What do you think?
Rate this book
Sashimi
Not yet published
Expected 14 Apr 26He'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!
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!
160 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 14, 2026
4 people are currently reading
3265 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Read
January 7, 2026
Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026:
Sashimi is a fishboy. He’s never met his parents or anyone who looked like him. Rumors of a strange beast bring him to Barnacle Bay, where he tries to pass for human at the local school to gather intel. Students question his fishy smell, wet skin, and close connection with Kevin the class fish. But Sashimi is undeterred, hoping the beast might be a long lost relative. Plenty of slap fights, names like Taco Fart and Brocano, and the etymology of the term “poop deck” are peppered in throughout this graphic novel about his journey to find out. —Alison Doherty
Sashimi is a fishboy. He’s never met his parents or anyone who looked like him. Rumors of a strange beast bring him to Barnacle Bay, where he tries to pass for human at the local school to gather intel. Students question his fishy smell, wet skin, and close connection with Kevin the class fish. But Sashimi is undeterred, hoping the beast might be a long lost relative. Plenty of slap fights, names like Taco Fart and Brocano, and the etymology of the term “poop deck” are peppered in throughout this graphic novel about his journey to find out. —Alison Doherty
August 20, 2025
What happens when a kid sea monster wants to find others of their kind. He had heard of a town that has an annual festival about a sea monster, so sneaks into the school. Finds clothes in the lost and found, and enrolls in the class, so he can search from there.
His disguise is not all that great, and he has trouble making friends, except for with the class gold fish. As the days progress, he does make a friend, albeit a reluctant one.
And, like a fish out of water, Sashimi has a lot to learn.
This is a cute book about friendship, and being the new kid, as well as being the lonely kid. It is the first book in what will be a series. The pictures are fun. The story is funny, and the highjinks are silly. What more could you want from a book?
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published on the 14th of April 2026.
His disguise is not all that great, and he has trouble making friends, except for with the class gold fish. As the days progress, he does make a friend, albeit a reluctant one.
And, like a fish out of water, Sashimi has a lot to learn.
This is a cute book about friendship, and being the new kid, as well as being the lonely kid. It is the first book in what will be a series. The pictures are fun. The story is funny, and the highjinks are silly. What more could you want from a book?
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published on the 14th of April 2026.
September 17, 2025
Book 1 in a new lower MG graphic novel series by the amazing @dsantat
🐠
In the town of Barnacle Bay there is a new boy in town named Sashimi Sashimi. He’s fresh from the ocean, trying to fit in with the other kids, pretending to be a student at the local elementary school. When the town starts hunting for the Beast of Barnacle Bay, a creature who looks a lot like Sashimi, he gets help from a new, yet reluctant, friend at school.
🐠
I’m very much of the mindset that Dan can do no wrong. He’s such a great author, illustrator and graphic novelist. This will be a big hit for fans of Bad Guys and The Investigators. It releases April 14!
🐠
In the town of Barnacle Bay there is a new boy in town named Sashimi Sashimi. He’s fresh from the ocean, trying to fit in with the other kids, pretending to be a student at the local elementary school. When the town starts hunting for the Beast of Barnacle Bay, a creature who looks a lot like Sashimi, he gets help from a new, yet reluctant, friend at school.
🐠
I’m very much of the mindset that Dan can do no wrong. He’s such a great author, illustrator and graphic novelist. This will be a big hit for fans of Bad Guys and The Investigators. It releases April 14!
February 16, 2026
Can’t wait to buy this for the kids at work, they’re going to love it, especially those who love Diary of A Wimpy Kid or Dogman. It was super goofy. Sashimi navigates being the new one in class (secretly as a fish), dealing with bullies, and making friends. I had a 7 year in my family read the first 60 pages, and he couldn’t stop giggling while reading. Can’t wait to request the second ARC!
