazing is searching for a sidekick!

Captain Amazing, the hometown hero of Metro City, is so busy catching criminals that he rarely has time for his pets -- he hasn't even noticed they've been developing superpowers of their own!

So when he announces that he needs a sidekick, his eager pets -- a dog, a cat, a hamster, and a chameleon -- all decide to audition for the part and a chance for some one-on-one time with the Captain.

But Dr. Havoc, Captain Amazing's longtime nemesis, is hatching up an evil scheme, and the Captain is in serious trouble. Can the warring pets put their squabbles aside to save Captain Amazing and Metro City?

The Aquanaut: A Graphic Novel

by Dan Santat

Dive in to this whimsically adventurous graphic novel from Caldecott Medalist and National Book Award Winner Dan Santat!

Ever since her father was lost at sea, Sophia has been moping around Aqualand, the marine theme park her dad and uncle created. But Sophia's world is turned upside down when an "aquanaut" breaks into the park's research lab.

To her amazement, Sophia discovers that the aquanaut is not what it seems -- inside lives a band of four goofy sea creatures! And when they all realize that Aqualand has evolved into something much darker than Sophia's dad had envisioned, Sophia is determined to help the aquanaut crew free the park's captive marine life before it's too late.

A First Time for Everything

by Dan Santat, K. L. Walther

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules comes a fun new coming-of-age romance full of dating disasters, powerful firsts, and the importance of family.
Madeline has always been extremely close to her family, so she is shocked when her older brother gets engaged without including them (or even giving them a heads up!). Mads has never been the biggest fan of his fiancée, Katie, so in order to remain one happy family, she is determined to bond with Katie before the big day, which includes reluctantly agreeing to be a bridesmaid.
During a late-night bridesmaids-only game of "Truth or Dare" Mads is cornered into revealing she has never been kissed or even been on a date, which spurs the other girls to unite on a quest to find Mads the perfect plus-one for the wedding. Next thing she knows she's navigating a series of disastrous dates that include some major misunderstandings and mishaps.
All of a sudden Mads finds her heart tugged in different directions: to Connor, the boy next door who knows her best. To Marco Álvarez, the former classmate who knows how to push all her buttons. And to some of the new suitors who surprisingly aren't all bad.
As the wedding draws nearer, Mads has to figure out who she wants most as a forever dance partner, while also making sure her brother isn't making the biggest mistake of his life.

A First Time for Everything

by Dan Santat, K. L. Walther

*Winner of the 2023 National Book Award for Young People's Literature*

A middle grade graphic memoir based on bestselling author and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat's awkward middle school years and the trip to Europe that changed his life.

Dan's always been a good kid. The kind of kid who listens to his teachers, helps his mom with grocery shopping, and stays out of trouble. But being a good kid doesn't stop him from being bullied and feeling like he's invisible, which is why Dan has low expectations when his parents send him on a class trip to Europe.

At first, he's right. He's stuck with the same girls from his middle school who love to make fun of him, and he doesn't know why his teacher insisted he come on this trip. But as he travels through France, Germany, Switzerland, and England, a series of first experiences begin to change him―first Fanta, first fondue, first time stealing a bike from German punk rockers... and first love.

Funny, heartwarming, and poignant, A First Time for Everything is a feel-good coming-of-age memoir based on New York Times bestselling author and Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat's awkward middle school years. It celebrates a time that is universally challenging for many of us, but also life-changing as well.

Praise for After the Fall

“The author gives wings to both his protagonist and his message about the importance of getting back up after a fall and the realization that recovering from a trauma takes time.” ―Booklist, starred review

“Santat’s precise illustrations and sensitive text combine for more emotional depth than the typical nursery rhyme remix. A terrific redemptive read-aloud for storytime and classroom sharing.” ―School Library Journal, starred review

A First Time for Everything

by Dan Santat, K. L. Walther

*Winner of the 2023 National Book Award for Young People's Literature*

A middle grade graphic memoir based on bestselling author and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat's awkward middle school years and the trip to Europe that changed his life.

Dan's always been a good kid. The kind of kid who listens to his teachers, helps his mom with grocery shopping, and stays out of trouble. But being a good kid doesn't stop him from being bullied and feeling like he's invisible, which is why Dan has low expectations when his parents send him on a class trip to Europe.

At first, he's right. He's stuck with the same girls from his middle school who love to make fun of him, and he doesn't know why his teacher insisted he come on this trip. But as he travels through France, Germany, Switzerland, and England, a series of first experiences begin to change him―first Fanta, first fondue, first time stealing a bike from German punk rockers... and first love.

Funny, heartwarming, and poignant, A First Time for Everything is a feel-good coming-of-age memoir based on New York Times bestselling author and Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat's awkward middle school years. It celebrates a time that is universally challenging for many of us, but also life-changing as well.

