The first book in the best-selling, laugh-out-loud STITCH HEAD series by award-winning author Guy Bass, with illustrations by Pete Williamson, now brought to almost-life again in this brand-new, monstrously magnificent graphic novel edition.
Enter the darkly funny world of Stitch Head, as he steps out of the shadows into the adventure of an almost-lifetime…
Deep in the maze-like dungeons of Castle Grotteskew, eccentric Professor Erasmus created Stitch Head, a small, almost-human creature. His experiments continued, filling the castle with creations so fabulously monstrous that Stitch Head was long forgotten. Until a travelling circus ringmaster knocks at the castle door, promising to make Stitch Head a star. Is this Stitch Head’s chance to venture beyond the castle walls? Or could he be making a terrible mistake…?
Full of monstrous fun, STITCH HEAD is perfect for fans of GRIMWOOD, AMELIA FANG and THE NOTHING TO SEE HERE HOTEL.
Guy is an award-winning author whose children's books series include Stitch Head, Skeleton Keys, Dinkin Dings, Spynosaur, The Legend of Frog and Atomic! In 2010 Dinkin Dings and the Frightening Things won the Blue Peter Award for Most Fun Book with Pictures.
Guy's has also written plays for both adults and children. He has previously been a theatre producer, illustrator, temp, gerbil whisperer and has acted his way out of several paper bags.
Guy spent his childhood reading comics and hoping one day to become a superhero. He spends his adulthood in more or less the same way.
Guy lives in London with his wife and no dog - yet.
A Burton-esque story with heart, beautifully told, can't wait for the next one!
This gorgeously illustrated graphic novel version of the opening book of the 'Stitch Head' series is wickedly unique and one of the most interesting YA graphic novels out there this year. I know that my students will love this one, as it has a good balance of spooks and humour, with an interesting story to back it up.
The characters and settings are all wonderfully creative and weird (in a good way) and they all jump off the page thanks to the brilliantly realised artwork.
The reader finds themselves rooting for the main protagonist Stitch Head, a little lost soul trying to find his place within a world of madness and monsters. His tragic loyalty and love for a creator who doesn't even remember him pulls on the heart strings, and makes for a character that you want the best for, but can also understand how they got to the situation they find themselves in. I spent the entire book wishing Stitch Head to find a little bit of love and recognition. He is termed a 'monster', but his behaviour and personality are anything but monstrous. He is a kind, sweet soul who only wants the best for the people he cares about. This character spreads the message that we shouldn't judge others by their appearance, only their souls and actions - a beautiful message, and an important one for its target audience to hear.
I will be putting this book in the school library that I run, and expect it to be very popular, particularly amongst the year 7 and 8 students, so expect more reviews to follow! The Stitch Head graphic novel is beautiful, and I am eagerly awaiting the next one.
1. If you’re a fan of horror and graphic novels, you won’t want to miss this one! 2. Have you ever been forgotten by someone close to you? Stitch Head knows how you feel. 3. Sometimes the friends we need the most are the friends we push away. Stitch Head shows us how to open up and let people in! 4. If your favorite movie was Frankenstein, then pick this one up! 5. And lastly, if you have a middle grader who enjoys graphic novels with a great message, read this one asap!
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Stitch Head was the first creation to be born-- and the first to be forgotten.
He's the adorably monstrous creation of Professor Erasmus Erasmus, a man who has breathed life into over three hundred creatures with all manner of fangs, tails, and eyes. But as good as Erasmus is at giving life, he's equally bad at taking care of it. And so the duty falls to Stitch Head to ensure his siblings don't tear Castle Grotteskew apart.
Despite having a handle on the threats within the castle, however, no one is prepared for the conniving Mr. F-- the ringleader of a traveling circus of wonders and oddities-- to show up at Grotteskew's front door. He offers Stitch Head a new chance at family-- one that will make him known by the whole world and forgotten by no one.
The terms of Mr. F's deal may be glowing, but there's something dark lurking behind his eyes. As Stitch Head will learn, not every monster is a meanie...and some seemingly normal folk can be the nastiest beasts of all!
Packed with quirky creatures created by a Frankenstein-esque mad scientist, I found the book more charming than creepy. These misunderstood misfits just want to belong, and they’re far less frightening than the townspeople think. The story is both humorous and heartfelt, with gothic-style illustrations reminiscent of Tim Burton’s movies. It’s a fun, spooky adventure exploring themes of identity and belonging.
Perfect for upper elementary to early middle school monster lovers! The art is moody and fun, the humor lands, and the story has real heart.
This was really cute and fun! I did not realize when I picked it up that it was based on a book series of the same name...but it does a great job standing on its own. I didn't feel like I was missing anything reading this well done graphic novel adaptation. The characters really came to life and the artwork feels like it's perfect for this story...kind of Tim Burton feeling where it's that perfect mix of cute and creepy. I would definitely read more in this series.