October 11, 2025
I was able to access an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed this lighthearted story of friendship. The main character is searching for someone like him and along the way he makes his first friend. There are lots of laughs all throughout this book. I also love that although the main character is different and is desperate to find someone like him so he does not feel alone, he still stays true to himself. This is a fun, adventure story with a little mystery sprinkled in but it also has valuable life skills and lessons woven throughout. Dan Santat did a great job of being entertaining while also giving kids lessons on staying true to yourself, friendship and bullying. I know my students will love this series. Looking forward to book two next fall.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ARC provided by the publisher
Strange things are happening in Barnacle Bay! When Sashimi comes to shore, grabs a hoodie, and joins Miss Wilcox's classroom, the students ask a lot of questions, but don't get a lot of answers. Joey is assigned to show Shashimi around, but since he is new himself and a target of Billy's bullying, he's reluctant to be seen with a bug eyed student who sweats a lot. This, of course, is how Sashimi, who is really a fish boy, breathes. While he's living in the school and talking to Kevin, the class goldfish, he feels like he should investigate the Beast of Barnacle Bay, since there is a huge festival surrounding the creature. He has a bad experience at a grocery store with some high octane sugar soda and is kicked out after he goes nuts; Billy is there and takes him home to meet his grandfather. Poopdeck Pete is obsessed with the Beast, and gives tours of the bay. Sashimi tells Joey the truth after an incident where Sashimi tries to flush himself down the toilet: he is a fish boy and was chased ashore by Joey's grandfather, and has been living in the school. After meeting with Ben at the local history museum, Sashimi decides to enter the contest to catch the Beast, since there's a $10,000 prize. There is all kinds of drama in the community's participation in this, but in the end, Sashimi donates one of his own scales to the museum, and is rewarded with $500. He donates this money to the school, where budget cuts have been rife, and settles into life in Barnacle Bay. Poopdeck Pete's boat tours experience a resurgence with the interest in the creature, so Joey is happy as well. More adventures, perhaps ones including the very suspiciously damp Ben, are heading to shore.
Santat's illustrations are always a delight, and he brings Sashimi to life in an engaging way. There's even an informational diagram of how Sashimi breathes; of course, there are extra laughs since he is depicted in tighty whities! The use of the hood to hide his more defining aquatic features is inspired, since young readers these days live in hoodies, often (to my chagrin) with the hoods up. Santat must have a deep and abiding interest in the sea, since his 2022 Aquanaut also involves ocean life living on land. Sashimi is much happier and less traumatic than that graphic novel!
Sashimi gets himself involved in many ridiculous situations, which makes this a perfect book for older readers (who pretend to be too sophisticated for jokes about Poopdeck Pete) to read to younger ones. Sashimi gets revenge on Billy in a spitball fight, he has a massive sugar buzz and subsequent crash, and we get snarky but informative inserts about what a poop deck is named that and how Sashimi is able to live on land. The illustration style is colorful and unique, and will appeal to older readers who have been raised on Santat's picture books like Are We There Yet, Beekle, and After the Fall.
Dav Pilkey gets a shout-out in the dedication, which makes perfect sense, since readers of Captain Underpants and Dogman will be thrilled with Sashimi's odd adventures. Santat worked with Tom Angleberger on Princess Pit Stop, and must have absorbed some of Angleberger's Two-Headed Chicken Energy. I'm looking forward to the further adventures of this intrepid fish boy, and hope that he and Joey are able to calm Billy down quite a bit and can continue to support their struggling school.
The box that the publisher sent with the ARC was delightful, and contained a helpful water bottle (so Sashimi can keep breathing), a sticker, poster, and small container of "fish flakes" that I have on good authority actually contains Swedish fish candy!
Strange things are happening in Barnacle Bay! When Sashimi comes to shore, grabs a hoodie, and joins Miss Wilcox's classroom, the students ask a lot of questions, but don't get a lot of answers. Joey is assigned to show Shashimi around, but since he is new himself and a target of Billy's bullying, he's reluctant to be seen with a bug eyed student who sweats a lot. This, of course, is how Sashimi, who is really a fish boy, breathes. While he's living in the school and talking to Kevin, the class goldfish, he feels like he should investigate the Beast of Barnacle Bay, since there is a huge festival surrounding the creature. He has a bad experience at a grocery store with some high octane sugar soda and is kicked out after he goes nuts; Billy is there and takes him home to meet his grandfather. Poopdeck Pete is obsessed with the Beast, and gives tours of the bay. Sashimi tells Joey the truth after an incident where Sashimi tries to flush himself down the toilet: he is a fish boy and was chased ashore by Joey's grandfather, and has been living in the school. After meeting with Ben at the local history museum, Sashimi decides to enter the contest to catch the Beast, since there's a $10,000 prize. There is all kinds of drama in the community's participation in this, but in the end, Sashimi donates one of his own scales to the museum, and is rewarded with $500. He donates this money to the school, where budget cuts have been rife, and settles into life in Barnacle Bay. Poopdeck Pete's boat tours experience a resurgence with the interest in the creature, so Joey is happy as well. More adventures, perhaps ones including the very suspiciously damp Ben, are heading to shore.
