This post is sponsored by Shawn Hainsworth. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Created by Darin S. Cape

Illustrated by Zeno Decrux and Hiorsh Gabotto

Ages: 9+ | 160 Pages

Publisher: SHP Comics (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8992749939

Publisher’s Book Summary: Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King is a fast, funny, manga-inspired graphic novel that blends fantasy adventure with heart, humor, and family appeal. When a cheeky underdog hero is pulled into a world of monsters, doppelgängers, and an army of rats, Zicky must rely on wit, courage, and unlikely friendships to survive. Bursting with kinetic action, playful mischief, and relatable growing pains, Zicky is a perfect gateway to manga for younger readers and a joyful, high-energy adventure for kids, teens, and families alike.

Praise: “Smart, energetic graphic novel blending fantasy and touching real-life emotion. Cape smashes expectations and keeps the pages pleasurably turning, all while grounding the chaotic story in the growing pains of children and the anxieties of the adults raising them.” —Booklife

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | SHP Comics

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shawn Hainsworth is the creator and writer, as Darin S. Cape, of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King. The story began as bedtime adventures he invented for his own children, with Shawn playing the role of Zicky, a super-secret ninja who went on adventures while everyone else was asleep. Those family stories eventually grew into the world of Zicky, a graphic novel celebrating imagination, courage, family, and the hero inside every kid. Shawn lives in Western Massachusetts with his wife, two teens, and two hound dogs. He is the publisher of SHP Comics and is currently working on the sequel, Zicky: The Cursed Blade.

Website | https://www.instagram.com/shpcomics_kids

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATORS

Zeno Decrux is an accomplished illustrator and comic artist with over nine years of experience in the international independent comics scene. His work spans a diverse range of comics and manga titles, where he brings a dynamic, expressive style and a strong commitment to quality on every project. Passionate about storytelling through visuals, Zeno continues to push his craft forward with each new collaboration.

Jorge Luis Gabotto, also known as Hiorsh, is an Argentine cartoonist and writer from Mar del Plata. A visual arts teacher, puppeteer, and musician, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to storytelling. For him, comics are a fusion of art and literature—a cinematic form that combines movement, atmosphere, and emotion. His work explores themes of love, time, and perception, offering readers a personal and poetic vision of the world.

MY BOOK REVIEW:

Day vs night. Immediately, the reader recognizes that Zicky transforms himself into a hero everynight.

The images conjured up in Zicky’s dreams are reflected in vivid colors and daring action shots. Zicky might lead a dull daily existence, but every night he becomes a superhero fighting against the army of rats. The book is broken into five chapters, which makes it a good choice for a beginning reader or for an adult to read aloud and then discuss with the child. Young readers enter a cinematic world that literally moves the reader and involves him as an active participant in the adventure.

The author suggests an audience of nine plus, but younger children interested in action adventure will be mesmerized with this appealing graphic novel.

Enter below to win the giveaway prize package:

https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/zicky-wrath-of-the-rat-king-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, October 1, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Friday, October 2, 2026 The Starlit Path Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Monday, October 5, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 The Children’s Book Review A Booklist Featuring Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Thursday, October 8, 2026 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Shawn Hainsworth

Friday, October 9, 2026 @bored_military_wife Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Monday, October 12, 2026 Lisa’s Reading Author Interview with Shawn Hainsworth

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Thursday, October 15, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Friday, October 16, 2026 @MaryLanniReads Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Monday, October 19, 2026 Cover Lover Book Review Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 Confessions of a Book Addict Book Spotlight on Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Thursday, October 22, 2026 Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Friday, October 23, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Shep Dreams Of Home: A Bedtime Story

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Shep begins his life as an overzealous pup. He has a large head and teeth. Shep is clumsy and frequently finds himself in trouble. Soon his owners reject him and he finds himself homeless until one day he encounters a lonely man. Can these two find friendship and a happy home? Will Shep grow up to find acceptance and his place in the world?

This is a short book that is appropriate as a bedtime story. It appeals to children who enjoy animals and stories about family pets, friendship, and individual differences.

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Soli Wants to Sniff EVERYTHING!: A Funny Interactive Picture Book About Curiosity, Impulse Control, Boundaries, Safe Choices, Listening, and Knowing When … Bedtime) (Soli’s Silly Adventures 2)

Written by by Carina KIRSCHNER-MALEKIHA

This book is part of a series about a solenodon. You have probably never heard of it. Solenodons are large shrew-like mammals.

In this tale, the solenodon cannot contain his impulse to sniff everything he encounters. That might be a sandwich, cake, shoe or sock. Lots of humor in the illustrations. Readers are asked to interact and give opinions on whether to smell or not.

The book is a helpful way to discuss issues like impulsivity, make safe decisions, and learn impulse control. It provides a non-threatening way to help primary grade readers to handle their behaviors.

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Talon, Come Fly with Me: Inspirational Story about Friendship

Written by Gigi Sedlmayer

This tender story has won multiple awards. The protagonist is Matica, a young girl who is born with a disability that makes her small. She lives high up in the Peruvian mountains. Matica is ostracized for this disability. She searches for a friend. Matica forms a friendship bond with two condors. She names them Tamo and Tima. In time, the village marvels at her talent to communicate with these creatures and to protect them from danger.

The book is an inspiration for children with disabilities who face ridicule and disdaindue to their individual differences. Teachers might use the tale as a resource for class discussions on bullying and disabilities.

The book is an easy read for middle-grade, young adult and adult audiences as a lesson in empathy and true friendships.

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Marigold Twinkletooth and the Star-Coin Surprise: A Tooth Fairy Tale

Written by Jamie Kucia

Ariel is a bit nervous. She will play her first T-ball game tomorrow, and she is about to lose her first tooth.

As Ariel prepares for bed, the loose tooth pops out. She places it under her pillow and wonders whether the Tooth Fairy will visit her. Her question is soon answered. When the Tooth Fairy arrives, she appears confused and flustered. This is a different kind of tooth fairy, filled with humor and zany antics. The glossary and Tooth Fairy message add to the fun of this interactive tale.

What kind of wish will the Tooth Fairy grant Ariel? Can Ariel find the confidence to play T-ball?

This Readers’ Favorite Award winner will delight preschool and primary grade readers. Read it aloud to appreciate the onomatopoeic words and sounds.

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Holiday Hero Max the Mockingbird (The Readers Huddle Collection)

Written by Brandee Huddleson

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Young readers receive a valuable message while enjoying a humorous tale.

An enjoyable, fast read for any age.

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Written by Carolyn Watson-Dubisch

Illustrated by Mike Dubisch

All the animals in the forest are excited. It is time to decorate the Christmas tree.

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Read the story to reveal the important message that the crow’s forest friends bestow on him for his efforts.

A charming story with an impactful message for our youngest readers.

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Written and Illustrated by Vanessa Ireson

A fun, rhyming Christmas story with an unusual character.

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While Steve’s family flees, he tries to stand up to the dragon with his sword, then notices something strange. Could it be that the dragon just wants to participate in the Christmas festivities?

Read the book to find out. Recommended for elementary school age readers who love books about Christmas and dragons.

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The Epic Activity Book for Genius Girls: A Multiverse Adventure with Fun Brain Games, Logic puzzles, and creative challenges for smart young explorers … kids 8-12) (Doc’s Activity Books for Kids)

Written and Illustrated by Doc Enigma

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I highly recommend it for classroom challenges, travel, and homeschool activities.

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Bacon’s Very Important Christmas Job! (It’s Bacon’s World! Book 2)

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This book is a perfect holiday choice for families of primary grade readers.

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