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Miss Mary-Kate Martin's Guide to Monsters
Le guide des monstres - Tome 1 Le Ver de Woolington
Les chasseurs de monstres se divisent habituellement en deux catégories : ceux qui veulent les tuer et ceux qui veulent les protéger. Quel genre de chasseur serez-vous ? Mary-Kate est une fillette anxieuse habituée au confort de la vie londonienne, pas aux monstres mangeurs d'enfants.
Ça n'empêche pas sa célèbre archéologue de mère de l'emmener dans le petit village de Woolington, qui a la réputation d'être hanté par une créature affamée. Armée de son plus beau stylo à paillettes et de son carnet, Mary-Kate décide de résoudre le mystère. À qui appartiennent les os trouvés au fond d'un chantier ? La créature existe-t-elle vraiment ? Et si oui... Mary-Kate réussira-t-elle à ne pas se faire croquer ?
Ça n'empêche pas sa célèbre archéologue de mère de l'emmener dans le petit village de Woolington, qui a la réputation d'être hanté par une créature affamée. Armée de son plus beau stylo à paillettes et de son carnet, Mary-Kate décide de résoudre le mystère. À qui appartiennent les os trouvés au fond d'un chantier ? La créature existe-t-elle vraiment ? Et si oui... Mary-Kate réussira-t-elle à ne pas se faire croquer ?
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
6 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Karen Foxlee
23 books246 followersKaren Foxlee is an Australian author who lives and writes in Queensland. Her young adult novels The Anatomy of Wings (UQP/Knopf/Atlantic) and The Midnight Dress (Knopf/UQP/Hot Key Books) have been published internationally to much acclaim. The Anatomy of Wings won the Commonwealth Writers Prize Best First Book 2008 (South Asia/Pacific), the Dobbie Award 2008, and a Parent’s Choice Gold Award in the U.S. The Midnight Dress was selected as an ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults title in 2014. Foxlee’s first middle grade novel Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy (Knopf / Hot Key Books) was published in January 2014 and to date has received several starred reviews.
Karen Foxlee was born in Mount Isa, Queensland in 1971. She has worked most of her adult life as a registered nurse, has a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in creative writing, and lives in Gympie, Australia.
Karen Foxlee was born in Mount Isa, Queensland in 1971. She has worked most of her adult life as a registered nurse, has a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in creative writing, and lives in Gympie, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 31, 2022
‘There are those that hunt monsters to harm them and there are those that hunt monsters to help them.’Miss Mary-Kate Martin has much better shoes than I do, red sparkly ones. She also has the strawberry-scented notebook and glitter pens I desperately need in my life and the anxiety I’d like to return for a full refund.
Mary-Kate is about to accompany her mother, Professor Martin (but we call her Prof), on an archaeological dig for the first time. Because Mary-Kate isn’t that good at beginnings or endings, she’d much prefer to stay at home with Granny, but Granny’s recently discovered the joys of bus trips so she’s off on her own adventure.
So, it’s time for a train ride (facing forward, of course) to the sleepy village of Woolington Well, which, incidentally, has a well.
While Prof is busy investigating some bones recently found in said well, Mary-Kate will be conducting her own investigation into why saucers of milk have been placed in front of every doorstep. Because Mary-Kate has an inquiring mind, she quickly becomes caught up in a century’s old town mystery.
This was the strangest place she’d ever visited.Mary-Kate likes facts, red sparkles and infomercials. She doesn’t like complicated sandwiches, brown colouring-in pencils, small talk or mismatched clothing.
Her personality is complimented by new friend Lady Arabella Woolington, a bubbly, chatty local girl with an unforgettable hairstyle.
During the course of her investigation, Mary-Kate also meets a pony who just wants to get on with their meal and some townsfolk who may have the answers to Mary-Kate’s questions about ‘the you-know-what’.
‘The legend says it likes children.’I loved the way anxiety was portrayed in this book. Mary-Kate is almost ten and she has a counsellor, Meg, who has taught her very helpful ways to manage her anxiety, including grounding, distraction and breathing techniques.
Mary-Kate is a kind and compassionate girl. She not only notices when other people are struggling themselves but is able to suggest coping strategies to them based on what she’s found helpful.
I admire Mary-Kate’s determination and bravery, and love the creativity she uses in categorising her bad days with her “H scale of Horrid”.
At the beginning of each chapter, you’ll find a quote from P.K. Mayberry’s Complete Guide to Monsters of the Northern Hemisphere. These quotes invariably provide a clue about the chapter’s contents but also made me want to meet P.K. Mayberry.
My favourite Mayberry quote was:
Monster hunter Professor Lavinia Lightfoot famously once said, ‘People who have seen a monster are usually a lot more interesting than people who haven’t.’Freda Chiu’s illustrations are so much fun, regardless of whether they’re emphasising Lady Arabella Woolington’s halo of hair or capturing the disinterest of Pickles the pony.
I absolutely adore Mary-Kate. I want to learn more about Prof. I really hope Lady Arabella Woolington finds a way to insert herself into at least one of Mary-Kate’s future investigations.
I know it’s still early days but I’m confident I’ve found a new favourite series. I can’t wait to go monster hunting again!
The Rule of Monsters states that people who have met one monster are statistically much more likely to meet another.Thank you so much to Allen & Unwin for the opportunity to read this book.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
August 17, 2023
Young Mary-Kate has travelled with her professor of archaeology mother to a small village called Woollington in the countryside. Her mother has been requested to check out some old bones found in a well that was due to be concreted over to make way for a shopping centre.
When the pair arrive in Woolington, the village is deserted and there is a saucer of milk left on every doorstep. It isn’t long before tales of the Wyrm of Woolington, a monster who likes to eat children, reach the pair and Mary-Kate decides to investigate whether there really is a monster or if there is something else at play in the village.
This middle-grade children’s book is a great start to what looks set to be an intriguing and addictive new series of books featuring Mary-Kate, a young girl with severe anxiety issues and an intense hatred of the word ‘slime’ as she investigates monsters.
With her red-sparkly shoes, brown bow in her hair, and her notebook, Mary-Kate has questions (she has written with her glitter pens) and she needs answers.
The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm is quite the page-turner. It is adventurous and has plenty of life lessons when it comes to monsters – 1 per chapter. The story of whether the Wyrm is a myth or not is surrounded by friendship, bravery, kindness, and unfortunately greed. There is also a delightful pony in the book called Pickles who is quite the character.
Overall, this is an exciting book. It may have plenty of monster talk within the pages but it isn’t scary. The characters are fabulous and the case of the ‘Wyrm’ is good fun to follow. - 4.5 stars
When the pair arrive in Woolington, the village is deserted and there is a saucer of milk left on every doorstep. It isn’t long before tales of the Wyrm of Woolington, a monster who likes to eat children, reach the pair and Mary-Kate decides to investigate whether there really is a monster or if there is something else at play in the village.