Bring back spooky children’s stories! Because if you take a look at this one you know how AMAZING they are. So cleverly funny that you can laugh even as an adult and enjoy the creepy vibes. With this graphic novel version you can now love the illustrations and the color palette right along with it!!
In this is a graphic novel rendition of the first book in the Stitch Head series, readers are introduced to the small town of Grubbers Nubbin and the gloomy Grotteskew Castle on its outskirts. The castle is the home of the mad scientist Professor Erasmus, and all of the strange and ‘almost-live’ creatures he has made, including Stitch Head, a small fellow with two different colored eyes and a seam across his face, created by the professor when he was just a boy. He has lived, forgotten by his master, in the shadows of the castle ever since, making a home in the dungeon and hanging out in the rafters watching the professor work in his laboratory. Stitch Head is skilled at concocting potions that turn the professor’s potentially evil monsters into polite, well-mannered beings, but he does not interact with them otherwise. He seems to enjoy his lonely existence, curiously devoted to his master despite Erasmus’ apparent amnesia when it comes to his creations. When an evil circus master named Fulbert Freakfinder comes to the castle in hopes of hiring the professor to make monsters for him, Stitch Head has to accept help from his master’s latest creation (a friendly three-armed character thereafter known as the Creature) and a spunky girl from town named Arabella to fend him off and protect the castle.
The graphic novel format - written and illustrated by the same duo that created the original books - is perfect for this quirky, mildly creepy series; readers who might struggle with the formal language and snarky humor of the chapter books will definitely appreciate this visual approach to the series. While those books employ a great deal of description and imagery in the words and pictures, the comic book style really helps bring the story to life (so to speak). It is faithful to the plot; the dialog seems to be a word-for-word transcription, but readers will need to rely on the illustrations for the narration. That’s not a problem, as the panel layout is easy to follow and the art is full of detail. Broken down into three parts, rather than short chapters, this is still a quick read with nonstop action and an entertaining cast of characters. Stitch Head and his two friends make a likable, if unlikely, trio of heroes. Readers will cheer for Stitch Head as he develops courage and self-confidence with the help of the sweet and earnest Creature and the violent but kind-hearted Arabella. The villains (including the Professor) are caricatures, appropriately so. Stitch Head chapter book fans will definitely appreciate the adaptation, and those new to the series will probably reach for the chapter books while anxiously awaiting book 2 of the graphic novels. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
A new animated feature film will be debuting in theaters on October 29th. Stitch Head is a heartwarming tale filled with monsters, a mad scientist and angry townsfolk, much in the vein of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. However, in this story, Stitch Head is Doctor' Eramus' first experiment, created from when the researcher was just a lad. After creating life with a patchwork rag doll, his father sends the aspiring scientist to college in order to achieve his degree in mad science.
Forgotten Stitch Head waits patiently for his master to remember him. But as the doctor creates 300 more creatures, one things becomes clear: the mad scientist isn't all that brilliant! Good thing Stitch Head has all of the knowledge and experience to help his master perfect his experiments.
I know. You're probably thinking 'I thought that this was a book review' and it is. I didn't watch the animated movie. Instead, I found this book on the new release shelf in the young readers graphic novel section at my local library. Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel is based on the 2011 young readers novel by Guy Bass. If you were going for a faithful adaptation, I don't think you get any better than this as it was adapted by Bass and it features art by Pete Williamson, the original illustrator of the Stitch Head series of chapter books.
They say that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. But there's nothing wrong with being enticed by it! When I first saw the book, I got definite vibes of Tim Burton. Add in the character of the traveling circus ringmaster Filbert, who captivates Stitch Head with promises of a glamorous life, defiant young Arabella who's not afraid of the terrifying legends coming out of Castle Grotteskew, and Creature, the newest creation of Stitch Head's master and the ragamuffin's only, new friend and this could be a newly discovered corner of the Tim Burton-verse!
Though this story takes place in an eerie looking fortress overlooking a spooky little village, there's nothing too frightening. It's got a creepy vibe. Perfect for Halloween. Kids should love it. Parents should approve.
Why not take the young readers in your life to the movie (or stream it wherever possible), then after they fall in love with it, have copy of this amazing graphic novel on hand for them to read and continue the experience? Maybe pick up some of the chapter books too? Say it's a gift from the Great Pumpkin! It might just make this a Halloween to remember for them and the whole family!
I have the box set of Stitch Head books, patiently waiting for me to read them. And normally I would read the original stories before reading the graphic novel interpretation. But with this one, I couldn't resist.
