After sharing some rather boo-tiful picture books with you all last week, I’m back with some longer reads to get stuck into by the light of a candle.
Cosmic Cadets and the Wormhole Witch
“Gloria is thrilled to be attending her very first Cosmic Gala – the most spectacular event in the galaxy. With famous heroes, dazzling outfits, and incredible celebrations waiting, it’s an occasion she has been looking forward to for ages.
But when Captain Tinsela’s special gala outfit mysteriously disappears, the festivities are suddenly thrown into jeopardy. Determined to help, Gloria and her best friend Razz leap into action, setting off on an urgent mission to recover the missing dress before the celebrations begin.
Their search takes them across the cosmos, through a giant wormhole, and straight into the path of Wendy the Wormhole Witch. Once Captain Tinsela’s closest friend, Wendy is tired of living in her shadow and has hatched a dramatic plan to ruin the gala altogether. With enormous space worms causing mayhem and time running out, Gloria and Razz must work together to stop a cosmic catastrophe.”
This is a fast-paced, intergalactic adventure with a fashionable twist – something I haven’t seen very much in children’s books.
Crawford’s characters are brought to life by Falconer’s bold illustrations which are abundant in this chapter book for readers who are developing in confidence. These, plus the witty storytelling make for a great read.
Happy Hills Zombie Gummy Bears Are Go!
“Roll up, roll up, the Gummy Bear Funfair has arrived in Happy Hills! But hold on . . . something’s not right . . . these are ZOMBIE gummy bears!! Expect dramatic ACTION scenes, epic LOLS, a scattering of MILD PERIL, and MUCH MORE in this super spooooky adventure!
Possible side effects of entering Happy Hills: puking rainbows. Turning into a cake. Unstoppable disco moves. Snack attacks!”
Sophy Henn’s work is always something I am excited to see – just the right blend of colour, chaos, humour and joy!
Although zombie gummy bears are featured, the laughs fully outweigh any peril, making this a great graphic novel choice for readers ages 5+ They are sure to be glued to the pages as they enjoy plenty of full-colour spreads, songs, and jokes.
Three Brides For the Devil
“How do you outwit the devil himself?
When the Devil rides into town looking for a wife, he has one rule – she must be obedient.
Coming across the house of a widow and her three daughters, he thinks he has found what he is looking for. But can these sisters play him at his own game?”
A brilliantly subversive, feminist retelling of the traditional ‘Bluebeard’ legend. Rather than focussing on the punishment of disobedient women, Nicolls’ retelling flips the narrative and presents us with intelligent and capable sisters who ultimately get the upper hand.
John Broadley’s woodcut-style artwork gives a slightly eerie, atmospheric tone to the book and helps broaden its appeal to a wider readership. Although the book is marketed to readers aged 7+, I’d suggest that tweens and teens would also appreciate the witty asides and ingenuity of the sisters.
The Worst Thing That Could Possibly Happen
“I have a question.
What’s the worst thing that could happen?
Wait.
Before you decide, let me tell you a story…
Take a trip through the sideways door and let supernatural secrets come alive in these chilling tales of terror! Meet the nightmare pig, a sinister swine with teeth on her mind. Witness the terrifying reality of swapping places with your reflection or visit the ravenous monster in the shed. And, if you dare, come face to fear-filled face with Doctor Panic, who’s seen far too much of the world behind the sideways door. But be warned – your world may never be the same again…”
This wonderfully gothic tome is almost guaranteed to tempt (and terrify) every child who glances upon its pages. Brought to life by the tremendously talented duo of Guy Bass and David Roberts, ‘What’s the Worst Thing That Could Happen?’ is a masterclass in combining visual storytelling and prose.
A chilling and suspenseful anthology of poetry, short stories, and comic strips blend into a genuinely dark and nightmarish experience. Although there is hope and humour to balance the despair, I would suggest that its most suitable for readers aged 9+ (if they’re feeling brave) with huge appeal to the tween/ teen age bracket.
A masterpiece.
Buck & Ears Pirate Detectives
“Buck & Ears are running out of money. They need a new case – fast! When they discover the legendary theatre critic, Mr Gator, frozen stiff in a rowing boat on the Jelly Sea, they set out to discover who’s responsible. But Mr Gator has many enemies. Is this down to a disgruntled opera singer … or has the legend of the ghost ship, The Flying Phantom, come true?”
Aimed at seafarers aged six and up, this is a super-funny mystery adventure packed with hilarious illustrations. I really liked the interactive elements of this madcap story with clever clues and puzzles woven into it for readers to solve.
Such a great series to dive into!