This middle-grade children’s book is a great start to what looks set to be an intriguing and addictive new series of books featuring Mary-Kate, a young girl with severe anxiety issues and an intense hatred of the word ‘slime’ as she investigates monsters.
With her red-sparkly shoes, brown bow in her hair, and her notebook, Mary-Kate has questions (she has written with her glitter pens) and she needs answers.
The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm is quite the page-turner. It is adventurous and has plenty of life lessons when it comes to monsters – 1 per chapter. The story of whether the Wyrm is a myth or not is surrounded by friendship, bravery, kindness, and unfortunately greed. There is also a delightful pony in the book called Pickles who is quite the character.
Overall, this is an exciting book. It may have plenty of monster talk within the pages but it isn’t scary. The characters are fabulous and the case of the ‘Wyrm’ is good fun to follow. - 4.5 stars
December 5, 2024
I wish I had had books like these growing up.
June 5, 2022
Mary-Kate is anxious. Her archaeologist mum Professor Martin has been called to a site in a little village called Woolington. Usually Mary-Kate would stay with her Granny if her mum is away, but Granny is travelling on one of her bus trips.
Choosing carefully, Mary-Kate puts her special good luck items into her bag. The half empty chewing gum packet that was her fathers. Special handkerchiefs, new glitter pens and her strawberry smelling diary. Now she has on her sparkly red backpack and shoes to match. These things and remembering advice from her therapist get her through the stressful and unfamiliar train trip to Woolington.
The tiny town is strange. There is absolutely no-one about and bowls and buckets of milk sit outside the shops, cottages and the pub named the Hook & Wyrm where they are to be staying. Inside is the inn-keeper, hiding behind his counter and with a tremble in his voice. What is going on? wonders Mary-Kate, forgetting her anxiety.
The Prof (as Mary-Kate calls her mum) is off to check out the site that could be of national significance. A shopping centre is planned and about to be built on a well in the town square, but a small group of villagers (The Woolington Wyrm Watch Society) believe there is a creature living in the well and below their town.
Lord Woolington is the man behind the shopping centre, a man both Mary-Kate and the Prof instantly take a disliking to. What is the real reason behind the shopping centre?
The mystery behind this creature, whether imagination or myth, has Mary-Kate scribbling in her note-book, writing up questions and plans, and with Lord W's daughter, Lady Arabella's help, Mary-Kate is soon on the path of her first monster hunt. Never before has she felt so brave!
The girls encounter slime, discover a spy, and conduct an important interview. These are a few things needed to assemble a working theory. Once made, they decide to investigate what they have discovered. Venturing inside a possible lair of the Woolington Wyrm they encounter a dirt slide, slime and much more than they bargained for - even a life-threatening situation!
Can Mary-Kate discover the truth? Can they save Woolington? Is there really a creature below it? Mary-Kate not only investigates, but discovers a completely new, inquisitive and much-braver self.
Mystery, monsters, a new funny friend and a fat, lazy pony called Pickles, are all experienced by a new wee heroine - Mary-Kate Martin.
This in the 1st book in this series. (2nd episode is due out Nov 2022). Not sure about the cover, but have proven it is definitely not to be judged by.
Mary-Kate's strategies of coping with the unusual are sweet and also come in handy in many practical ways. The more mystery she encounters the more her normal internal fears seem to shrink.
Scattered through the pages are pieces of advice from P.K Mayberry's Complete Guide to Monsters of the Northern Hemisphere. Not sure where this book comes in, but the advice is usually relevant to what Mary-Kate is doing or the danger she is about to face. Illustrations are plentiful too.
This story rumbles along, slowly building in intensity as an up-and-coming, didn't-know-she-was-meant-to-be, monster hunter, solves her first mystery.
Engaging read for young mystery lovers from a multi-award winning author.
Author - Karen Foxlee
Illustrator - Freda Chui
Age - 7+
Choosing carefully, Mary-Kate puts her special good luck items into her bag. The half empty chewing gum packet that was her fathers. Special handkerchiefs, new glitter pens and her strawberry smelling diary. Now she has on her sparkly red backpack and shoes to match. These things and remembering advice from her therapist get her through the stressful and unfamiliar train trip to Woolington.
The tiny town is strange. There is absolutely no-one about and bowls and buckets of milk sit outside the shops, cottages and the pub named the Hook & Wyrm where they are to be staying. Inside is the inn-keeper, hiding behind his counter and with a tremble in his voice. What is going on? wonders Mary-Kate, forgetting her anxiety.
The Prof (as Mary-Kate calls her mum) is off to check out the site that could be of national significance. A shopping centre is planned and about to be built on a well in the town square, but a small group of villagers (The Woolington Wyrm Watch Society) believe there is a creature living in the well and below their town.
Lord Woolington is the man behind the shopping centre, a man both Mary-Kate and the Prof instantly take a disliking to. What is the real reason behind the shopping centre?
The mystery behind this creature, whether imagination or myth, has Mary-Kate scribbling in her note-book, writing up questions and plans, and with Lord W's daughter, Lady Arabella's help, Mary-Kate is soon on the path of her first monster hunt. Never before has she felt so brave!
The girls encounter slime, discover a spy, and conduct an important interview. These are a few things needed to assemble a working theory. Once made, they decide to investigate what they have discovered. Venturing inside a possible lair of the Woolington Wyrm they encounter a dirt slide, slime and much more than they bargained for - even a life-threatening situation!
Can Mary-Kate discover the truth? Can they save Woolington? Is there really a creature below it? Mary-Kate not only investigates, but discovers a completely new, inquisitive and much-braver self.
Mystery, monsters, a new funny friend and a fat, lazy pony called Pickles, are all experienced by a new wee heroine - Mary-Kate Martin.
This in the 1st book in this series. (2nd episode is due out Nov 2022). Not sure about the cover, but have proven it is definitely not to be judged by.
Mary-Kate's strategies of coping with the unusual are sweet and also come in handy in many practical ways. The more mystery she encounters the more her normal internal fears seem to shrink.
Scattered through the pages are pieces of advice from P.K Mayberry's Complete Guide to Monsters of the Northern Hemisphere. Not sure where this book comes in, but the advice is usually relevant to what Mary-Kate is doing or the danger she is about to face. Illustrations are plentiful too.
This story rumbles along, slowly building in intensity as an up-and-coming, didn't-know-she-was-meant-to-be, monster hunter, solves her first mystery.
Engaging read for young mystery lovers from a multi-award winning author.
Author - Karen Foxlee
Illustrator - Freda Chui
Age - 7+
December 25, 2023
Best book ever amazing vocabulary enjoy!!!
March 1, 2024
A very fun book about monsters, family, and finding courage!
I have been eyeing this one for a while so I was delighted when I could get it around December and read it during my Christmas holidays~ This is definitely a series that I hope to read more of.