Santat's illustrations are always a delight, and he brings Sashimi to life in an engaging way. There's even an informational diagram of how Sashimi breathes; of course, there are extra laughs since he is depicted in tighty whities! The use of the hood to hide his more defining aquatic features is inspired, since young readers these days live in hoodies, often (to my chagrin) with the hoods up. Santat must have a deep and abiding interest in the sea, since his 2022 Aquanaut also involves ocean life living on land. Sashimi is much happier and less traumatic than that graphic novel!
Sashimi gets himself involved in many ridiculous situations, which makes this a perfect book for older readers (who pretend to be too sophisticated for jokes about Poopdeck Pete) to read to younger ones. Sashimi gets revenge on Billy in a spitball fight, he has a massive sugar buzz and subsequent crash, and we get snarky but informative inserts about what a poop deck is named that and how Sashimi is able to live on land. The illustration style is colorful and unique, and will appeal to older readers who have been raised on Santat's picture books like Are We There Yet, Beekle, and After the Fall.
Dav Pilkey gets a shout-out in the dedication, which makes perfect sense, since readers of Captain Underpants and Dogman will be thrilled with Sashimi's odd adventures. Santat worked with Tom Angleberger on Princess Pit Stop, and must have absorbed some of Angleberger's Two-Headed Chicken Energy. I'm looking forward to the further adventures of this intrepid fish boy, and hope that he and Joey are able to calm Billy down quite a bit and can continue to support their struggling school.
The box that the publisher sent with the ARC was delightful, and contained a helpful water bottle (so Sashimi can keep breathing), a sticker, poster, and small container of "fish flakes" that I have on good authority actually contains Swedish fish candy!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Dan Santat’s newest graphic novel is goofy fun from beginning to end. Readers will have to suspend all disbelief and buy into a fish-merman-axolotl type creature called Sashimi joining an elementary classroom as the new kid who just happens to sweat a lot (has something to do with getting his oxygen from all the water he drinks), smells like fish (cuz he is one, sort of) and has dead, hollow eyes (like a fish on a plate or something??? Wasn’t really explained). Paired up with Joey for the usual new kid helper thing, Sashimi flounders his way thru a building full of school bullies, lunch and red levers on the wall that start fires when pulled, or something like that. Throw in an annual town wide search for the dreaded Beast of Barnacle Bay who may or may not have some similarities to Sashimi and elementary readers will be laughing their way through another silly series along the same lines as Pilkey’s Captain Underpants.
If you are looking for fun plus a little something “more,” Santat does include two fact-giving pages on how fish use their gills and another giving the background of the very real poop decks (and yes, that does connect to the other kind of poop plus a major toilet swirlie). There are also positive friendship and new kid principles to be gleaned between laughs.
Great addition to any elementary library’s graphic novel section.
Target age: grade 1-4
Profanity: none
Violence: Some chasing, a few tricks and pranks and a grandpa determined to get his revenge on the Barnacle Beast
Representation: Sashimi’s classmates have diverse skin tones and body types…but only one looks like a sea creature in a hoodie
LBGTQ+: nothing noted
Thanks for the launch box with arc, water bottle, sticker and my own bottle of fish flakes, MacKids/Roaring Brook Press.
If you are looking for fun plus a little something “more,” Santat does include two fact-giving pages on how fish use their gills and another giving the background of the very real poop decks (and yes, that does connect to the other kind of poop plus a major toilet swirlie). There are also positive friendship and new kid principles to be gleaned between laughs.
Great addition to any elementary library’s graphic novel section.
