Review: Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel by Guy Bass and Pete Williamson

*Written by Guy Bass*
*Illustrated by Pete Williamson*
*Colour by Kat Cass*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel is a gorgeously gothic, deliciously dark and monstrously marvellous adventure guaranteed to bring a swarm of new fans to this brilliant series.

Fulbert Freakfinder’s Travellin’ Carnival of Unnatural Wonders is visiting Grubber’s Nubbin and ready to put on a show for the locals but no-one turns up – except Arabella Guff who tells Fulbert that fear keeps the locals inside at night, and it’s not fear of his freak show, but their fear of Castle Grotteskew …

Meanwhile, in Castle Grotteskew, mad scientist Professor Erasmus is bringing his monstrous creations to almost-life but it is his first creation, Stitch Head, who is using his antidotes to lessen the effects of his master’s ever more dangerous experiments as, should any of these creations, ever escape the castle, trouble is sure to arrive … but then the doorbell rings for the first time in a hundred years … and Fulbert Freakfinder offers to make Stitch Head a star! Could finally leaving the master who has forgotten him be the best decision Stitch Head ever makes, or could he be making a terrible mistake?

I am a huge fan of the Stitch Head series, which I was first introduced to on a teacher training course, so it was absolutely brilliant to see his adventures in this new graphic novel. The full-colour illustrations are absolutely stunning and really capture the darkness and light in this brilliant adventure as well as the expressiveness, and humour, of the many wonderful characters which really brought them to life. I just have to say that I loved the playfulness of the potion labels: a particular favourite was Just Another Manic Monster.

This is a deliciously dark, gothic tale brimming with humour and heart. My heart ached for Stitch Head as he wants nothing more than for his childhood friend to remember him. Forgotten, he spends his time averting disaster for the Professor who is determined to make his monstrous creations regardless of the dangers that might occur should one escape the Castle. I adored the friendship that develops between Stitch Head, his master’s 309^th creation and Arabella Guff who make a brilliant team as they work together to save the Castle.

An absolutely amazing start to what promises to be a fantastic new graphic novel series by the brilliant, unstoppable duo of Guy Bass and Pete Williamson. Onwards to the next adventure … The Pirate’s Eye.

Thank you to Little Tiger for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Day my Dog Got Famous by Jen Carney

*Written and illustrated by Jen Carney*
*Published by Puffin Books*

The Day My Dog Got Famous is a woof-tastically wonderful adventure brimming with heart, humour, family and friendship.

Ten-year-old Ferris Foster has a real talent for drawing and has entered his comic strip, Astoundog, into his class art competition. However, he loses to his nemesis, Destiny Dean, who epitomises mean girl and takes great delight in boasting about yet another win. He can’t even escape from her taunts during the Easter holiday as she is also his next-door neighbour!

When Destiny insults his best friend, Aldo, Ferris offers a challenge: to see which of them can get the most likes for their talented dogs on YouStream over the Easter holidays. There’re just a few problems to overcome: Ferris doesn’t have a YouStream channel and Aldo isn’t exactly the most talented dog ever unless drooling, trumping and eating things that are best avoided count. But how difficult can it be to train a dog to trampoline? Or play football?

Before Ferris can get too far with Aldo’s ‘training’, he meets his new foster sister, Tia, who is staying with his mums for a few days whilst her nan has an operation. After meeting Destiny and witnessing her boasting, and unkindness towards Ferris, Tia agrees to help him win the challenge. After helping Ferris set up his own YouStream channel, they start looking for ways for Aldo to show his talents …

When bees and sneezes lead to Aldo doing the most amazing trick, could he be about to become an internet superstar? Could he replace Astoundog (star of Ferris’ comic, The Hoot) with his super talents? Or will Aldo prove more of a one-hit wonder?

I absolutely loved this heart-warming, hilarious adventure which made me giggle so much (don’t think I’ll ever look at tights in the same way again!) but there were also parts that made my heart ache for both Ferris and Tia – and Destiny! I also loved the comic strips interspersed throughout the story and the many drawings which complement the energy and warmth of the story perfectly.

Family is tons more important than stuff.

Ferris is the most wonderful, empathetic young boy with a kind and caring heart. He lives with his two mums and his foster sister, almost four-year-old Keely, who communicates through Makaton. He has had 13 foster brothers and 8 foster sisters and has welcomed them into his home alongside his wonderful mums who are just brilliant. The warmth and love that they have to give to those who need care and support when life is tough is inspirational.

A hilarious, heart-warming story, perfect for readers of 9+ who I have no doubt will be just as eager as I am to join Ferris in his next adventure.

Thank you to Puffin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

February Wrap-Up

February definitely went by much quicker than January. I went to Ireland to visit family during half-term which was wonderful – but not much reading done!