Meet Mary-Kate, an anxious girl who likes things to go right. She has certain rituals, she likes certain colours. She doesn’t want to use items until JUST the right moment is there. But she will have to get out of her comfort zone when her mom takes her to an archaeological dig in a small town. I really liked Mary-Kate from the start and could see certain things of me in her. I was definitely rooting for her to come out of her shell and comfort zone and discover the mystery in the town, I loved how her mom was both comforting Mary-Kate but also motivating her to try out new things. We see Mary-Kate write down all sorts of hints/stuff she comes across and I loved seeing her go to meetings and discover the town. Of course, we see that things get a bit much for her, but she comes back stronger. I love how dedicated she becomes to the mystery of the wyrm and tries everything to solve it before the well is either closed off or destroyed completely.
I loved reading about this small town and about its mysteries and folklore. About the wyrm and what it is. I just love it when towns have a history and one filled with monsters/mythical stuff even.
The added bits at each chapter featuring a monster hunter were a fun addition and I do hope that we will get more of them in the next books, maybe even meet the author or get to know her in another way. I would love that!
I wasn’t too sure about Arabella at the start. But as the story continued and we saw more of Arabella (and her cute horse Pickles) I started to like her more and more. I had expected she would be a prissy girl and would be stuck-up (mostly thanks to how her dad acts) but instead she is really sweet and I loved seeing her become friends with Mary-Kate.
The ending was an exciting rollercoaster filled with OMG moments and I just loved how everything came together and also what happened to the Wyrm.
All in all, I cannot wait for the second book and I would recommend this fun book to everyone looking for a book full of mysteries, a character learning to be brave/trust people, monsters, and more to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I have been eyeing this one for a while so I was delighted when I could get it around December and read it during my Christmas holidays~ This is definitely a series that I hope to read more of.
Meet Mary-Kate, an anxious girl who likes things to go right. She has certain rituals, she likes certain colours. She doesn’t want to use items until JUST the right moment is there. But she will have to get out of her comfort zone when her mom takes her to an archaeological dig in a small town. I really liked Mary-Kate from the start and could see certain things of me in her. I was definitely rooting for her to come out of her shell and comfort zone and discover the mystery in the town, I loved how her mom was both comforting Mary-Kate but also motivating her to try out new things. We see Mary-Kate write down all sorts of hints/stuff she comes across and I loved seeing her go to meetings and discover the town. Of course, we see that things get a bit much for her, but she comes back stronger. I love how dedicated she becomes to the mystery of the wyrm and tries everything to solve it before the well is either closed off or destroyed completely.
I loved reading about this small town and about its mysteries and folklore. About the wyrm and what it is. I just love it when towns have a history and one filled with monsters/mythical stuff even.
The added bits at each chapter featuring a monster hunter were a fun addition and I do hope that we will get more of them in the next books, maybe even meet the author or get to know her in another way. I would love that!
I wasn’t too sure about Arabella at the start. But as the story continued and we saw more of Arabella (and her cute horse Pickles) I started to like her more and more. I had expected she would be a prissy girl and would be stuck-up (mostly thanks to how her dad acts) but instead she is really sweet and I loved seeing her become friends with Mary-Kate.
The ending was an exciting rollercoaster filled with OMG moments and I just loved how everything came together and also what happened to the Wyrm.
All in all, I cannot wait for the second book and I would recommend this fun book to everyone looking for a book full of mysteries, a character learning to be brave/trust people, monsters, and more to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
November 17, 2023
4.5 ⭐
Adoré. Belle surprise ! Mary-Kate a des tocs et est une petite fille très anxieuse. Pour se calmer, elle a besoin d'écrire dans son carnet parfumé à la fraise avec ses stylos pailletés. Elle doit aussi transporter tous ses porte-bonheurs pour éloigner le risque de déclencher une catastrophe. Ses tenues doivent être scintillantes à plus de 25 %. Sa mère, une archéologue chevronnée, l'emmène avec elle lors d'une mission dans un petit village en Angleterre. Une histoire de centre commercial, de fouille archéologique, et possiblement d'un ver géant...
Au fur et à mesure de l'enquête, Mary-Kate se rend compte qu'il ne lui arrive rien de fâcheux, même en dérogeant à ses règles. Il se pourrait même qu'elle y trouve un certain plaisir...
J'ai adoré la façon dont est abordée l'anxiété de cette petite fille très touchante, et aussi, mine de rien, comment le sujet des fake news est amené de façon très intelligente ! L'écriture est un régal.
Dès 8 ans pour très bon lecteur.
Adoré. Belle surprise ! Mary-Kate a des tocs et est une petite fille très anxieuse. Pour se calmer, elle a besoin d'écrire dans son carnet parfumé à la fraise avec ses stylos pailletés. Elle doit aussi transporter tous ses porte-bonheurs pour éloigner le risque de déclencher une catastrophe. Ses tenues doivent être scintillantes à plus de 25 %. Sa mère, une archéologue chevronnée, l'emmène avec elle lors d'une mission dans un petit village en Angleterre. Une histoire de centre commercial, de fouille archéologique, et possiblement d'un ver géant...
Au fur et à mesure de l'enquête, Mary-Kate se rend compte qu'il ne lui arrive rien de fâcheux, même en dérogeant à ses règles. Il se pourrait même qu'elle y trouve un certain plaisir...
J'ai adoré la façon dont est abordée l'anxiété de cette petite fille très touchante, et aussi, mine de rien, comment le sujet des fake news est amené de façon très intelligente ! L'écriture est un régal.
Dès 8 ans pour très bon lecteur.
July 21, 2022
A fantastic introduction to fantasy and adventure for year 2 -5. Mary-Kate is not excited about accompanying her mother on a work trip to determine if Woolington does have a real 'monster' AKA the Woolington Wyrm. She soon finds herself involved in solving the age-old mystery of whether the Woolington Wyrm exists or not. Themes of friendship, bravery and pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone.
June 3, 2022
Ten-year-old Mary-Kate Martin likes order and routine in her life. So when her archaeologist mother is requested in Woolington Well to inspect some old bones, Mary-Kate’s anxiety levels are immediately heightened. And the atmosphere in the small village does nothing to quell any fears. Terrifying noises and heart-stopping earth tremors have the locals nervous, saucers of milk are on the doorsteps and whispers of the return of a legendary monster are the talk of the town. Has the construction of a new shopping centre awoken the Woolington Wyrm?
Mary-Kate may be anxious but someone needs to get to the bottom of this puzzle. Together with new friend Arabella, she vows to solve the the mystery of the Wyrm (if in fact it does exist)…
Tales of mythical creatures roaming the land and traumatising local villagers are the stuff of historical legend in many an English village, and Woolington Well is the latest place with a story to tell.
Written by Karen Foxlee and with black and white illustrations by Freda Chiu, The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm is a monstrously fun mystery where all is definitely not as it seems in the rural countryside village. Residents live in the grip of fear that the legendary Wyrm could reappear at any moment and the mystery-filled plot will keep you guessing - is the Wyrm friend or foe, is it really behind the disappearance of children and what secrets is Lord Woolington hiding?
