• Age: 6 to 9
• Grade: 1 to 4
• Reading age: 6 to 9

Making his author-illustrator debut, Mike Shiell elevates the everyday to hilarious drama in this offbeat graphic novel for early readers.

In the front pocket of a faded pair of hand-me-down jeans, a tiny ball of lint lives alone. The days are pretty much the same for Linty: Some cardio. Sightseeing (“So blue!”). Solo Marco Polo. Until one day, everything changes. A boy, who has finally grown into the jeans, has put them on. All Linty knows is that he's suddenly shaking and bouncing like crazy. And then visitors start arriving. There's an acorn, a coin, pizza crust. Linty is a bit overwhelmed at first. Soon, though, the pocket is packed, and he's learning all kinds of fun new things to do (imagine, Solo Marco Polo with friends!). But then, just as suddenly . . . Wash Day arrives. Is Linty's world about to be turned upside down, again?

Cartoonist, animator and illustrator Mike Shiell makes his author-illustrator debut with this high-energy and very funny graphic novel for early readers. Silly and engaging, with loads of heart, it's the perfect book to place in the hands of any reluctant or emerging reader. The relatable emotions of the lovable main character as portrayed in the story and the expressive illustrations support social-emotional learning with themes of making friends, embracing what life throws at you, and finding the courage to try new things. And the busy, brightly colored pages full of hysterical dialogue, asides and antics (ever wonder what happens to lint when it goes through the washer and dryer?) enhance visual literacy.

Like most kids, Mike liked to draw and once he started to get recognition for his drawings, he drew more and more. He also liked to make people laugh, so put those two things together and you have a cartoonist on your hands.Many of Mike's funny ideas come from observing the world around him and twisting everyday occurrences into funny and sometimes totally absurd cartoons, drawings and short animated films. Mike's cartoons and illustrations have appeared in many magazines, books and greeting cards in North America and Europe. His animated series, The Melon Shorts, has appeared in numerous film festivals around the world and has won a number of awards.Mike is the illustrator of the Gross Science series of books written by Edward Kay. The three titles in the series are Stinky Science, Germy Science and Poopy Science. Both Stinky Science and Germy Science are being adapted into an animated TV series. Mike is excited to be making his debut as an author-illustrator with the graphic novel Linty: A Pocketful of Adventure.Even on his most stressful and not-so-fun days, Mike reminds himself that he is making a living doing the thing that he had dreamed of doing when he was a little kid ... so he tries not to be too whiny. Instagram: @linty2022 Facebook: @linty2022 Twitter: @Wandering88

Mike Shiell's profile page

I can just imagine wonderful lessons that could come with children delving into their own pockets.—CanList for Little Canadians