I enjoyed the book Hupo and the Wonder Thief by Billy Partridge. There is something about this dog-like critter (they say they are a dog-rabbit combo) and his quirky personality. Now, to boil it down, he is a lot. And I mean a lot. He might be physically smaller in size, but there is a big amount of wonder that fills him. He loves learning, exploring, being himself and sharing that with others. However, the city he lives in is not the most open to his particular uniqueness. There are even signs telling customers that the store is open unless you are Hugo (not so many words, but no questions it is him they mean).
When a magical fog takes over the town, it is up to Hupo to save the day. The journey he takes is a classic example of a journey of a hero. He must fight the “dark force” that has consumed everyone, making them zombie-like people. He must find that spark of wonder that is still inside of him, even though things seem hopeless. And he finds inspiration from some unlikely sources as well as old and new friends. 
Hupo is one of those books I am a 3.75 on and not a “pure four.” I did not LOVE it but I enjoyed it greatly. Things are quirky, and while familiar, have a fresh tone to them. It is the clever, quirky (I will say that often about this book in days to come), offbeat, colorfully goofy illustrations that tie it all together and that really grabbed my attention. The look of things keeps a serious story a bit on the lighter side (I did giggle a little at the zombie-townsfolk, and that squirrel has a nice little squirrelliness to it).
Part novel with illustrations and full-on graphic novel, most ages can enjoy this book. However, do note that for sensitive readers, there might be some intense situations.