A strong and surprising friendship is at the heart of this fantasy-filled adventure. The quiet, cautious and anxious Mary-Kate pairing up with the excitable, spontaneous and carefree Lady Arabella Woolington to uncover the truth behind the legend. Working together, the girls separate fact from fiction, legends from lies, and find themselves embarking on the adventure of a lifetime as they venture deep into the heart of the Wyrm’s den.
Dressed in her sparkly red shoes and equipped with strawberry-scented notebook, glitter pens and backpack, Mary-Kate is a quiet and unassuming heroine and those qualities make her really relatable, likeable and real; yes, anxious, quiet and cautious kids can be brave, adventurous and daring too. Despite being beset by worries, Mary-Kate has a range of coping strategies that she regularly uses to keep her emotions in check and that enables her to overcome her fears. She unceremoniously becomes the heroine the villagers need and establishes herself as monster-hunter extraordinaire which sets things up nicely for further escapades.
Young readers who like their stories to have a fantastical element and who are excited by the idea of hunting monsters are going to love this story and will be dreaming of their own adventures where they can save monsters and villages. In the absence of any monsters that need saving, readers will be more than happy to live vicariously through Mary-Kate.
The monstrously exciting read comes with lots of little extras that all add to the reading experience including a map of Woolington Well, illustrations, and quotes from P. K. Mayberry’s Complete Guide to Monsters of the Northern Hemisphere that precede each chapter and give an indication of events to come.
Mary-Kate will be back for more monster-hunting in book two, The Trouble with the Two-headed Hydra (an excerpt of which is included at the end of this book).
With huge thanks to Allen & Unwin for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
Recommended for 7+.
Mary-Kate may be anxious but someone needs to get to the bottom of this puzzle. Together with new friend Arabella, she vows to solve the the mystery of the Wyrm (if in fact it does exist)…
Tales of mythical creatures roaming the land and traumatising local villagers are the stuff of historical legend in many an English village, and Woolington Well is the latest place with a story to tell.
Written by Karen Foxlee and with black and white illustrations by Freda Chiu, The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm is a monstrously fun mystery where all is definitely not as it seems in the rural countryside village. Residents live in the grip of fear that the legendary Wyrm could reappear at any moment and the mystery-filled plot will keep you guessing - is the Wyrm friend or foe, is it really behind the disappearance of children and what secrets is Lord Woolington hiding?
A strong and surprising friendship is at the heart of this fantasy-filled adventure. The quiet, cautious and anxious Mary-Kate pairing up with the excitable, spontaneous and carefree Lady Arabella Woolington to uncover the truth behind the legend. Working together, the girls separate fact from fiction, legends from lies, and find themselves embarking on the adventure of a lifetime as they venture deep into the heart of the Wyrm’s den.
Dressed in her sparkly red shoes and equipped with strawberry-scented notebook, glitter pens and backpack, Mary-Kate is a quiet and unassuming heroine and those qualities make her really relatable, likeable and real; yes, anxious, quiet and cautious kids can be brave, adventurous and daring too. Despite being beset by worries, Mary-Kate has a range of coping strategies that she regularly uses to keep her emotions in check and that enables her to overcome her fears. She unceremoniously becomes the heroine the villagers need and establishes herself as monster-hunter extraordinaire which sets things up nicely for further escapades.
Young readers who like their stories to have a fantastical element and who are excited by the idea of hunting monsters are going to love this story and will be dreaming of their own adventures where they can save monsters and villages. In the absence of any monsters that need saving, readers will be more than happy to live vicariously through Mary-Kate.
The monstrously exciting read comes with lots of little extras that all add to the reading experience including a map of Woolington Well, illustrations, and quotes from P. K. Mayberry’s Complete Guide to Monsters of the Northern Hemisphere that precede each chapter and give an indication of events to come.
Mary-Kate will be back for more monster-hunting in book two, The Trouble with the Two-headed Hydra (an excerpt of which is included at the end of this book).
With huge thanks to Allen & Unwin for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
Recommended for 7+.
July 18, 2022
Part realistic, part fantasy, The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm is set in a small English village whimsically portrayed in a map at the start of the book. Mary-Kate travels with her archaeologist mother to the village of Woolington Well to investigate bones found in the ancient well before it is to be filled in preparation for the building of a massive supermarket and car park by Lord Woolington, owner of the village lands
Mary-Kate suffers from anxiety and has established a number of compulsive habits to manage this, the fist being choice of colour - carefully established on the cover of the book and emphasised throughoutin what she wears, colours she adores and those she dislikes with a passion (particularly brown) - significant when faced with a gigantic wyrm! She also takes notes, write lists, has a stress ball, making lists, and so forth - many will be familiar with young readers who are similarly anxious. She also has her lucky novelty torch, lucky international coin collection in a small glass jar, glitter pens, red sparkly shoes and a sparkly red backpack (coordinating is important!).
However, there is a problem to be solved in the guise of the Wrym threatening the village and Mary-Kate finds the dealing with this larger threat helps her manage her own personal trials.With the help fo Lord Woolington's madcap and extremely grubby daughter Arabella, a complete contrast to her, they solve the mystery in quite dangerous but fearless (almost) circumstances and a happy and workable solution is found for all - Wrym, village and Lord Woolington and Mary-Kate has a new found confidence in her abilities as monster hunter. This is very important as there are more monster catching adventures alluded to in the future with an extract of the next adventure at the end of the book.
Karen Foxlee is masterful at developing interesting characters who are just a little bit different that is convincing and endearing and establishes that a bit outside the 'norm' is quite OK and makes life interesting. The story is well paced with each chapter starting with a hint on monster hunting, supposedly sourced from an authoritative source, broken up with curls and decorations and the occasional black ans white illustrations. A great adventure story for primary school readers, 9 to 12 year olds.
Mary-Kate suffers from anxiety and has established a number of compulsive habits to manage this, the fist being choice of colour - carefully established on the cover of the book and emphasised throughoutin what she wears, colours she adores and those she dislikes with a passion (particularly brown) - significant when faced with a gigantic wyrm! She also takes notes, write lists, has a stress ball, making lists, and so forth - many will be familiar with young readers who are similarly anxious. She also has her lucky novelty torch, lucky international coin collection in a small glass jar, glitter pens, red sparkly shoes and a sparkly red backpack (coordinating is important!).
However, there is a problem to be solved in the guise of the Wrym threatening the village and Mary-Kate finds the dealing with this larger threat helps her manage her own personal trials.With the help fo Lord Woolington's madcap and extremely grubby daughter Arabella, a complete contrast to her, they solve the mystery in quite dangerous but fearless (almost) circumstances and a happy and workable solution is found for all - Wrym, village and Lord Woolington and Mary-Kate has a new found confidence in her abilities as monster hunter. This is very important as there are more monster catching adventures alluded to in the future with an extract of the next adventure at the end of the book.
