Don't expect a cozy, comforting, Christmasy tale when you pick up The Vanishing of Aveline Jones. Yes, there is hot chocolate, snow and promises of festive events but the darkness of the town of Scarbury is too powerful for even the merriest of visitors. It's nearly the shortest day of the year when Aveline, her… Continue reading The Vanishing of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes & Keith Robinson
The nights are drawing in and Hallowe'en is just around the corner. It's the perfect time of year for some spooky stories. Here's a collection of picture books, chapter books and middle grade stories sure to give you chills. The Pumpkin who was Afraid of the Dark by Michelle Robinson & Mike Byrne (Scholastic) All… Continue reading Spooky Season 2022
The Club Loser gang are back in Jennifer Killick's funniest, scariest book yet. She truly is the master of the comedy-horror genre for readers in that crucial primary to secondary school transition. I laughed - I shuddered - I couldn't put it down. Then I passed it on to my 12-year-old son (who'd been hovering… Continue reading Fear Ground by Jennifer Killick
Nightmare Warning - Don't read this book right before you go to bed!!! (I made this mistake and had some very strange dreams!) Dread Wood by Jennifer Killick is seriously creepy! Something's lurking underground, waiting to pounce on its next prey. Mysterious openings in the school field, a long hairy leg, and groundskeepers whistling an… Continue reading Dread Wood by Jennifer Killick ~ Blog Tour
Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier (Scholastic) - Review by Lucy (age 12) Raina Telgemeier is my favourite graphic novel author. I love the storylines about relationships - friends, siblings, families - and how the characters go through ordinary life experiences. The stories are honest and relatable. In Ghosts, sisters Cat & Maya have to move to… Continue reading Gripping Graphic Novels
Nightmare Warning - Don't read this book right before you go to bed!!! (I may have made this mistake and had some very weird dreams!) Dread Wood by Jennifer Killick is seriously creepy! Something's lurking underground, waiting to pounce on its next prey. Mysterious openings in the school field, a long hairy leg, and groundskeepers… Continue reading Dread Wood by Jennifer Killick
Polish folklore meets the damp, misty Lake District in this deliciously creepy mystery. Layah and her sister Izzie's summer is thoroughly disrupted when their mum suddenly changes their holiday plans and decides they need to go to Lowesdale - a town with cafes full of delicious food but not much else. Layah is unsettled. It's… Continue reading The Bird Singers by Eve Wersocki Morris
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
Scope for Imagination 