Hupo and the Wonder Thief - by Billy Partridge (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Hupo and the Aletha love to amble through the bustling streets of their city, talking to shopkeepers and recounting tales of their favourite adventurer, the Great Humdingo--much to the annoyance of everyone around them. But when mysterious, zombifying mists creep into town and the Aletha is captured by a sinister force in the mountains, Hupo's on a mission to set everything to rights... But can he hold onto who he is when everything around him seems so terrible?"--

Book Synopsis

Hupo is on a mission to restore dreams and wonder to his home once again, before the Wallower destroys everything!

Hupo and the Aletha love to amble through the bustling streets of their city, talking to shopkeepers and recounting tales of their favourite adventurer, the Great Humdingo --much to the annoyance of everyone around them. But when mysterious, zombifying mists creep into town and the Aletha is captured by a sinister force in the mountains, Hupo's on a mission to set everything to rights... But can he hold onto who he is when everything around him seems so terrible?

Creator Billy Partridge whisks us into his magical tale with whimsical artwork and a story about imagination, adventure, and courage to be yourself.

Review Quotes

"Young or old, fans of the fantastical worlds of Miyazaki or the moody charm of Over the Garden Wall will be captivated by this graphic novel about staying true to yourself "whatever the weather." Hupo loves to talk about his favorite explorer, but nobody wants to listen. Then, dark creatures descend on the town, stealing their wonder and Hupo's best friend. Hupo's unabashed joy may be the only thing that can save them--if he can hold on to it." -- Danielle Ballantyne, Foreword Starred Review

"[...] While his fellow creatures don't initially appreciate Hupo's expressive and single-minded nature, they gain a new perspective on how lucky they are to have him around when his courage, ingenuity, and knowledge save the town from a beast called the Wallower, who is determined to remove all joy and wonder from the world. The color choices reflect the otherness of this world, with bright shades that don't quite match any real-world counterparts to these creatures (Hupo is dog-like, and his best friend has serpent and bird characteristics), and the scary scenes are tinged with an unsettling, bruised yellow that heightens the creepiness. [...] there is never any real doubt that Hupo will indeed be able to save the day." -- Bulletin Center for Children's Books, Recommended Review

"Such a beautiful, poignant and funny book." -- Joe Todd-Stanton, author Brownstone's Mythical Collection

"A must-read, bursting at the seams with fantastical creatures and characters." -- Tim Probert, author of Lightfall

"For fans of Studio Ghibli and the Hilda books/cartoons" -- Youth Services Book Review

Featured in Publisher's Weekly Previews: Early Reader Spotlight, Spring Comics & Graphic Novels

Featured in Publisher's Weekly, Spring Children's Previews 2025

Featured in CBC's Hot Off The Press Reading List, March 2025

About the Author

Billy Partridge grew up in Nottingham, surrounded by a family of painters, designers, and wood carvers. After spending his early years doodling peculiar creatures and writing short stories and poems, he decided to study illustration at Leeds Arts University, where he graduated with a first class honours degree. He was the recipient of a merit in 3x3 magazine's 2022 illustration awards, and has been nominated for a V&A illustration award. At the heart of his work is a fascination with the weird and wonderful, intriguing characters and mystical worlds.