Being different is the theme of Sketch by Jacques Goldstyn and translated by Helen Mixter. As it is due mid-October 2025 I read this new picture book via an online reader copy. 
From the first work practically and some of the first illustrations said that this book was a translated book. There was a European/old world feeling to things. This is not a problem, but for me there were times when the wording felt a little stiff. I am assuming the influences are French-Canadian, but please do not quote me on that. 
The character of Sketch is an interesting and familiar person. From their birth, Sketch stood out. They do not look like anyone else or act like anyone else. And while that sometimes causes a little loneliness and some bumps, overall all Sketch is okay with this as they are happy just being themselves, happy with the love of their parents, and eventually new friends who are unique as well. The “finding your tribe” element comes at the beginning of the end of the story, therefore allowing for the build up then the results. The actual ending was a little bit of a surprise for me, but a fun one (SPOILER: Sketch, though his friends say someday they will leave their conforming town and find others like them, Sketch tells them that they are needed there. They cannot let the comforting of the community stop them from flying, changing, being artists). 
Artistic minimalism really brings to life the two worlds of the characters: the uniform and the stepping outside the box. The colors are used to pop off the page, to highlight the difference and even highlight the similarities as white is a good color when given a chance to shine…or in this case, not shine. And even though the being yourself theme is not new the way Goldstyn and Mixter allow Sketch to be themselves allows for some uniqueness to the overall.