The author of Zita the Spacegirl has created his first picture book and it has all of the charm and zip one would expect. Julia lives in a house carried on the back of a turtle. They arrive on a quiet beach by the sea where Julia quickly settles in, but it is far too quiet. So Julia makes a sign that says “Julia’s House for Lost Creatures.” She didn’t have to wait long before something is at the door, and then more and more creatures. Soon she has a house full of odd beasts, including a dripping troll, a patchwork cat, a dragon, a ghost, and a mermaid. Things quickly get out of hand as they all make themselves at home. Now Julia needs another plan, and maybe another sign or two.

Hatke’s jaunty protagonist is what makes this book work. She moves quickly and with plenty of determination and is filled with ideas. One can almost see her thinking on the page. Perhaps the best part of the book is when she becomes overwhelmed and has to rethink. The book has been galloping along and then pauses as Julia does, slowing to a pace that lets one catch their breath. It’s a wonderfully done moment just like many others in the book.

Told very simply, the book relies nicely on the illustrations to show much of the action rather than the text explaining it. This makes for a very readable picture book, but also one that is better for lap reading than for a group. Listeners will want to look closely at the page even before the amazing creatures fill them.

An exceptional picture book debut, one hopes that Hatke keeps created both picture books and graphic novels for children. Appropriate for ages 4-6.