Target age: grade 1-4
Profanity: none
Violence: Some chasing, a few tricks and pranks and a grandpa determined to get his revenge on the Barnacle Beast
Representation: Sashimi’s classmates have diverse skin tones and body types…but only one looks like a sea creature in a hoodie
LBGTQ+: nothing noted
Thanks for the launch box with arc, water bottle, sticker and my own bottle of fish flakes, MacKids/Roaring Brook Press.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sashimi is the new kid at school, and he is different from everyone else in ways he cannot divulge. With perpetually sweaty skin, dead eyes, and a fishy odor, Sashimi stands out and often finds himself the target of bullies for the fact that he conforms to neither the behavioral nor the appearance standards of society. But Sashimi came to Barnacle Bay for a reason: to find the mysterious and elusive Beast of Barnacle Bay—a creature who just might be like him. In his efforts to track down the Beast, however, Sashimi discovers that perhaps fitting in comes down to more than just outward appearances.
This comedic and lighthearted graphic novel explores the universal desire of wanting to belong through the unexpected perspective of a character who is half fish and half human. Silly interactions that highlight Sashimi’s lack of cultural awareness draw readers’ attention to often overlooked experiences that seem normal simply because they are the status quo. Light instances of potty humor and awkward interactions enhance the readability of this book for its target audience. Bright, cartoon-like illustrations bring the story to life and invite young readers into Sashimi’s narrative, propelling the novel in visual intrigue. Occasional asides offer some educational elements to the story and help readers better understand the author’s perspective in designing Sashimi as he is. Heartfelt explorations of friendship and acceptance are embedded within this entertaining and amusing narrative, and the novel is left open for a sequel. This is a positive addition to graphic novel collections for middle grade readers.
This comedic and lighthearted graphic novel explores the universal desire of wanting to belong through the unexpected perspective of a character who is half fish and half human. Silly interactions that highlight Sashimi’s lack of cultural awareness draw readers’ attention to often overlooked experiences that seem normal simply because they are the status quo. Light instances of potty humor and awkward interactions enhance the readability of this book for its target audience. Bright, cartoon-like illustrations bring the story to life and invite young readers into Sashimi’s narrative, propelling the novel in visual intrigue. Occasional asides offer some educational elements to the story and help readers better understand the author’s perspective in designing Sashimi as he is. Heartfelt explorations of friendship and acceptance are embedded within this entertaining and amusing narrative, and the novel is left open for a sequel. This is a positive addition to graphic novel collections for middle grade readers.
December 3, 2025
Dan Santat has been one of my favorite picture book authors and illustrators since reading The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend to my classroom in 2017. So I was very excited when I saw that he was starting a new middle grade/elementary school graphic novel series next year. Sashimi is a fishboy who's never met his biological parents or anyone who looked like him. He was raised my mermaids in the sea (even though he's basically the opposite with a fish head and humanoid body). He hears a rumor about a beast of Barnacle Bay that sounds kind of like him and decides to go to the small, seaside town to investigate. To learn more, he poses as a human elementary school student. And he basically fools everyone, even though they have questions about his fishy smell, friendship with Kevin the class fish, and choice of fish flakes for a snack. He deals with bullies, drinks sugar soda for the first time, and explores the world on land. He might (or might not) find the beast of Barnacle Bay ... but he discovers something that is, perhaps, even more important. His first best friend. The book is hilarious with lots of fish puns, poop jokes, and slapstick humor. I think reluctant readers and fans of the wimpy kid & dogman books will fall in love!
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🏴☠️⚓️ Ahoy, matey! A perfect reading-day treasure!
This book arrived on exactly the right day—when it was -1 outside, I had my computer-loving grandson with me, and we were searching for something fun to do… then this box showed up on our doorstep like buried treasure. 📦
A FISHBOY NAMED ….SASHIMI? Oh my—A FISHBOY wearing an orange hoodie (boys laughing already) and the humor in this book hooked my grandson right away! 🐟😂 A. is in third grade and loves graphic novels, and this one was a total hit. It’s funny, full of mystery, and had him laughing out loud. He’s already excited to take it to school for silent reading—always a win!
I also loved the deeper messages woven into the story: creating friendships, standing up to bullies, being yourself, and celebrating what makes you different. But above all? This is another book that truly makes reading FUN—and that’s the real treasure. 🏴☠️✨
Thank you @mackidsbooks @dansantat for this amazing gift box with the graphic novel, Water Bottle, sticker, and fish food (aka Swedish Fish 🐟). What a perfect way to turn a freezing day into a cozy, joyful reading adventure.
ALL opinions expressed are our own.