Karen Foxlee is masterful at developing interesting characters who are just a little bit different that is convincing and endearing and establishes that a bit outside the 'norm' is quite OK and makes life interesting. The story is well paced with each chapter starting with a hint on monster hunting, supposedly sourced from an authoritative source, broken up with curls and decorations and the occasional black ans white illustrations. A great adventure story for primary school readers, 9 to 12 year olds.
August 7, 2023
This is what I'd describe as middle grade (MG) fantasy.
A magnificent start to what promises to be an entertaining series of books.
Mary-Kate is what can be described as an anxious child. She likes routine, and even better she likes sparkly shoes!
Our escapades begin with her archaeologist mum Professor Martin being called to a site in a little village called Woolington. Any other time Mary-Kate would stay with her Granny when her mum - or Prof as she calls her - needs to work away, but Granny is travelling on one of her bus trips so this time she must go with her.
Straight away it becomes apparent that this is no normal village. Bowls and buckets of milk sit outside the shops, cottages and the pub named the Hook & Wyrm where they are to be staying, that leads to the first question . . . why?
Now the reason Prof has been called to this strange place is because a shopping centre is about to be built on and around a well in the town square. However legend says that there is a creature living in the well and below this quiet place and The Woolington Wyrm Watch Society strongly protest against the shopping centre being built at all.
Is the creature a myth, a figment of people's imaginations, or is there some sort of truth behind this ongoing mystery.
Our determined and rather brave protagonist is determined to get to the bottom of all of it and what happens along the way is quite remarkable indeed.
Now I mentioned at the beginning that Mary-Kate has quite a nervous disposition and in my opinion I'd say she could possibly be autistic which can increase levels of anxiety. This is something that I think should be presented more in books because it shows that they are in fact just as amazing as the rest of us.
Along with a great supporting cast, it is wonderful to see Mary-Kate's confidence bloom as the story progresses.
A special shout out to Pickles the pony who is really the unsung hero of this tale.
I'd also like to mention this books illustrator Freda Chiu who has managed to put an extra fun element into this quirky tale with their imagery.
Over all The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm is a charming novel, ideal for those who love a good detective styled story. I'm very much looking forward to the next instalment, The Trouble with the Two Headed Hydra!
A magnificent start to what promises to be an entertaining series of books.
Mary-Kate is what can be described as an anxious child. She likes routine, and even better she likes sparkly shoes!
Our escapades begin with her archaeologist mum Professor Martin being called to a site in a little village called Woolington. Any other time Mary-Kate would stay with her Granny when her mum - or Prof as she calls her - needs to work away, but Granny is travelling on one of her bus trips so this time she must go with her.
Straight away it becomes apparent that this is no normal village. Bowls and buckets of milk sit outside the shops, cottages and the pub named the Hook & Wyrm where they are to be staying, that leads to the first question . . . why?
Now the reason Prof has been called to this strange place is because a shopping centre is about to be built on and around a well in the town square. However legend says that there is a creature living in the well and below this quiet place and The Woolington Wyrm Watch Society strongly protest against the shopping centre being built at all.
Is the creature a myth, a figment of people's imaginations, or is there some sort of truth behind this ongoing mystery.
Our determined and rather brave protagonist is determined to get to the bottom of all of it and what happens along the way is quite remarkable indeed.
Now I mentioned at the beginning that Mary-Kate has quite a nervous disposition and in my opinion I'd say she could possibly be autistic which can increase levels of anxiety. This is something that I think should be presented more in books because it shows that they are in fact just as amazing as the rest of us.
Along with a great supporting cast, it is wonderful to see Mary-Kate's confidence bloom as the story progresses.
A special shout out to Pickles the pony who is really the unsung hero of this tale.
I'd also like to mention this books illustrator Freda Chiu who has managed to put an extra fun element into this quirky tale with their imagery.
Over all The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm is a charming novel, ideal for those who love a good detective styled story. I'm very much looking forward to the next instalment, The Trouble with the Two Headed Hydra!
August 24, 2023
Thank you so much to Pushkin Press for the gifted physical copy to read and review.
Mary-Kate Martin is taken with her mum to a small town where a man wants to build a shopping centre, the people that live there know it’s a sacred important land home of the Wyrm but without evidence he will build what he wants. Mary-Kate and new friend Arabella set off on a mystery fact finding mission to save and find the Wyrm.
Very fascinating storyline, I really loved the unfolding of the mystery and the monster that had done all these horrible things since way back when in time, reoccurring every few centuries. I loved that we had two girls who were solving it all and unlocking the mystery of what the Wyrm is.
I liked Mary-Kate she was such a different character than you usually find in a story, a character with Anxiety and OCD, having items that were her good luck charms, things having to be a certain way and things she didn’t like at all. I liked that she progressed and found ways of over coming some of these without even really realising at all.
I really liked the mystery trying to solve what was going on in the town, I really liked how it was unfolded with the trips to the library and looking into the old historical records. I liked that the girls didn’t stop searching and even went and did some scary things to uncover the truth.
I loved the friendship between the girls, Mary-Kate wasn’t expecting to make a friend but Arabella was wonderful, such a chatty girl and knew so much, she was a prime focus in helping Mary-Kate let go of some of her struggles, by giving her something else to focus on at the time and doing things rather than overthinking, being scared or worrying about them. I really loved how Arabella did that without realising what she was doing, she was a wonderful addition to the story.
I think this was a really fun mystery, it was very fun and so unusual, I loved learning about this unusual monster and I know that others that read this will really enjoy it. It’s written in such a different way to a lot of other mysteries which makes it stand out, it has beautiful hand drawn black and white illustrations throughout which I adored. Your protagonist is very unique and you meet some interesting people along the way. I’m looking forward to the second book and meeting the next monster that Mary-Kate will save.
Mary-Kate Martin is taken with her mum to a small town where a man wants to build a shopping centre, the people that live there know it’s a sacred important land home of the Wyrm but without evidence he will build what he wants. Mary-Kate and new friend Arabella set off on a mystery fact finding mission to save and find the Wyrm.
Very fascinating storyline, I really loved the unfolding of the mystery and the monster that had done all these horrible things since way back when in time, reoccurring every few centuries. I loved that we had two girls who were solving it all and unlocking the mystery of what the Wyrm is.
I liked Mary-Kate she was such a different character than you usually find in a story, a character with Anxiety and OCD, having items that were her good luck charms, things having to be a certain way and things she didn’t like at all. I liked that she progressed and found ways of over coming some of these without even really realising at all.
I really liked the mystery trying to solve what was going on in the town, I really liked how it was unfolded with the trips to the library and looking into the old historical records. I liked that the girls didn’t stop searching and even went and did some scary things to uncover the truth.
