From the director of the Captain Underpants movie and Turbo comes a heavily illustrated middle grade novel full of humor and heart that captures the rollercoaster ride of growing up with an invisible disability. For fans of Wink and Wonder!
"A hilarious and unforgettable tale of triumph over trauma that nobody can see."—Dav Pilkey, author and illustrator of Dog ManJ.J. Sugar was only eight years old when he discovered that he could
really draw. Like…better than anyone else in class (no offense to the other kids!). After winning a citywide poster design contest, his dream of becoming an animator was born.
Unfortunately for J.J., that same year, he also discovered his curse. After not feeling well for several weeks, he went to the doctor for some tests. (Actually, lots and lots and lots of tests.) And when his doctor dropped the diagnosis—Crohn’s disease—J.J. was suddenly no longer alone on the exam table. Sitting next to him was a giant, sarcastic, leather-wearing CREATURE: Norm, the not-so-invisible embodiment of J.J.'s chronic disease. And Norm seems bent on ruining his life.
Now, J.J. must navigate the twists and turns of middle school and his bowels. But maybe he won’t have to do it alone…
David Soren grew up in Canada and now lives in California with his wife and two children. After attending Sheridan College’s classical animation program, he was recruited by DreamWorks Animation, where he worked for over twenty years on many of their most beloved franchises, including
Shrek,
Chicken Run, and
How to Train Your Dragon. He directed and cowrote
Turbo,
Captain Underpants, and
Under the Boardwalk.
Invisible is his first book
.
"At once heartfelt and humorous...Soren’s energetic artwork gives life to both human and imaginary characters."—
Publishers Weekly,
starred review"A hilarious and unforgettable tale of triumph over trauma that nobody can see."—Dav Pilkey, author and illustrator of Dog Man
“Funny, fearless, and full of heart.
Invisible nails the weird, frustrating reality of living with something other people can’t see—and turns it into a wild, hilarious, unforgettable story. I wish I had a book like this when I was a kid."—Max Brallier, #1
New York Times bestselling author of
The Last Kids on Earth and Eerie Elementary
"Hilarious, heartfelt, original, and important. This book made me laugh and cry—sometimes on the same page."—Lauren Lapkus, actor and comedian
"The story is strongest when its spry humor and J.J.’s passion for comics and cartoons shine through...The black-and-white spot illustrations throughout are dynamic and humorous...Lively and well intentioned."—
Kirkus Reviews"A lively narrative enriched with comics pages and cartoon caricatures...that may prove helpful, or at least reassuring, to readers with relatable physical challenges."—
Booklist
"It’s that playful candor about his own experience with chronic illness that makes this book so inviting...Meanwhile, black-and-white ink cartoons add depth to the story and showcase J.J.’s growth as an artist. Pair with
Whale Eyes for a double whammy of nuanced memoir-adjacent takes on art and disability."—
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
