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What Happened to the Naked Mole Rat?: A Graphic Novel

Part of Class Pet Ghost Detective

Author Akeem S. Roberts On Tour
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Hardcover
$19.99 US
Penguin Young Readers | Kokila
5.9"W x 8.5"H x 0.54"D  
On sale Jul 15, 2025 | 128 Pages | 9780593856666
Grades 1-3
FOC Jun 16, 2025 | Catalog May 2025
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The first book in a funny supernatural graphic novel series for early readers about an eight-year-old boy who solves mysteries with the ghost of his former class pet.

Mr. Pebbles is dead, and everyone thinks it’s Carter’s fault!

When Carter’s third-grade class accuses him of killing the class pet, a naked mole rat named Mr. Pebbles who shivers a lot and smells a little funny, can Carter clear his name . . . with the help of Mr. Pebbles's ghost?
© MicheÌ€le Eyenga
Akeem S. Roberts is the illustrator of the J.D. the Kid Barber chapter book series, which was a School Library Journal Best Book of 2021, a Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2021, a Charlotte Huck Award Honor recipient, and a Texas Bluebonnet Master List selection. He has worked as an illustrator for Hasbro (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) and as a cartoonist for The New Yorker. The Class Pet Ghost Detective series is his author-illustrator debut. Visit Akeem at AkeemTeam.com to see more of his work. View titles by Akeem S. Roberts
Praise for Class Pet Ghost Detective: What Happened to the Naked Mole Rat by Akeem S. Roberts:

“Roberts lightens the pet-death theme with lots of comedy . . . the over-the-top facial expressions and reactions will likely find an audience with young manga fans.”
—Booklist

“An amiably silly tale with a confident Black boy at its center . . . This series starter will appeal to fans of the gentle action, mild mystery, and clever humor in Jamieson’s The Great Pet Escape.”
—BCCB

“Just when you think every school story has been done before, here comes this new series to set you straight.”
—100 Scope Notes Blog


Praise for J.D. and the Great Barber Battle, illustrated by Akeem S. Roberts:

★ "This is authentic storytelling, supported by Roberts’ vigorous cartoons—full of styles that are straight fire."
—Kikus Reviews, starred review

"Akeem S. Roberts’ cartoon-style illustrations of J.D. and his friends are packed with personality and make this a great choice for readers transitioning into chapter books...feels like a winner.”
—BookPage

"I love that level of cartoon quality to his artwork that felt like the best compliment to J. Dillard’s writing."
—BlackNerdProblems.com

"I got really attached to his style in the book too. Mr. Roberts has an animation background, and you can tell. Animators, after all, have a tendency to distinguish themselves when they illustrate books."
—Betsy Bird, School Library Journal Fuse 8 Blog
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About

The first book in a funny supernatural graphic novel series for early readers about an eight-year-old boy who solves mysteries with the ghost of his former class pet.

Mr. Pebbles is dead, and everyone thinks it’s Carter’s fault!

When Carter’s third-grade class accuses him of killing the class pet, a naked mole rat named Mr. Pebbles who shivers a lot and smells a little funny, can Carter clear his name . . . with the help of Mr. Pebbles's ghost?

Author

© MicheÌ€le Eyenga
Akeem S. Roberts is the illustrator of the J.D. the Kid Barber chapter book series, which was a School Library Journal Best Book of 2021, a Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2021, a Charlotte Huck Award Honor recipient, and a Texas Bluebonnet Master List selection. He has worked as an illustrator for Hasbro (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) and as a cartoonist for The New Yorker. The Class Pet Ghost Detective series is his author-illustrator debut. Visit Akeem at AkeemTeam.com to see more of his work. View titles by Akeem S. Roberts

Praise

Praise for Class Pet Ghost Detective: What Happened to the Naked Mole Rat by Akeem S. Roberts:

“Roberts lightens the pet-death theme with lots of comedy . . . the over-the-top facial expressions and reactions will likely find an audience with young manga fans.”
—Booklist

“An amiably silly tale with a confident Black boy at its center . . . This series starter will appeal to fans of the gentle action, mild mystery, and clever humor in Jamieson’s The Great Pet Escape.”
—BCCB

“Just when you think every school story has been done before, here comes this new series to set you straight.”
—100 Scope Notes Blog


Praise for J.D. and the Great Barber Battle, illustrated by Akeem S. Roberts:

★ "This is authentic storytelling, supported by Roberts’ vigorous cartoons—full of styles that are straight fire."
—Kikus Reviews, starred review

"Akeem S. Roberts’ cartoon-style illustrations of J.D. and his friends are packed with personality and make this a great choice for readers transitioning into chapter books...feels like a winner.”
—BookPage

"I love that level of cartoon quality to his artwork that felt like the best compliment to J. Dillard’s writing."
—BlackNerdProblems.com

"I got really attached to his style in the book too. Mr. Roberts has an animation background, and you can tell. Animators, after all, have a tendency to distinguish themselves when they illustrate books."
—Betsy Bird, School Library Journal Fuse 8 Blog

Photos

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