I loved the friendship between the girls, Mary-Kate wasn’t expecting to make a friend but Arabella was wonderful, such a chatty girl and knew so much, she was a prime focus in helping Mary-Kate let go of some of her struggles, by giving her something else to focus on at the time and doing things rather than overthinking, being scared or worrying about them. I really loved how Arabella did that without realising what she was doing, she was a wonderful addition to the story.
I think this was a really fun mystery, it was very fun and so unusual, I loved learning about this unusual monster and I know that others that read this will really enjoy it. It’s written in such a different way to a lot of other mysteries which makes it stand out, it has beautiful hand drawn black and white illustrations throughout which I adored. Your protagonist is very unique and you meet some interesting people along the way. I’m looking forward to the second book and meeting the next monster that Mary-Kate will save.
June 8, 2022
"'Keep going' was a plan of sorts, and that's what they needed right now, Mary-Kate decided. Plans were good, even if they were as simple as that. Keep going. One red sparkly footstep in front of another."
Some things make 9 year old Mary-Kate feel good - sparkly gel pens, her lucky pack of gum, a neatly ordered notebook. But some things make her feel icky and wrong - the colour brown, sitting backwards on the train, changes and beginnings. And accompanying her archeologist mother on a trip to a strange small village is definitely a big change. Luckily Mary-Kate has some strategies to deal with her anxiety. And when it turns out the mysterious creature in this little village might not be a myth after all, Mary-Kate might be just the one to solve the puzzle, stress ball and all.
The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm is a lovely little middle grade read, peppered with beautiful illustrations full of whimsical personality. The aim of the book is to incorporate the experience of anxiety into an engaging tale, and along the way give both kids and parents some insight into it and also tips for dealing with it.
With anxiety being something a lot of modern kids deal with, I think this is a really timely goal and indeed the book succeeds admirably in its aim, telling a fun mystery story while making anxious kids feel seen. Indeed, my frequently anxious 10 year old daughter who doesn't usually read books without a picture on every page, picked this up after me and said "I'm only 9 pages in but this is really good!"
The story, in which this possible mythological creature's lair is being disturbed by corporate land development, even manages to incorporate some nice messages about looking after our land and our communities, and being compassionate to all beings that we share the earth with.
I think this story will really resonate with a lot of kids and make them feel seen, and maybe even help their parents understand their experiences also. I think the aim of this book is really commendable and has been beautifully realised. There is also a snippet in the back of a follow up book, so I think there will be more adventures for Mary-Kate yet!
Some things make 9 year old Mary-Kate feel good - sparkly gel pens, her lucky pack of gum, a neatly ordered notebook. But some things make her feel icky and wrong - the colour brown, sitting backwards on the train, changes and beginnings. And accompanying her archeologist mother on a trip to a strange small village is definitely a big change. Luckily Mary-Kate has some strategies to deal with her anxiety. And when it turns out the mysterious creature in this little village might not be a myth after all, Mary-Kate might be just the one to solve the puzzle, stress ball and all.
The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm is a lovely little middle grade read, peppered with beautiful illustrations full of whimsical personality. The aim of the book is to incorporate the experience of anxiety into an engaging tale, and along the way give both kids and parents some insight into it and also tips for dealing with it.
With anxiety being something a lot of modern kids deal with, I think this is a really timely goal and indeed the book succeeds admirably in its aim, telling a fun mystery story while making anxious kids feel seen. Indeed, my frequently anxious 10 year old daughter who doesn't usually read books without a picture on every page, picked this up after me and said "I'm only 9 pages in but this is really good!"
The story, in which this possible mythological creature's lair is being disturbed by corporate land development, even manages to incorporate some nice messages about looking after our land and our communities, and being compassionate to all beings that we share the earth with.
I think this story will really resonate with a lot of kids and make them feel seen, and maybe even help their parents understand their experiences also. I think the aim of this book is really commendable and has been beautifully realised. There is also a snippet in the back of a follow up book, so I think there will be more adventures for Mary-Kate yet!
August 7, 2023
(A few preliminary notes. It's important for me to tell you that I share a publisher with Foxlee and received this from them as a free copy. This has not impacted upon my thoughts).
I really liked Miss Mary-Kate Martin's Guide To Monsters. It's a little bit as if Fungus the Bogeyman made friends with Eloise and then added a sprinkle of Frances Hardinge and a little bit of The Lambton Worm for good measure. And if that's not a mixture that catches your eye then I don't know what is. Luckily enough Foxlee delivers - and in spades.
Mary-Kate Martin and her mother are on their way to Woolington Well, a small and deliciously eccentric village. Trust me, you know the type. There's Meaningful Things happening that nobody wants to talk about and there's Clearly A Mystery To Be Solved and also a BAD EGG TO GET IN THE WAY. Honestly, bad eggs are the worse. Anyway, because Mary-Kate's mother, an archaeologist, is busily surveying the site of the intended shopping centre it's down to Mary-Kate herself to do the honours.
What I particularly enjoyed here was the kindness of Foxlee's writing. There's plenty of awesome girls being awesome in children's literature (and rightfully so!) and Mary-Kate is a lovely addition to that canon. Where she differs, however, is in how she explicitly wrestles with her worries and anxiety in order to do so. She doesn't believe in herself but keeps going until she does and that's rather utterly wonderful. It's also relevant to mention that her mother is supportive and helps her to walk through these moments of catastrophisation and doubt and has a wonderful, endless belief in her. Foxlee handles this all so carefully and so cleanly and I appreciated it endlessly.
I also loved Freda Chiu's illustrations very much. There is a pony in this book called Pickles who is AMAZING. He is uninterested in everything but eating and scowling and there is one moment (quite near the end of the book) where Chiu draws him and honestly, it is all of my dreams come true.
I really liked Miss Mary-Kate Martin's Guide To Monsters. It's a little bit as if Fungus the Bogeyman made friends with Eloise and then added a sprinkle of Frances Hardinge and a little bit of The Lambton Worm for good measure. And if that's not a mixture that catches your eye then I don't know what is. Luckily enough Foxlee delivers - and in spades.
Mary-Kate Martin and her mother are on their way to Woolington Well, a small and deliciously eccentric village. Trust me, you know the type. There's Meaningful Things happening that nobody wants to talk about and there's Clearly A Mystery To Be Solved and also a BAD EGG TO GET IN THE WAY. Honestly, bad eggs are the worse. Anyway, because Mary-Kate's mother, an archaeologist, is busily surveying the site of the intended shopping centre it's down to Mary-Kate herself to do the honours.
What I particularly enjoyed here was the kindness of Foxlee's writing. There's plenty of awesome girls being awesome in children's literature (and rightfully so!) and Mary-Kate is a lovely addition to that canon. Where she differs, however, is in how she explicitly wrestles with her worries and anxiety in order to do so. She doesn't believe in herself but keeps going until she does and that's rather utterly wonderful. It's also relevant to mention that her mother is supportive and helps her to walk through these moments of catastrophisation and doubt and has a wonderful, endless belief in her. Foxlee handles this all so carefully and so cleanly and I appreciated it endlessly.
