With spooky season eerily upon us, I wanted to highlight a few recent titles, both fiction and non-fiction, that have been particular favourites of my own children, handily aged 6 and 9!
GHOST GAMES by Jenni Jennings & Hannah Peck
The third book in the Malice in Underland series is the perfect place to hang out in this Halloween. The Malign family have waited a long time to have the honour of hosting the All Hallow’s Haunt Ball, but their Topunder plans are turned upside down when Underland’s Mayor is Ghostnapped. With Ma and Pa pegged as prime suspects, it’s up to Malice, Seth and Uncle Vex to prove their innocence, and get the Ball rolling again. But there’s even more at stake when the Mayor is discovered in the Malign oubliette – a windowless underground dungeon! Packed with fiendish characters, spooky humour and ghoulishly brilliant illustrations by Hannah Peck, this book literally screams Halloween from start to finish.
SHERLOCK BONES & THE CURSE OF THE PHARAOH’S MASK by Tim Collins & John Bigwood
An excellent choice for puzzle-busting young sleuths, this immersive mystery is humorously narrated by Dr Catson and populated with pawsome animal characters. But it has a spooky side too, and when Sherlock Bones becomes mixed up in the theft of a cursed Egyptian Mask, the world’s most famous dog detective and his trusty cat companion become trapped in the underground tunnels beneath King Tutancatmun’s tomb where the undead are rumoured to roam. With nice historical touches and funny punny word play, this spooky mystery can be enjoyed all year round.
SECRETS OF THE DEAD by Matt Ralphs & Gordy Wright
Throughout history, peoples and cultures around the world have sought to respectfully preserve or dispose of human remains and this fascinating non-fiction book gives us a gruesome look into a mind-boggling range of practices and processes – some deliberate, like the Self-Mummifying Monks who begin the process of mummification when they are still alive (Eep!), to the unintentional preservation of Iron Age Bog Bodies (people led to watery deaths by ghostly marsh lights). This beautifully illustrated collection, organised geographically, is as much about life as it is about death, as the discoveries made offer many insights into how people lived at the time.
LORE of THE LAND by Claire Cock-Starkey & Samantha Dolan.
This gorgeous gift book is wonderfully autumnal and filled with monstrous myths from around the world. With sections dedicated to Forests, Seas and Oceans, Mountains, Wetlands, Hills and Valleys, Rivers and Lakes, the fully-illustrated pages are filled with the mythical creatures that inhabit these varying landscapes.
From sea monsters and satyrs to dragons and bog witches, this volume is a comprehensive guide to the lore of all the lands – so whether you are mountain climbing, kayaking, or simply enjoying a bit of lakeside lazing, keep your eyes peeled for all kinds of ghoulish goings on!
