Quirky, sweet, and brilliantly illustrated, David Lucas" Halibut Jackson, has the makings of an instant classic. Parents and kids alike will love little Halibut with his penchant for wide brimmed hats and capes (ala Madeline) from the start--they just have to find him first. Halibut Jackson is shy. He wants nothing more than to blend into the background--any background. In order to stay undercover, Halibut makes his own suits out of fabrics with convenient patterns: he saves the brick wall pattern for when he goes into town, the flower pattern for the park, and the book pattern for the library. So, when Queen invites Halibut to the Palace for a party, it is only natural for him to fashion an ornate and glittering suit to blend in with the Palace walls. Imagine his surprise when he realizes (too late) that it is a garden party! Lucas balances the beautifully busy pages with simple, repetitive text complete with italics to help parents find the right tone: "Halibut Jackson was shy. Halibut Jackson didn"t like to be noticed. Halibut Jackson liked to blend into the background." Parents will love Halibut Jackson for the art (each glorious spread is worthy of framing), and kids will not only identify with Halibut"s shyness, but they"ll be delighted to join the game of locating Halibut on each page. An artsy Where"s Waldo for toddlers, Lucas" debut as author and illustrator has bright and playful watercolor illustrations that spill over the pages, encouraging kids to pore over every detail. With story and design elements reminiscent of Madeline and Curious George, Halibut Jackson promises to soon occupy happy children"s bookshelves everywhere. Let"s just hope that Lucas and Jackson are ready for all the attention. (Ages 4 to 9) --Daphne Durham