I also loved Freda Chiu's illustrations very much. There is a pony in this book called Pickles who is AMAZING. He is uninterested in everything but eating and scowling and there is one moment (quite near the end of the book) where Chiu draws him and honestly, it is all of my dreams come true.
August 23, 2023
“There are those that hunt monsters to harm them and there are those that hunt monsters to help them.”
Mary-Kate likes facts, the shopping channel and her sparkly red shoes. She dislikes brown colouring pencils and sudden changes. When she has to accompany her archaeologist mother on a dig, their trip seems bound to include lots of things that will make Mary-Kate uncomfortable. But when they arrive in Woolington it seems that there is a mystery to be solved – Mary-Kate gets out her notebook and starts collecting evidence. Does the Woolington Wyrm really exist? And if so, what does it want?
Mary-Kate is an anxious but conscientious detective and (as most parents in children’s fiction are awful) I particularly enjoyed her supportive but empowering mother, ‘Prof’ Martin. Mary-Kate’s anxiety is sensitively referenced, and though she has some wobbly moments, she has the tools to cope with the adventure she finds herself in – even if she’s not a big fan of the wyrm-slime. This is a wonderfully empathetic and engaging story that encourages resilience and trying new things…like monster hunting! The illustrations are absolutely delightful too.
‘The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm’ is the start of a thrilling new monster mystery series, it is ideal for the lower KS2 age group and perfect for fans of ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’, ‘The Beast and the Bethany’, and Sylvia Bishop’s mystery stories.
Thanks to Pushkin Children’s for the ARC.
Mary-Kate likes facts, the shopping channel and her sparkly red shoes. She dislikes brown colouring pencils and sudden changes. When she has to accompany her archaeologist mother on a dig, their trip seems bound to include lots of things that will make Mary-Kate uncomfortable. But when they arrive in Woolington it seems that there is a mystery to be solved – Mary-Kate gets out her notebook and starts collecting evidence. Does the Woolington Wyrm really exist? And if so, what does it want?
Mary-Kate is an anxious but conscientious detective and (as most parents in children’s fiction are awful) I particularly enjoyed her supportive but empowering mother, ‘Prof’ Martin. Mary-Kate’s anxiety is sensitively referenced, and though she has some wobbly moments, she has the tools to cope with the adventure she finds herself in – even if she’s not a big fan of the wyrm-slime. This is a wonderfully empathetic and engaging story that encourages resilience and trying new things…like monster hunting! The illustrations are absolutely delightful too.
‘The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm’ is the start of a thrilling new monster mystery series, it is ideal for the lower KS2 age group and perfect for fans of ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’, ‘The Beast and the Bethany’, and Sylvia Bishop’s mystery stories.
Thanks to Pushkin Children’s for the ARC.
August 21, 2023
‘Miss Mary-Kate Martin’s Guide to Monsters - The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm’ by Karen Foxlee is an absolute delightful childrens book and hopefully the first in a great series.
Mary-Kate is off with her archaeologist mother to a little village to look at some bones found in a well. When they get there they find the village is trying to get the building of a shopping centre stopped as they feel it will harm the legendary monster that is the Woolington Wyrm.
Mary-Kate is a lovely character and you see how she copes with her every day anxieties. Any child with anxiety that reads this story is sure to feel supported amd it is a great story for children.
The story is fast paced and well written and will keep the interest of children whether it is read to them or they read by themselves.
The illustrations really compliment to story and Freda Chiu does an amazing job illustrating the book.
This book is highly recommended and I hope to see more of them.
Thanks to the author and publisher for allowing me to read and review on the Blog Tour.
Mary-Kate is off with her archaeologist mother to a little village to look at some bones found in a well. When they get there they find the village is trying to get the building of a shopping centre stopped as they feel it will harm the legendary monster that is the Woolington Wyrm.
Mary-Kate is a lovely character and you see how she copes with her every day anxieties. Any child with anxiety that reads this story is sure to feel supported amd it is a great story for children.
The story is fast paced and well written and will keep the interest of children whether it is read to them or they read by themselves.
The illustrations really compliment to story and Freda Chiu does an amazing job illustrating the book.
This book is highly recommended and I hope to see more of them.
Thanks to the author and publisher for allowing me to read and review on the Blog Tour.
August 25, 2023
This is Book One in the new series. I'll start by saying the illustrations are perfect for the book, as you could follow the story through the map at the beginning of the book. Mary-Kate goes with her mother, an archaeologist to the village of Woolington Well for a dig. Mary-Kate finds change difficult to cope with and she has different ways to overcome them, making lists, breathing exercises, squeezing her stress ball are just a few. The village is being terrorised by a giant Wyrm, that is very old. The Wyrm Watch Society have called Mary-Kate's mother to see if she can help save the village being turned into a shopping centre. Arabella, Lord Woolington's daughter wants to save the village well, even though it's her dad doesn't. This is a book that shows, love, courage, accept change no matter how big or small, learn to never give up and more. I read this book along with my 9-year-old granddaughter and we both enjoyed this story from the beginning.
August 21, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m really glad that this is the first book in a series! The mystery of the wyrm was brilliant! I thought Mary-Kate was fabulous. She battles her inner demons while she searched for a real one. The description of how she calmed herself and dealt with her anxiety showed great knowledge from the author, adding to the authenticity of the story. It shows the dedication of the author to create an enjoyable, believable read. I think there are lots of people who can identify with Mary-Kate. The whole story was created with stunning descriptions to put the reader into the action. I could easily imagine myself in the cave and tunnels with the girls as they searched for the wyrm. I think this is a fantastic idea for a story. I highly recommend it to all readers, but it’s exactly the right kind of read I’d want as a young reader.
August 24, 2023
The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm is the first book in the Guide to Monsters series. It tells the story of Mary-Kate, a young girl who accompanies her mother on an archaeological assignment to a quaint English. As soon as she arrives, she find herself pulled into solving the mystery of the existence of the Woolington Wyrm before the village is transformed by the construction of a shopping centre and the lives of its inhabitants changed forever.
I absolutely adored that book. It is realistic in its description of what it is to be like a young anxious girl who doesn't feel like she fits in. It is full of fun, adventures, friendships and kindness.
I think children (and adult alike) will relate and read this as fast as the wyrm moves. I highly recommend it and I, for once, can't wait to read book number two.
I absolutely adored that book. It is realistic in its description of what it is to be like a young anxious girl who doesn't feel like she fits in. It is full of fun, adventures, friendships and kindness.
I think children (and adult alike) will relate and read this as fast as the wyrm moves. I highly recommend it and I, for once, can't wait to read book number two.
August 25, 2023
I loved reading about Mary-Kate's investigations, the book is so easy to get into and quite fast-paced, there is always something happening.
Mary-Kate is so sweet, I really felt for her with all her worries, and she tries so hard not to cause other people stress. Her mother is lovely, so understanding but also no-nonsense and I think just the right amount of challenging.
