If Charles Addams, Shel Silverstein, AA Milne and Edward Gorey had a baby this would be its cousin. The Boy Who Lived in a Shell: Snippets for Wandering Minds by John Himmelman is not necessarily spooky or kooky like Addams or Gorey; or rhyming like Silverstein and does not have the sweetness or innocence of Milne, but a mixture that is all its own. 
Due mid-March 2025, I read via an online reader’s copy. The stories the boy talks about, or actually writes, are on the walls of the shell he lives and travels in. The ones that are a story are different colors and form than what his story is told in. The illustrations are simple and not overly detailed but are nice. They are one of the reasons that things feel like they are Addams or Gorey, but are not that “darker imagery” of their works. They also have Silberstein vibes as their work is quirky but still realistic and “readable” letting you get an idea of what the author wants. And I could totally see Ivo (the boy in the shell) have a bear companion and/or Milne writing a story where his character sailed around. This has classic folk tales and modern elements as well.
This book has several parts that are not hidden, but are not always “in your face.” This includes what is and isn’t in color, or what colors are used, as well as Ivo themselves. You need to watch the pages with him in them as they are an integral part of things. It also has a few “spooky” elements (a troll that eats villagers) and such, so not for all ages, but it does include adults.
