Book Review of Itch and the Critter Patrol
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The Children’s Book Review
Itch and the Critter Patrol
Written by Billy Baldwin
Illustrated by Liesl Bell
Ages: 5+ | 130 Pages
Publisher: Decozen Books (2026) | ISBN: 979-8251348187
What to Expect: Overcoming adversity, animals, pets, inclusion, betrayal, STEM inventions, search and rescue.
In this wacky, imaginative picture book, readers can step inside a world where giraffes zip-line, moles operate stealth drones, monkeys mountain bike, and pigs fly gyroscopic helicopters.
Critter Island is where all the animals of the world go when they need a luxury vacation away from humans. Humans are not allowed on Critter Island—in fact, the island is hidden from humans completely by a special cloaking device designed by the resident alien, Zap. However, during a ferocious storm, the cloaking device experiences a temporary hitch, changing the island’s outlook forever when it simultaneously kills Cyrus, the island’s founder, and lets in Itch—a lost human baby. Adopted by Zap, Itch grows up on the island as its only human inhabitant, and he longs for nothing more than to join the elite ranks of the Island Rescue who rescued him as a baby during the storm. Unbeknownst to the other islanders, however, Cyrus’ daughter is harboring a secret grudge against the rescuers who saved a worthless human while letting her beloved father die. If she gets her way, both Itch and Critter Island are doomed…
Orphaned, isolated from the rest of humanity, and utterly devoted to his adopted community, Itch is a classic “feral child” protagonist, and readers will love his combination of chaotic enthusiasm and resilient loyalty. He is surrounded by a cast of quirky animal sidekicks, each of them more accident-prone than heroic—but with the determination and technical know-how to grow into their roles as the saviors of the island. The hand-drawn watercolor and ink illustrations are filled with densely layered details that reward repeated exploration, offering full-bleed scenes that invite the eye to wander and discover the little jokes and vignettes waiting in the background.
With its visual jokes, humorous world-building, and understated messaging about inclusion and identity, Itch and the Critter Patrol is perfect for adults who want a stimulating shared reading experience with child readers.
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About the Author
Billy Baldwin’s journey as a storyteller began years ago when he founded a cookie company and created “Cookie Island,” a magical world designed to bring his brand to life. This early passion for world-building eventually led him to the world of children’s literature. Though early struggles with dyslexia made reading and writing a challenge, Billy transformed these obstacles into creative advantages, using his rich imagination to develop a unique narrative voice. His stories often feature underdogs who overcome adversity and learn to celebrate their idiosyncrasies as true gifts. Based in the coastal town of Sag Harbor, NY, Billy draws inspiration from the local bays and beaches, where he continues to create, paddle, and bake for friends.
For more information, visit billybaldwinstories.com.
About the Illustrator
Liesl Bell aims to bring a little joy and kindness to any occasion. If a smile is worth a thousand words, the combination of these stories and her vibrant illustrations is worthy of a mountain of giggles.
Liesl’s work is both whimsical and quirky, adding delightful nuance to Billy Baldwin Stories.
Currently residing in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, Liesl finds inspiration in the scenic beauty surrounding her home, where she lives with her son and father overlooking the iconic Supertubes surf spot.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Itch and the Critter Patrol. Learn more about getting a book review …