This is a fantastically funny, cute, and sometimes scary read for younger readers. Stitch Head, our eponymous hero of this book was created in the depths of Castle Grotteskew. Stitch Head has always stayed true to his master, the scientist who brought him to half-life. He has also managed to manage the other creations that he has achieved, making sure that they don't cause his master or the townsfolk any harm. But he has been forgotten by the person who created him, and that is a lonely place to be. Until fortune comes knocking on the castle doors. Could this be the time for Stitch Head to become unforgettable?
This was such a charming tale. The characters were very well brought to (half) life. For younger readers, they will love the story, but there is also a moral to tell. The illustrations are also fantastic, brilliantly bringing another life to this story.
If you have read the original books, I would still encourage you to read the graphic novel. It is a great start to a series, and I am definitely looking forward to the next graphic novel in the series.
Stitch Head is so fun to read, I think my students will especially love this book. It has all the spooky elements, but keeps it fun and silly + it’s an easy read!
The character Stitch feels so much like Pinocchio; as the stitched together little creature that exists in a world with like made characters by the same young “mad scientist”, who is one day whisked away and forced to “grow up” by his older father the Mad Professor Grotteskew.
40 years pass y and Stitch Head’s master has forgotten him by now with countless other creatures superseding him. Until a new creature attempts to push Stitch Head into surprising his old Master; sadly he does not recognize Stitch Head.
Feeling sorry for himself, he finally joins a rag-tag group of Carnival “oddities” led by the dastardly Ringmaster Fulbert; who is obsessed with bringing Stitch Head into his flock of Travelin’ Carnival of Unnatural Wonders… Except it’s all a TRAP! Fulbert leads Stitch Head on so he can finally access the mad inventors castle because Stitch thwarted his way in every time before, so what better way to gain access than to butter up Stitch to get him to leave the door open!
At the end of the story it’s up to Stitch to save the day and the castle from Monster snatching Fulbert!
I highly recommend this graphic novel! The writing and art is perfectly spooky-fun for Elementary and Middle School Students who enjoy stories about monsters!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The adventures of Stitch Head - now in terrifying Technicolor!
‘Stitch Head’ is the tale of a mad professor’s very first creation. He’s a small, sewn-together collection of spare parts with a big heart - and he’s loyal to a fault. He spends his days hiding in Castle Grotteskew’s shadowy corners, making medicinal mixtures and curing the castle’s more monstrous creations of their various afflictions. That is, until a travelling carnival owner called Fulbert Freakfinder arrives and offers Stitch Head the chance at a life of fame and fortune; the chance to be unforgettable!
The characters that inhabit Stitch Head’s world are so engaging, funny and heartwarming that it’s tough to pick a favourite! Both the cast and the castle have been beautifully imagined by Pete Williamson - which is a treat for both new readers and those who are already familiar with the world of Grubbers Nubbin! There’s tons of humour, fantastic action, and it’s a tale with a wonderfully human core. You need it in your almost-life!
The book is set in the Gothic Castle Grotteskew, where the slightly crazy scientist Professor Erasmus conducts his experiments. The professor’s first ‘creation’ was our hero Stitch Head, who has long been forgotten and now spends his time helping to control the Professor’s more troublesome and monstrous creations, as his master becomes ever more creative with his ingredients. Stitch Head’s life takes a major turn when an aptly named traveling circus ringmaster Fulbert Freakfinder arrives at the castle, hoping to persuade Stitch Head to leave the castle and join his show - the chance to be an unforgettable star. Unfortunately for Stitch Head, he must also deal with the Professor’s latest creation - a monster simply called Creature - while realising that Fulbert Freakfinder isn’t all that he promised to be. I’m not normally a reader of graphic novels but I loved the humour and spooky feel to this story. This coupled with really likeable characters mean that this will be a fought over book in my class library!
Great for middle grade readers trying to dip their toes into graphic novels and/or fantasy, and for existing fans of the series to see this world in a new way. The art frames the story wonderfully, with the use of dark moody hues, watercolor, and ink to help imbue a sense of ominous foreboding.
The character designs carry a Tim Burton-esque flair to them (think: big round eyes, gaunt cheeks, everyone looks like they’ve never seen the sun in their lifetime). And the monsters, as scary as they appear, are downright domestic.
The font for the text font, in opposition, is much clearer, making it easy for readers to follow. All of it is a solid combination when it comes to telling a story about how monstrousness isn’t about how we look, but about how we act.
Thanks to Random House Kids and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I was not familiar with this property when I requested the ARC, but I am beyond delighted to have discovered it.
Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel is the origin story for the main character, Stitch Head and his creator, the mad scientist. Stitch Head appears to be a young boy, with large, soulful eyes. His "job" is to keep the scientist's creations from running amuck and drawing attention to the castle and endangering his fellow "creations."
The illustrations are vivid and beautiful. It has the feel and atmosphere of the original Universal Monsters franchise. Geared toward children, it is scary with a small "s" and for kids that like gross out humor and creepy crawlies, they will love this.