This book arrived on exactly the right day—when it was -1 outside, I had my computer-loving grandson with me, and we were searching for something fun to do… then this box showed up on our doorstep like buried treasure. 📦
A FISHBOY NAMED ….SASHIMI? Oh my—A FISHBOY wearing an orange hoodie (boys laughing already) and the humor in this book hooked my grandson right away! 🐟😂 A. is in third grade and loves graphic novels, and this one was a total hit. It’s funny, full of mystery, and had him laughing out loud. He’s already excited to take it to school for silent reading—always a win!
I also loved the deeper messages woven into the story: creating friendships, standing up to bullies, being yourself, and celebrating what makes you different. But above all? This is another book that truly makes reading FUN—and that’s the real treasure. 🏴☠️✨
Thank you @mackidsbooks @dansantat for this amazing gift box with the graphic novel, Water Bottle, sticker, and fish food (aka Swedish Fish 🐟). What a perfect way to turn a freezing day into a cozy, joyful reading adventure.
ALL opinions expressed are our own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What happens when you’re a humanoid, orange-skinned, big-eyed fish creature raised by mermaids who sets off on a quest to find the legendary “Beast of Barnacle Bay,” hoping they might be someone just like you? Pure hilarity! Caldecott Medal-winning Dan Santat delivers another win in his middle-grade graphic novel series as young Sashimi embarks on an unforgettable adventure.
Join Sashimi as he searches for others like himself, makes new friends, flees from a villainous pirate, and tries to keep his true identity a secret—all with the help of his hilarious fish sidekick. Will Sashimi finally find what he’s searching for among the humans?
Perfect for middle graders who grew up loving Dog Man, Big Nate, and Captain Underpants, this graphic novel is packed with humor, heart, and action. It’s a must-read for adventurous young graphic novel enthusiasts or reluctant readers!
Join Sashimi as he searches for others like himself, makes new friends, flees from a villainous pirate, and tries to keep his true identity a secret—all with the help of his hilarious fish sidekick. Will Sashimi finally find what he’s searching for among the humans?
Perfect for middle graders who grew up loving Dog Man, Big Nate, and Captain Underpants, this graphic novel is packed with humor, heart, and action. It’s a must-read for adventurous young graphic novel enthusiasts or reluctant readers!
August 31, 2025
Solid gold. Solid Santat. Solid graphic novel. Solid reach for the intended audience. Solid color choice. Solid humor. Solid main character. And spectacular that we will be able to meet Sashimi again because it'll be a series.
First off, I challenge you to find a person who doesn't love Santat's illustration style. It's as recognizable as it is entertaining. Second, the humor is spot on, a fish boy going to school, trying to make friends, solving a mystery of the beast of Barnacle Bay with his newfound (not/but really) friend and the other school pet Kevin, an unlikely name for a girl fish.
It was a delightful romp that I can't wait to recommend over and over and over and over again.
First off, I challenge you to find a person who doesn't love Santat's illustration style. It's as recognizable as it is entertaining. Second, the humor is spot on, a fish boy going to school, trying to make friends, solving a mystery of the beast of Barnacle Bay with his newfound (not/but really) friend and the other school pet Kevin, an unlikely name for a girl fish.
It was a delightful romp that I can't wait to recommend over and over and over and over again.
September 23, 2025
This book is a winner! From the amazing mind and artistic hand of Dan Santat, we meet Sashimi Sashimi. He’s an endearing, sweaty fishboy who attempts covert classroom integration at Barnacle Bay Elementary. He befriends (reluctant) Joey, a boy who is often bullied and coincidentally the grandson of a pirate-y curmudgeon on the hunt to prove the existence of the elusive Beast of Barnacle Bay. I loved the illustrations and coloring, the humor and overall arc. The side characters are a hoot and Sashimi is a star. I can’t wait to read more about his adventures in future series installments (yay!). I’ll be enthusiastically recommending this to all young lovers of graphic novels. Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC. What a treat!
November 25, 2025
Fun and hilarious new graphic novel series by Dan Santat.
In the town of Barnacle Bay, a fishboy named Sashimi tries to hide in an elementary school. He makes friends with the class fish, tries to make a friend by standing up to a bully, and rescues Tako from the grocery store. All he wants is to find his family, so he joins the hunt for the Beast of Barnacle Bay.
