A dog waits by the front door of his home, faithfully waiting for his master to return. A hamster sits nearby, eating popcorn and watching TV. They argue about the mess, the volume of the TV and the dog’s timing. He’s called Roscoe, and has been watching the clock. Fluffy the hamster assures him that their owner Harry won’t be home on time – he hardly ever is.

That’s the problem. Roscoe and Fluffy are devoted to Harry, but with his superhero duties calling him out day and night, they hardly get to see him. He feels just as bad, but what is a superhero to do?

Suddenly the TV shows something shocking. Harry – also known as Captain Amazing, has been bested by a villain stealing new technology from a science lab. They stare shocked, along with their world.

Harry returns home deciding that it’s time to get himself a Sidekick. Years before, one of his pets (a cat named Manny), was at his side fighting the bad guys. Something went wrong and he lost that Sidekick. This time, anyone can audition to be his partner. Auditions will be in a month.

Roscoe, and Fluffy finally see their chance at glory and fame, and especially – more quality time with Harry.

Meanwhile, Captain Amazing’s nemesis Dr Havoc is released from prison, claiming to be a new man…

Sidekicks is the first in a graphic novel series by one of my favourite author/illustrators – Dan Santat.

A brilliant mix of animals, superheroes, and humour, Sidekicks has an absorbing backstory knitted into the story, giving the plot even more substance.

We meet four animals, Roscoe the dog, Fluffy the Hamster (don’t be fooled by his cute name), Shifty the Chameleon and Manny the cat. Although they are all vying for attention from their owner, they also work together well, when things go spectacularly wrong.

The intriguing ending has me keen to grab the next book in this exciting, and compelling graphic novel series. 

Author / Illustrator – Dan Santat

Age – 8+

Graphic Novel

Publisher – Scholastic

Set – Fictional city called Metro City / Present

Viewpoint – 3rd person

Violence – Yes

Real Life – Aspects yes

Fantasy – Yes / Superhero powers

Blend – Real Life / Superheroes

(2025, Scholastic, Animals, Dog, Cat, Hamster, Chameleon, Humour, Funny, Courage, Action, Rivalry, Danger, Series, Family, Allergy)