Highly recommend. Hopefully the other books in the series will be adapted to graphic novels.
Stitch Head was Professor Erasmus’s first creature creation. Years have passed and Stitch Head has long been forgotten by his creator, but the professor continues to create monster after monster while Stitch Head yearns to be remembered. While he waits for this to happen, he takes it upon himself to quietly intervene to make sure that the professor’s monsters aren’t too vicious or harmful. When an evil circus ringmaster appears at the castle door with an offer too good to refuse, Stitch Head thinks he may finally have found a way to feel like he belongs. While readers may pick this one up looking for frights, they’ll find a deeper exploration of themes of family and belonging mixed in with the creatures and chaos. Combining Frankenstein, Pinocchio and Tim Burton vibes with fabulous stylized artwork and mix of a little bit of scary with a lot of heart, this story have a lot of fans.
What a lovely little children’s horror book! The story is good and almost-heartbreaking and I absolutely LOVED the art! The poem in the beginning was cool, but the introduction didn’t lead us anywhere, it was just there having nothing to do with the rest of the story, but oh well I still loved it. The castle’s name is interesting. Is it a wordplay of a word ”grotesque”? I’m not sure since English is not my mother language (lol, a second review today where I have to say that.) My only complaint is that I didn’t understand the ending. Not at all. Seriously. I had to read it again and again and I still don’t get it. Where did the townspeople go? What exactly happened there? It bugs me so much since this was so good before the ending and it almost ruined my day.
Stitchhead was the first creation of his master, whilst his master was still a boy. But his master's father put Stitchhead away, and when he got out it's many years later and his master has made lots of creations and forgotten all about his old friend. When Fulbert Freakwater of the travelling circus of unnatural wonders comes to Grubbers Nubbin he is told that the townspeople are much more afraid of the monsters at Castle Grotteskew. He flatters Stitchhead until he falls for Fulbert's talk.....but here it all goes wrong. Can Stitchhead, Arabella and Creature stop the mob from the town?
Great fun, still getting into graphics but this is a good one.
4.5 So sweet. Stich Head is the first creation made in this castle, but his master doesn't remember him. he keeps making these terrifying (cute) monsters, and Stich Head cures them of their monstrosities just to save his master and the castle because if a mob comes to take them down all will end. He is sad that his master doesn't remember him, but new friends and new arrival carnival dangers will help things go better. This is a series, and the first episode ends with a lot to do next. Awesome. I love Scrap and other stories from this author. My favorite things about this author's style are the adventures, the characters, and the humor.
I love this. Monsters, mayhem, friendship, and found family. This book is a good read if you’re looking for a spooky time, or just a way to spend the summer afternoon. This book translated from novel to graphic novel quite well. I really appreciate that the original illustrator of the novel doing the illustrations for the graphic novel. It makes this book feel like it’s a part of the original series and not a redo. This story is about the first creation of a mad scientist, who is calm and happy but spends their days calming the scientist’s newest creations. That is until the day a Carnival Barker decides to take over everything to become rich and famous. A fabulous story for any age.
𝙶𝚛𝚊𝚙𝚑𝚒𝚌 𝙽𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 Stitch Head is a graphic novel for children. It's about a lonely boy who has to defend his master's monster creations from an angry mob, and while doing so, build relationships with a local village girl and one of the monster creations.
This was a good read; I can easily see younger children reading this graphic novel around spooky Halloween time or fall. I highly recommend it.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Random House Children's, for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Cute retelling of Frankenstein with modern twists, plus the idea of friendships and how they change and grow. While I am not in the BEST EVER category, there was a coziness to it that I enjoyed and it was funny. Sometimes things are a bit "edgy" so good for stronger readers aged 8 to 12. If you are fans of the novels this graphic novel is a good addition, but also a good way to be introduced to the character of Stitch Head. Read via an online reader copy.
Ahhhh! This was such a fun read!! The story was a touching adventure that had depth and believable characters. I absolutely loved the artwork and the plot! I can’t get enough of this world and hope to read more from the author soon! This was one I could not put down and is physically getting added to my shelves after release! Thank you so much Netgalley for the ARC!
This was a cute tale, though it felt a bit rushed . . . and ultimately had too many unresolved issues. But don't listen to me - I'm just a boring grownup. I suspect kids will love the many groovy monsters, and not ask too many questions about the plot holes.
Thanks to Random House Graphic and NetGalley for sharing.
Excellent graphic novel for fans of all ages. Quirky little story follows Stitch Head and his tasks to help his creator. Protect all monsters. His Knowledge for "mad science" helps keeps the monster safe. Great beginner graphic novel for those venturing into the world of horror graphic novels. Super kid friendly though. Amazing graphics.
If you’re a lover of Stitch Head, this is such a treat! Gorgeously illustrated by Pete Williamson - this is just so full of wonder to look at! