“Don’t come back to haunt me.”

How can I even begin to describe this book? It was like reading a mashup of Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas. I could perfectly envision the telltale creepy stop animation in my mind of the ever dark Halloween esque town of Grimworld. Simply put, I loved this. It’s clever and original and genuinely creeped me out. For a children’s/middle grade book it did a fantastic job at being age appropriate yet suitably creepy.
Synopsis:
The gist of the story is that Henry Bats has lost something dear to him for the exchange of a rare comic. That something is a portion of his life and NO, HE DID NOT GET THE COMIC WHICH IS AN OUTRAGE. Of course he has to try to get his life back but time is literally ticking in the form of a pocket watch fused on his neck. With the help of some newfound friends Henry goes around the creepy, curious planes of Grimworld to take what is rightfully his.

Characters:
They are all amazing in their own rights. Even the monsters. Especially the monsters. Special shoutout to Henry and Hattie’s grandpa who has an addiction to lettuce. I loved the interactions between all of the kids and I loved all the different creatures introduced.
My Thoughts and Rating:
I had to add this to my favorite books of 2019 because it was that good and I will be buying this when it comes out. I don’t think my 7 year old is quite ready to read it yet as she gets scared easily but I’ll place it on the bookshelf. I hope to see more work from the author truly! Thanks very much to the publisher and Netgalley for this Arc. All opinions are my own.
👻👻👻👻👻5/5

Expected publication: November 1st 2019 by Our Street Books
This sounds pretty awesome! Thanks for the review.
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thank you!!!
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All I had to read was Coraline + Nightmare Before Christmas mashup and I am SOLD! This isn’t a graphic novel though right? I’m a pretty big scaredy but I want to pick this one up! Lol
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no it’s not!!! and it’s not that scary either 🙂 creepy def but not scary. I hope you enjoy.
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What an interesting book! I definitely will be checking this one out.
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yes!!! it’s amazing
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Sounds very interesting, will have to take a look at it!!
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yes!! you won’t be disappointed.
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Excuse me. You said Coraline x Nightmare Before Christmas, and for some reason, this book didn’t magically appear in my hands and I feel like it clearly should have because it was obviously meant for me. Okay, well, technically, being midgrade, it was written for a younger version of me, but I’m childish enough that I can work with it. 😉 Great review. This sounds super cute, and I think my offspring (who, for all intents and purposes, is mostly a younger me) would enjoy it, so yay Christmas gift? :3
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YES oh my god I read this a month back and it still sticks with me. Loool YES definitely treat yourself because I will be for sure 🥰 thank you
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