Their description:
In the maze-like dungeons of Castle Grotteskew, the frightfully insane Professor Erasmus conducts his bizarre experiments on living things. His very first creation has been long forgotten – a small, almost-human creature, known only as Stitch Head. Poor Stitch Head has spent years vying for attention amongst a menagerie of freakish monsters. When a travelling circus ringmaster, Fulbert Freakfinder, promises to make him a star, Stitch Head wonders whether there is another life for him. But first he has to catch the professor’s latest creation – a monstrous three-armed creature that’s just smashed its way to freedom . . .
Stich Head front cover
My thoughts:
I loved this book. The beautiful, creepy, detailed illustrations in the first few pages gave me a very good feeling – then when I was immediately gripped at the first page, and I warmed to lonely Stitch Head straight away, I knew I’d found something special.
The monster characters are fantastic, scary-funny like a Tim Burton film. The story is fast-paced and action-packed, and has depth and a heart, witty language and snappy dialogue.
If you like the sound of mad scientists, magic potions, spooky castles, friendly monsters, circuses and fearless heroines and “curtain-covered carriages trundle-clopping across lamplit cobbles,” then this book is for you.
Aside: I read this at the same time I was reading my mum’s new book ‘Brilliant Psychology,’ so I kept thinking that Stitch Head is suffering from anxious-avoidant attachment issues caused by neglectful parenting.
I will be reading more of Guy Bass’s books! Am going to his website now to find more…
