A Fishboy Named Sashimi

I read my first ARC as a bookseller and it was amazing! Of course it was, because my first ARC was Dan Santat’s A FISH BOY NAMED SASHIMI which was just released last week. Yes, I’m late on my review because I read it on our way to England during spring break when I had plenty of time to review it…but sadly, as I get older, it takes me longer to recover from jet lag. Add in the need to get back to work after 2 1/2 weeks off and I was shattered.

However, since I just returned from day 2 of the L.A. Times Festival of Books, in which Beekle and I stalked—er, sought out, Santat, I will do my review now.

There’s a reason why our family is a fan of Dan Santat. He has a sense of humor that sits well within our own and a great knack for lovable characters. Sashimi is goofy, awkward, and feels like an outsider. Pretty much like any sixth grader.

Since I’m a pediatrician, I get the great privilege of getting to know many families. And, trust me, when I say we’ve all been through a Sashimi phase. Minus sleeping in a fish bowl with a girl fish named Kevin. And worrying about being found out to be something different than what he’s presenting—though actually I feel like that’s a typical pre-teen/teen issue as well.

Sashimi is funny and full of heart. He sees things in a different way than his new friend/not friend Joey, and that’s a good thing. Add in a bit of a mystery, cryptids, turning being the new kid on its head, and Santat really just hits it out of the park.

Best of all, as Santat revealed at the Festival of Books, A FISH BOY NAMED SASHIMI is the first in a series of at least six books. The second book, SASHIMI AND THE FIELD TRIP OF DOOM, is available for pre-order and out September 15, 2026.

Santat was joined by Stuart Gibbs, Brady Smith and moderator Lee Wind for their Festival of Books panel and it was a great panel to watch. The four of them would be fun to people watch or join for a beer at a pub. Engaging, funny, and tackling some real issues, just like their books. Toward the end, when asked what you learn from his latest book, Santat talked about how reading has gone down by about 40% in the U.S. (I’m paraphrasing) and his whole goal is to make reading fun, not necessarily teach a lesson. I, however, beg to differ—I think the best ‘lessons’ in reading come naturally and from the heart—Sashimi’s first book shows us acceptance of someone different, how gills work, how to land a joke and more. Thank you, Dan Santat, for signing my Beekle plush and also giving me a new graphic novel series to recommend to my patients and community. Sashimi is perfect for both the avid reader and the reluctant reader!