The Invasion of Crooked Oak is probably the book I share with children most often when covering classes in Key Stage Two. It is exciting, easy to read aloud and short enough to complete in a day or two. Children love to be scared and relish the edge-of-their-seat intensity as Pete, Krish and Nancy face… Continue reading The Horror of Dunwick Farm by Dan Smith, illustrated by Chris King
This book comes just in time for my twins’ exploration of Gothic Literature in their Year 7 English lessons. Our house has been full of discussions about monsters and darkness, melancholy and death. Following Frankenstein gives a whole new perspective on a classic story. Maggie has always known the tale of the desperate creator and… Continue reading Following Frankenstein by Catherine Bruton
I'm thrilled to welcome author Phil Hickes to Scope for Imagination with a special guest post about the books that had an impact on him growing up. I wonder how many spooky books featured on his reading list! The Bewitching of Aveline Jones, sequel to the brilliantly scary The Haunting of Aveline Jones is available… Continue reading The Bewitching of Aveline Jones ~ Blog Tour & Guest Post
I have always been fascinated by standing stones but I’m not sure I want to visit the ones in Norton Wick! The Bewitching of Aveline Jones is another deliciously creepy adventure - every page overflowing with suspense and that spine-chilling feeling that nothing is quite as it seems. Aveline is on holiday with her mum… Continue reading The Bewitching of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes
Pete, Nancy & Krish are back for another spine-chilling sci-fi, horror adventure! They are on their Year 8 Geography residential to Heathland Camp. It all seems quite tame until they discover the abandoned Harwood Institute – a Ministry of Defence research facility from the Second World War. Ghost stories, out of bound signs and strange… Continue reading The Beast of Harwood Forest by Dan Smith
Bursting with next generation aliens, dangerous spores, a survival bunker and an evil teacher everyone wanted to forget, Crater Lake: Evolution is a gripping page-turner that demands to be read in one sitting! Jennifer Killick is a science fiction genius with a sequel that is even better than the original. Lance and his friends will… Continue reading Crater Lake: Evolution by Jennifer Killick
The air is crisp, leaves are falling and nights are drawing in. Autumn is the perfect time to curl up with a good book. I'm really pleased to have written an article for True Education Partnerships with five fantastic books for Autumn! Follow the link to read the article: https://www.trueeducationpartnerships.com/schools/five-brilliant-books-for-autumn/ Click on the covers below… Continue reading Brilliant Books for Autumn
Lose yourself in this chilling mystery of an abandoned fracking site, unusual smells and adults behaving strangely. As soon as readers pick up this engaging book, they will be pulled in by the intensity of the cover, the very first chapter title, “Something Strange”, and the characters’ interest in the intriguing “Mystery Shed” website. Pete… Continue reading The Invasion of Crooked Oak by Dan Smith & illustrated by Chris King
The Haunting of Aveline Jones is a deliciously scary story that will send shivers down your spine. One cold, blustery October half-term, Aveline travels to the Cornish coast to spend the week with her hard-edged Aunt Lillian. Right from the start, readers are immersed in a shadowy, autumnal mood. The town of Malmouth is full… Continue reading The Haunting of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes
The Orphans of St Halibut’s is a wonderfully dark, Dickensian comedy of errors with chapter after chapter of hilarious, twisted escapades. Eight-year-old Herc, big sister Tig and their friend, Stef (along with Pamela the goat) are the only orphans left at St Halibut’s Home for Waifs and Strays in the dreary town of Sad Sack.… Continue reading The Orphans of St Halibut’s by Sophie Wills & illustrated by David Tazzyman
Scope for Imagination 