Praise for After the Fall

“The author gives wings to both his protagonist and his message about the importance of getting back up after a fall and the realization that recovering from a trauma takes time.” ―Booklist, starred review

“Santat’s precise illustrations and sensitive text combine for more emotional depth than the typical nursery rhyme remix. A terrific redemptive read-aloud for storytime and classroom sharing.” ―School Library Journal, starred review

Harold & Hog Pretend For Real!-Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!

by Dan Santat

Harold and Hog pretend with the roles they were born to play . . . but which roles are they?

Hog is careful. Harold is not.

Harold cannot help smiling. Hog can.

Hog worries so that Harold does not have to.

Harold and Hog are best friends. But can Harold and Hog's friendship survive a game of pretending to be Elephant & Piggie?

Sidekicks: A Graphic Novel (Sidekicks #1)

by Dan Santat

Caldecott Medalist, National Book Award Winner, and New York Times bestselling creator Dan Santat returns to Sidekicks! This expanded edition includes a brand-new cover and sixteen pages of a never-before-seen epilogue! Suit up for high-octane action and laughs!

Captain Amazing, the hometown hero of Metro City, is searching for a sidekick!

Heroes near and far are auditioning for the part, but there's four unlikely candidates heating up the competition. A dog, a cat, a hamster, and a chameleon -- the adoring pets of Captain Amazing's alter ego, Harry -- have all been honing their own secret superpowers. Wanting to spend more time with their beloved human, each pet is vying for the coveted role.

Meanwhile, Captain Amazing's longtime nemesis, Dr. Havoc, is back, and Captain Amazing can't defeat him on his own. With the citizens of Metro City in danger, can the warring pets put their squabbles aside to save the day?!

Day the Books Disappeared, The

by Dan Santat

Caldecott Medalist and National Book Award winner Dan Santat partners with Joanna Ho, author of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, and Caroline Kusin Pritchard to explore themes of acceptance and understanding in this cozy story that celebrates the mind-broadening power of books.

Arnold didn't mean for the books to disappear—not exactly. It all started because his liked his book about airplanes best and wanted everyone else to read it, too. He couldn't understand why anybody would want to read about tomatoes or ostriches or submarines. And suddenly. . . POOF! The books are gone. It's up to Arnold to figure out how it all happened--and what it will take to bring them back.

Themes of empathy and inclusivity shine in this celebration of a book about books by a standout creative team.

Our Story Begins: Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids

by Kwame Alexander, Gail Carson Levine, Rita Williams-Garcia, Gordon Korman, Marla Frazee, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Grace Lin, Kathi Appelt, Candace Fleming, Peter Lerangis, Dan Santat, Brian Selznick, Linda Sue Park, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Eric Rohmann, Yuyi Morales, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Thanhhà Lai, Chris Grabenstein, Tom Angleberger, Chris Gall, R. J. Palacio, Ashley Bryan, Alex Gino, Elissa Brent Weissman, Tim Federle

From award-winning author Elissa Brent Weissman comes a collection of quirky, smart, and vulnerable childhood works by some of today’s foremost children’s authors and illustrators—revealing young talent, the storytellers they would one day become, and the creativity they inspire today.

Everyone’s story begins somewhere…

For Linda Sue Park, it was a trip to the ocean, a brand-new typewriter, and a little creative license.
For Jarrett J. Krosoczka, it was a third grade writing assignment that ignited a creative fire in a kid who liked to draw.
For Kwame Alexander, it was a loving poem composed for Mother’s Day—and perfected through draft after discarded draft.
For others, it was a teacher, a parent, a beloved book, a word of encouragement. It was trying, and failing, and trying again. It was a love of words, and pictures, and stories.

Your story is beginning, too. Where will it go?

Our Story Begins: Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids

by Kwame Alexander, Gail Carson Levine, Rita Williams-Garcia, Gordon Korman, Marla Frazee, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Grace Lin, Kathi Appelt, Candace Fleming, Peter Lerangis, Dan Santat, Brian Selznick, Linda Sue Park, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Eric Rohmann, Yuyi Morales, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Thanhhà Lai, Chris Grabenstein, Tom Angleberger, Chris Gall, R. J. Palacio, Ashley Bryan, Alex Gino, Elissa Brent Weissman, Tim Federle

From award-winning author Elissa Brent Weissman comes a collection of quirky, smart, and vulnerable childhood works by some of today’s foremost children’s authors and illustrators—revealing young talent, the storytellers they would one day become, and the creativity they inspire today.

Everyone’s story begins somewhere…

For Linda Sue Park, it was a trip to the ocean, a brand-new typewriter, and a little creative license.
For Jarrett J. Krosoczka, it was a third grade writing assignment that ignited a creative fire in a kid who liked to draw.
For Kwame Alexander, it was a loving poem composed for Mother’s Day—and perfected through draft after discarded draft.
For others, it was a teacher, a parent, a beloved book, a word of encouragement. It was trying, and failing, and trying again. It was a love of words, and pictures, and stories.