I really enjoyed the snippets from P.K. Mayberry's Complete Guide to Monsters of the Northern Hemisphere. I feel like this might need a whole companion book of it's own!
This was such a comfort read, I'm just sorry I don't have book two yet to read next (The Trouble with the Two-Headed Hydra). From the excerpt it sounds like it will be just as much fun to read, specially as it takes place in a Greek island!
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Mary-Kate is so sweet, I really felt for her with all her worries, and she tries so hard not to cause other people stress. Her mother is lovely, so understanding but also no-nonsense and I think just the right amount of challenging.
I really enjoyed the snippets from P.K. Mayberry's Complete Guide to Monsters of the Northern Hemisphere. I feel like this might need a whole companion book of it's own!
This was such a comfort read, I'm just sorry I don't have book two yet to read next (The Trouble with the Two-Headed Hydra). From the excerpt it sounds like it will be just as much fun to read, specially as it takes place in a Greek island!
https://sabrinasbooktails.blogspot.co...
August 31, 2023
Thank you @pushkinChildren for letting me be part of this tour and reviewing this book. Miss Mary Kate Martin's Guide to Monsters is a young adult fiction that you will go on a thrilling mystery with Mary Kate. The illustrations by Freda Chiu are absolutely beautiful and go extremely well with the story. I love the front cover it's so pretty with the Monster and Mary Kate. The story is about Mary Kate who goes with her Mum, who is an archaeologist that goes to the English Countryside to investigate an old well. Mary Kate ends up doing her own investigation. This is a cute and delightful read that young adults will enjoy. The story is at a good pace that you can keep up with and will keep your attention. Karen Foxlee has a great imagination and she whisks you away to a world of fantasy and monsters. 4 stars out now
June 8, 2023
This is such a sweet adventure book.
Mary-Kate likes everything just so, so she finds it hard leave home and go with her mother on an archaeological dig.
She is not the only one who is nervous. The small village of Woolington has a mysterious legend that causes earthquakes and brown slime to appear. Everyone there is on edge as well.
Mary-Kate makes a friend, investigates mysteries, and finds ways to be brave that surprise even herself.
I really enjoyed this book. It's a gentle adventure with a lovely hero. I'm looking forward to reading more from this series.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced readers copy.
Mary-Kate likes everything just so, so she finds it hard leave home and go with her mother on an archaeological dig.
She is not the only one who is nervous. The small village of Woolington has a mysterious legend that causes earthquakes and brown slime to appear. Everyone there is on edge as well.
Mary-Kate makes a friend, investigates mysteries, and finds ways to be brave that surprise even herself.
I really enjoyed this book. It's a gentle adventure with a lovely hero. I'm looking forward to reading more from this series.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced readers copy.
August 24, 2023
I loved this book! A main character who is afraid of what she has to do in order to find out the reality of the Woolington Wyrm. The village has experienced episodes of disturbance attributed to the Wyrm since early history of the village. Mary-Kate and her mother, a professor of archaeology, are brought in after the latest disturbance following partial destruction of the village well, to try to verify the existence of the Wyrm. Mary-Kate is a very cautious girl who likes order and precision and gets worried at unexpected events.
This story of Mary-Kate teaming up with Arabella, daughter of the local landowner, is engaging and witty. It shows that anyone can achieve anything if they only believe in themselves and go about things with confidence and courage.
I think this book is ideal for youngsters who lack self confidence, as well as any who just enjoy a good story. This book should be in schools and libraries everywhere.
This story of Mary-Kate teaming up with Arabella, daughter of the local landowner, is engaging and witty. It shows that anyone can achieve anything if they only believe in themselves and go about things with confidence and courage.
I think this book is ideal for youngsters who lack self confidence, as well as any who just enjoy a good story. This book should be in schools and libraries everywhere.
July 14, 2023
An absolutely precious, not-scary-at-all tale of monster hunting. Absolutely fine for a 7 year old with strong reading. A neurodiverse mystery solving main character goes to a tiny village with her archaeologist mother when the lord of the town is trying to destroy landmarks to build a shopping center. However that’s not the only problem, cause this is the home of the Woolington Wyrm!
Scooby-doo like mystery solving, almost Essex-serpent-like myth of is it true or not, sweet characters, and a happy satisfying ending!
Scooby-doo like mystery solving, almost Essex-serpent-like myth of is it true or not, sweet characters, and a happy satisfying ending!
August 23, 2022
I really enjoyed this! I suffer from anxiety so I have loved reading about such a well developed anxious character. Her mum is great helping her deal with things and I love that Arabella just accepted her as she is.
Meanwhile, story is interesting and I finished in just a few hours. Really looking forward to the next installment of Mary-Kate's adventures.
Meanwhile, story is interesting and I finished in just a few hours. Really looking forward to the next installment of Mary-Kate's adventures.
February 2, 2023
Really lovely, charming read with a great MC - someome with OCD & anxiety! Such a great choice to lead a kids' adventure book.
Fun mystery of a monster in a little English village. Hopefully the beginning of a charming series that has a entertaining & cozy feel to the adventure
Plus love supporting a local Australian author & illustrator team
Fun mystery of a monster in a little English village. Hopefully the beginning of a charming series that has a entertaining & cozy feel to the adventure
Plus love supporting a local Australian author & illustrator team
October 3, 2023
Read for work. Am extremely lovely little fantasy novel! The representation of anxiety is exquisite, extremely relatable and something i had not seen in this genre before. The setting is charming and the characters are entertaining. The illustrations are atmospheric and full of energy. I can’t wait to discuss with my young readers book club
March 2, 2024
3.5 stars.
Masterful depiction of characters. That in itself is nearly 5 out of 5 stars.
But as for the story and unfolding of events, it wasn’t quite exciting or satisfying. A slow investigation with simple questions and overly simple answers. It was anti-climactic even, with the protagonists being acted upon in the end rather than acting.
Masterful depiction of characters. That in itself is nearly 5 out of 5 stars.
But as for the story and unfolding of events, it wasn’t quite exciting or satisfying. A slow investigation with simple questions and overly simple answers. It was anti-climactic even, with the protagonists being acted upon in the end rather than acting.
June 30, 2024
Monster hunting for the faint hearted? With English small town charm to this tale, there is mysterious ground shaking in Woolington. Mary-Kate and her new friend Arabella are going to get to the bottom of it. I liked having an anxious (OCD) protagonist and how her worries intruded into all parts of the narrative (as it does in life). 3.5 stars
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February 26, 2025"There are those that hunt monsters to harm them and there are those that hunt monsters to help them. Which one are you?"
Anxious Mary-Kate and her archaeologist mother investigate a mystery in Woolington, England. Befriending the lord's daughter, they seek out the truth of a local legend. A great little read!
Anxious Mary-Kate and her archaeologist mother investigate a mystery in Woolington, England. Befriending the lord's daughter, they seek out the truth of a local legend. A great little read!
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