Jekyll vs Hyde
“In a whimsical twist on the classic Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by RL Stevenson, spoiled young Henrik Jekyll has been left his ancestor Dr Jekyll’s house, laboratory, and ― most importantly ― secret, life-altering Hyde Potion recipe. Henrik’s curiosity soon leads him down a dark path, unleashing a chaotic alter ego named Eddie. With Eddie’s strength and mischief wreaking havoc in the local town, Henrik must confront the consequences of his reckless actions. Can he learn to control his inner Hyde before it’s too late, or will he succumb to the chaos? And what darkness lurks in the foundations of Jekyll Manor itself?”
Meggitt -Phillips really does write some wonderfully ghoulish and darkly humorous stories for middle grade readers. This one is a great riff on a classic gothic tale.
The twisty-turny plot and larger than life characters will keep children desperately turning the pages to see just what is going to happen to Henrik in the end as he struggles with his monstrous alter-ego. So much fun!
Fright Club Ready, Set, Ghoul!
“Joe Bones and his friends, Hal, Rose and Debbie are back with another Fright Club case to solve!
Mr Phantom’s Fairground has been rolling into Grim FOREVER, but no one knows much about the mysterious Mr Phantom himself, or how he always seems to look the same . . . So when Fright Club witness a strange “accident” at the fairground, they decide to investigate and find out what’s really going on.
The case will take them from the murky depths of Little Cackle to the heights of the Blood Peaks ski resort, but nothing will stop the friends from getting to the truth. Although, Debbie’s in charge this time and they don’t know she’s a DEMON…”
This book is so clever because the reader gets to choose a character whom they then follow through the Fright Club’s investigations into the never-aging Mr Phantom. There is just the right balance of scares, puzzles, and thrills to keep the reader engaged through the story.
A great choice for readers aged 8+
Graveyard Gladiators
“Once a year, monsters and the undead rise up from the Underworld and battle each other in the Graveyard Games to win a star prize.
Tonight, that prize is…
Jude’s dad.
But not if Jude can win him back. With the help of new friend and monster-wrestling expert Posie, plus top trainer (and zombie) Mickey, all Jude has to do is:
Race three monsters in the Gauntlet of Death
Beat a beast to the most skulls in Skull Cull
Then wrestle the undefeated champion one-on-one in the Graveyard Rumble
All to become the top GRAVEYARD GLADIATOR!
Easy, right?”
If you imagine participating in the tv show, Gladiators, but rather than muscles and Lycra you’ve got monsters and claws to contend with! This book is absolutely hilarious – an intoxicating blend of chaos and mayhem (with some genuine chills) which readers are going to love.
Monstrously fun for anyone aged 8+
Dracula & Daughters School for Slayers
“At last . . .
Dracula & Daughters are open for business.
Their mission: to heal vampires and keep the streets of Temstown safe.
Trouble is, the new Guildmaster is insisting the city is now vampire-free, and wants Dracula & Daughters to close.
But the undead are still lurking. After a string of strange events at the prestigious Poisonwood School for Boys, frightened pupils start holding vampire slaying lessons in secret.
It’s up to Mina, Buffy and Bella to convince them that slaying isn’t the answer. But when vampires are appearing by the classful, is it already too late?
The granddaughters of Dracula are about to have their healing skills firmly put to the test . . . And are reminded never to underestimate the undead.”
This is the second instalment in the Dracula and Daughters series from (one of my favourite authors) Emma Carroll. I really love the premise of three powerful females coming together the find a peaceful solution to potentially deadly vampire-based situations.
In this story in particular, the three granddaughters of Dracula have a lot to contend with. Not only is there the constant threat of lurking vampires and slaying lessons occurring at a local boys’ school, the trio also need to contend with the institutional sexism they encounter when they try and help.
Just the right blend of genuinely spooky but empowering at the same time.
The Ghosts of the Library
“Winter is closing in. During the long, dark London evenings, Matilda and her ghostly companion, Edgar, puzzle over the mystery surrounding the wisp who haunts her aunt’s theatre. By day Matilda attends Euthalia’s, where she enjoys the ghost cat sitting on her knee during lessons, the companionship of her (living) friend Florence and helping in the library. But there’s a spiritual presence among the stacks who seems to have yet another mystery for the supernatural sleuths to solve…”
Detectives, a ghost cat, and a haunted library? Perfection!
The final instalment in this series will give long-time fans some of the answers they need about Edgar’s unfinished business and uncover some long-hidden family secrets. There’s a great blend of cosy gothic spookiness in these books which will draw readers in before they get hooked on trying to solve the mystery alongside the illustrious Lockett and Wilde.
I also love that although the book is probably best-suited to readers aged 9+, there are still lots of wonderful illustrations which really add to the ghostly atmosphere.
I hope that you have found something new to enjoy as the clocks go back and the evenings get darker!
Jo.
*Many thanks to all the publishers who sent me these titles to review*