The book is laugh out loud funny with its puns and jokes. Sashimi is so relatable as he tries to fit in while making new friends. Readers will gasp and chuckle as Sashimi practically gives himself away each time. Luckily, his friends are there to save him.
Sprinkled with interesting facts and diagrams about ocean creatures.
In the town of Barnacle Bay, a fishboy named Sashimi tries to hide in an elementary school. He makes friends with the class fish, tries to make a friend by standing up to a bully, and rescues Tako from the grocery store. All he wants is to find his family, so he joins the hunt for the Beast of Barnacle Bay.
The book is laugh out loud funny with its puns and jokes. Sashimi is so relatable as he tries to fit in while making new friends. Readers will gasp and chuckle as Sashimi practically gives himself away each time. Luckily, his friends are there to save him.
Sprinkled with interesting facts and diagrams about ocean creatures.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an advance copy of this book for review.
My 12 year old and I both read this separately. He mostly likes to reread the same few series over and over again but was willing to branch out for this one and found it funny and engaging. I think this will definitely be a good option for reluctant readers due to its short length, quick pace, and humor. The author of Dog Man endorsed it and I think this will find a similar audience.
I am not usually into stories in this vein but this one worked well for me! It didn't have too much potty humor and there were funny and compelling elements. There's zaniness and quirkiness but not so much that it's too off putting. There's a bit of intrigue leading into the next book (coming in September) and I am curious what comes next!
My 12 year old and I both read this separately. He mostly likes to reread the same few series over and over again but was willing to branch out for this one and found it funny and engaging. I think this will definitely be a good option for reluctant readers due to its short length, quick pace, and humor. The author of Dog Man endorsed it and I think this will find a similar audience.
I am not usually into stories in this vein but this one worked well for me! It didn't have too much potty humor and there were funny and compelling elements. There's zaniness and quirkiness but not so much that it's too off putting. There's a bit of intrigue leading into the next book (coming in September) and I am curious what comes next!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It felt like this book wasn't sure what it wanted to be: graphic novel aimed for middle-grade readers (4-7th grade), tongue-in-cheek graphic novel for teachers (similar to Shrek), or a hodge podge of stuff. There were pausing points for learning, bullying and being an upstander, and an urban legend about a beast. At multiple points while reading, I found myself asking, "what am I reading?" The story seemed disjointed.
There were points that were entertaining, like Sashimi going to the grocery store, but overall, I did not enjoy reading this book. I'm not sure I was the intended audience, but I wouldn't buy it for my students or my children.
There were points that were entertaining, like Sashimi going to the grocery store, but overall, I did not enjoy reading this book. I'm not sure I was the intended audience, but I wouldn't buy it for my students or my children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I haven't laughed this hard at a graphic novel in a long time. I read this with my 5 year old, and we could not stop giggling.
Some of our favorite quotes:
"We're finishing each other's...Taco Farts!'
"Next time, I'll hop on yer back and crush ya with me butt cheeks!"
I quickly fell in love with the weirdness of Sashimi, his girl sidekick named Kevin, the silent octopus named Tako, and the mysteriously moist museum curator. I can't wait to see where this series goes, and I'm thankful I got an early copy from Netgalley.
Some of our favorite quotes:
"We're finishing each other's...Taco Farts!'
"Next time, I'll hop on yer back and crush ya with me butt cheeks!"
I quickly fell in love with the weirdness of Sashimi, his girl sidekick named Kevin, the silent octopus named Tako, and the mysteriously moist museum curator. I can't wait to see where this series goes, and I'm thankful I got an early copy from Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a silly, goofy series starter from Dan Santat that is sure to be a big hit with early middle grade readers. Sashimi is a fish boy -- half fish, half boy but not like a Mermaid, the other way around. He wanders out from the ocean and finds his way to school. Trying to fit in isn't easy for anyone, but especially when you're secretly a fish. This book is really silly with a classic Dan Santat style of illustrations that works really well here.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!
November 29, 2025
This tale of literal fish-out-of-water friendship is a delight from start to finish. It's very clearly the beginning of a series and I can't wait to see what Sashimi and his friends get up to next in Barnacle Bay, which is also very much a character in the story. The art is especially fun and the vocabulary is wide-ranging and humorous. If you have a late elementary/early MS reader in your life who likes a mystery, grab them this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley for this eARC.
Many thanks to NetGalley for this eARC.