Your story is beginning, too. Where will it go?

After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again)

by Dan Santat

A inspiring story of triumph and overcoming fears, perfect for graduations and new beginnings!
This uplifting twist to the beloved classic nursery rhyme is by the New York Times–bestselling creator of Caldecott Medal winner, The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend .

Everyone knows that when Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. But what happened after?

Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat's poignant tale follows Humpty Dumpty, an avid bird watcher whose favorite place to be is high up on the city wall―that is, until after his famous fall. Now terrified of heights, Humpty can longer do many of the things he loves most.

Will he summon the courage to face his fear?

After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) is a masterful picture book that will remind readers of all ages that Life begins when you get back up.

Share this book with readers seeking:
- Gentle and inspirational stories about coping with anxiety.
- Themes about new beginnings and overcoming obstacles in life.
- Stories that celebrate accomplishments and triumph.
- Family favorite books that become household classics.
- A graduation story to share with students, teachers, and recent graduates young and old.

2018 NCTE Charlotte Huck Award Winner
A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2017
A New York Times Notable Children's Book of 2017
A New York City Public Library Notable Best Book for Kids
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2017
A Horn BookFanfare Best Book of 2017
An NPR Best Book of 2017

Sashimi

by Dan Santat

"From the mega-talented Dan Santat comes a hilarious and beautifully illustrated tale of friendship, adventure and mystery. Sashimi is FRESH!!!" -Dav Pilkey, creator of Dog Man and Captain Underpants

He's funny. He's fresh. He's... a fishboy named SASHIMI!

A new graphic novel series from bestseller and Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat.

In the town of Barnacle Bay, a creature lurks. He’s come from the ocean, in search of others like him.

To fit in with humans, Sashimi sneaks into an elementary school and pretends to be a student. But he’s clearly a fish out of water!

When Sashimi finds out the whole town is on the hunt for the Beast of Barnacle Bay—a creature who sounds a lot like Sashimi—hijinks ensue! Fortunately, with the help of a new friend and the class goldfish, Sashimi figures out a way to stay afloat.

Perfect for fans of Bad Guys and The Investigator series!

Sashimi

by Dan Santat

"From the mega-talented Dan Santat comes a hilarious and beautifully illustrated tale of friendship, adventure and mystery. Sashimi is FRESH!!!" -Dav Pilkey, creator of Dog Man and Captain Underpants

He's funny. He's fresh. He's... a fishboy named SASHIMI!

A new graphic novel series from bestseller and Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat.

In the town of Barnacle Bay, a creature lurks. He’s come from the ocean, in search of others like him.

To fit in with humans, Sashimi sneaks into an elementary school and pretends to be a student. But he’s clearly a fish out of water!

When Sashimi finds out the whole town is on the hunt for the Beast of Barnacle Bay—a creature who sounds a lot like Sashimi—hijinks ensue! Fortunately, with the help of a new friend and the class goldfish, Sashimi figures out a way to stay afloat.

Perfect for fans of Bad Guys and The Investigator series!

Thick As Thieves: a Graphic Novel

by Dan Santat

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?

The Aquanaut A Graphic Novel

by Dan Santat

Dive in to this whimsically adventurous graphic novel from Caldecott Medalist and National Book Award Winner Dan Santat!

Ever since her father was lost at sea, Sophia has been moping around Aqualand, the marine theme park her dad and uncle created. But Sophia's world is turned upside down when an "aquanaut" breaks into the park's research lab.

To her amazement, Sophia discovers that the aquanaut is not what it seems -- inside lives a band of four goofy sea creatures! And when they all realize that Aqualand has evolved into something much darker than Sophia's dad had envisioned, Sophia is determined to help the aquanaut crew free the park's captive marine life before it's too late.

Sashimi and the Field Trip of Doom

by Dan Santat

He's funny. He's (too) friendly. He's... a fishboy named SASHIMI!

Check out the second book in this uproarious graphic novel series from bestseller and Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat.

Sashimi is going on a field trip! Except he didn't get his permission slip signed. And he accidentally boarded (and quickly got kicked off of) the wrong bus.

Uh-oh... is Sashimi... missing?

Sound the alarm! A child without a signed permission slip is on the loose!

It’s only a matter of time before Sashimi is able to find his way home. But not before he stirs up a lot of trouble first!

Perfect for fans of Bad Guys, Sharkdog, and The Investigator series!

As Dav Pilkey (creator of Dog Man and Captain Underpants) says, "Sashimi is FRESH!"

Don't miss other books in the series:
Book 1: Sashimi
Book 3: Double Trouble