Stitch Head, made by Mad Professor Erasmus, is thrown into the adventure of an almost-lifetime when an evil entertainer comes to town and causes chaos. Features black-and-white gothic-inspired artwork.
Mad Professor Erasmus created Stitch Head when he was only 10 years old, and the two promised to be friends forever. But when Erasmus grew up, he just wanted to create more and more monsters, each one more grotesque than the last. And Stitch Head was forgotten. Fiercely loyal to his master, Stich Head took on the responsibility of caring for the mad professor’s creations. When an evil entertainer named Fulbert Freakfinder comes to town and promises to make Stitch Head famous, he is skeptical at first but gradually warms to the idea. Then he learns of Freakfinder’s true intentions—and is thrown into the adventure of an almost-lifetime!
Astitched-together creature discovers his purpose.
Fulbert Freakfinder’s Traveling Carnival of Unnatural Wonders has arrived in the village of Grubbers Nubbin, but the show doesn’t wow the jaded audience. Suddenly, howls fill the air, sending the villagers scurrying indoors, and Freakfinder follows the sounds to a dark castle on a hill. Meanwhile, in the castle, Stitch Head, the first creation of Mad Professor Erasmus, hides in the rafters, forgotten for decades, watching his maker animate yet another almost-alive creature. As with past endeavors, Stitch Head is prepared to stop this new creation from bringing harm to the village—and to keep the villagers from destroying the castle in revenge. Freakfinder soon arrives to find new wonders for his carnival, and Stitch Head must decide if he wants to find fame with the carnival or take a chance at new friendships in the castle where he’s lived a lonely life protecting the best friend who forgot him. Young readers looking to move beyond early chapter books will enjoy this silly, creepy story, while older readers will recognize the deeper themes of loneliness, friendship, being forgotten, and looking beyond the surface to discover that the real monsters are sometimes human. Reminiscent of Edward Gorey’s and Charles Addams’ art, the dynamic black-and white illustrations convey characters’ emotions and offer fun details. Human characters are pale-skinned in Williamson’s art.
A cutely grotesque tale with thrills and heart. (Fiction. 7-10) --Kirkus Reviews
Guy Bass is an award-winning author who has written more than 30 books, including the series Dinkin Dings, Spynosaurs, and Skeleton Keys. He lives in London with his wife. Find out more at guybass.com | @GuyBassBooks
Pete Williamson is a self-taught artist and illustrator. He is best known for the award-winning The Raven Mysteries. He has illustrated more than 65 books written by authors including Francesca Simon, Steve Cole, Matt Haig, and Charles Dickens. He lives in Kent, England, with his family.
Stitch Head, made by Mad Professor Erasmus, is thrown into the adventure of an almost-lifetime when an evil entertainer comes to town and causes chaos. Features black-and-white gothic-inspired artwork.
Mad Professor Erasmus created Stitch Head when he was only 10 years old, and the two promised to be friends forever. But when Erasmus grew up, he just wanted to create more and more monsters, each one more grotesque than the last. And Stitch Head was forgotten. Fiercely loyal to his master, Stich Head took on the responsibility of caring for the mad professor’s creations. When an evil entertainer named Fulbert Freakfinder comes to town and promises to make Stitch Head famous, he is skeptical at first but gradually warms to the idea. Then he learns of Freakfinder’s true intentions—and is thrown into the adventure of an almost-lifetime!
Praise
Astitched-together creature discovers his purpose.
Fulbert Freakfinder’s Traveling Carnival of Unnatural Wonders has arrived in the village of Grubbers Nubbin, but the show doesn’t wow the jaded audience. Suddenly, howls fill the air, sending the villagers scurrying indoors, and Freakfinder follows the sounds to a dark castle on a hill. Meanwhile, in the castle, Stitch Head, the first creation of Mad Professor Erasmus, hides in the rafters, forgotten for decades, watching his maker animate yet another almost-alive creature. As with past endeavors, Stitch Head is prepared to stop this new creation from bringing harm to the village—and to keep the villagers from destroying the castle in revenge. Freakfinder soon arrives to find new wonders for his carnival, and Stitch Head must decide if he wants to find fame with the carnival or take a chance at new friendships in the castle where he’s lived a lonely life protecting the best friend who forgot him. Young readers looking to move beyond early chapter books will enjoy this silly, creepy story, while older readers will recognize the deeper themes of loneliness, friendship, being forgotten, and looking beyond the surface to discover that the real monsters are sometimes human. Reminiscent of Edward Gorey’s and Charles Addams’ art, the dynamic black-and white illustrations convey characters’ emotions and offer fun details. Human characters are pale-skinned in Williamson’s art.
A cutely grotesque tale with thrills and heart. (Fiction. 7-10) --Kirkus Reviews
Author
Guy Bass is an award-winning author who has written more than 30 books, including the series Dinkin Dings, Spynosaurs, and Skeleton Keys. He lives in London with his wife. Find out more at guybass.com | @GuyBassBooks
Pete Williamson is a self-taught artist and illustrator. He is best known for the award-winning The Raven Mysteries. He has illustrated more than 65 books written by authors including Francesca Simon, Steve Cole, Matt Haig, and Charles Dickens. He lives in Kent, England, with his family.