January 20, 2026
This book is a lot of fun with some really nice humor. The plot wraps up nicely, but there's still a bit of mystery left to encourage kids to check out the next volume. The characters are all real interesting, especially Sashimi, who kids are bound to love due to his entertaining failed attempts to to act like a believable with humans. I look forward to volume 2!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The first book in a new graphic novel series by Dan Santat (one of my favorites!).
Sashimi is a fishboy - a sea monster of sorts - and he's looking to discover more of his kind. His adventure is one of self-discovery, friendship, and lessons of a new kid in school. The book is cute and funny, and the illustrations are fun as well. My 10 year old loved it.
Sashimi is a fishboy - a sea monster of sorts - and he's looking to discover more of his kind. His adventure is one of self-discovery, friendship, and lessons of a new kid in school. The book is cute and funny, and the illustrations are fun as well. My 10 year old loved it.
November 11, 2025
I was eager to read this, as I love Dan Santat as an author and illustrator. This is quite literally a fish out of water story about friendships and being an outsider. As always, lovely illustrations.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Hilarious! I love Dan Santat & this graphic novel is perfect for elementary kids and anyone who is in education -lots of jokes about budget cuts and the power of the two finger silencing method. Can’t wait for the next installment-the colors, the art, the storyline -so good!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
**Middle Grade**
**Graphic Novel**
A fun new series from this creator. Sashimi is from the sea but goes to elementary school with humans. He is searching Barnacle Bay for it's beast. You will be routing for Sashimi!
**Graphic Novel**
A fun new series from this creator. Sashimi is from the sea but goes to elementary school with humans. He is searching Barnacle Bay for it's beast. You will be routing for Sashimi!
August 21, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this! "Muuuustaaaaaache..." LOL
September 21, 2025
Very sweet, funny, and engaging graphic novel about a sea creature searching for his identity in a middle school. Creative and silly, it’s sure to be popular at my school.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
SASHIMI by Dan Santat is a hilarious middle-grade graphic novel that is sure to have your young reader giggling from cover to cover. Sashimi is undercover at a local school, searching for the Beast of Barnacle Bay.
This short but sweet graphic novel is practically guaranteed to have your middle-grade reader snorting milk through their nose as the Fishboy Sashimi navigates life above water, trying to find others like him in the first installment of what is bound to be another Elementary School hit.
Thank you, Roaring Book Press, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Read the rest of my review on Tiny Plot Tales
This short but sweet graphic novel is practically guaranteed to have your middle-grade reader snorting milk through their nose as the Fishboy Sashimi navigates life above water, trying to find others like him in the first installment of what is bound to be another Elementary School hit.
Thank you, Roaring Book Press, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Read the rest of my review on Tiny Plot Tales
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This has a very Dan Santat version of humor and I am here for it.
Read
October 2, 2025A thoroughly enjoyable graphic novel about a fishboy who calls himself Sashimi and the friends he makes while impersonating a student in Barnacle Bay. Together, they investigate the local legend of the Beast of Barnacle Bay. The story is quirky, but its familiar arc and heavy foreshadowing limit the potential for surprise, and it doesn’t feel substantial enough yet to sustain a full series.
Santat is one of my favorite children’s book illustrators, particularly for his work in Drawn Together and the Ricky Ricotta series. While this book is entertaining, the illustrations don’t showcase his visual talents to the same extent, and the story, though fun, lacks some of the offbeat weirdness and emotional depth found in his strongest collaborations.
Thanks to Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley for the advance reading copy.
Santat is one of my favorite children’s book illustrators, particularly for his work in Drawn Together and the Ricky Ricotta series. While this book is entertaining, the illustrations don’t showcase his visual talents to the same extent, and the story, though fun, lacks some of the offbeat weirdness and emotional depth found in his strongest collaborations.
Thanks to Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley for the advance reading copy.
September 21, 2025
Sashimi is a graphic novel about a fish boy trying to find his home. I was hooked from the start and found myself laughing out loud. A fourth of the way through I texted my friends that they HAD to get this book for their kids. The humor is spot-on for middle grade students and the story is strong. You fall in love with Sashimi and his innocence with the dry world and root for him to uncover the history of the town and make friends.
A must read, a must purchase.
I can't wait for the sequel.
A must read, a must purchase.
I can't wait for the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews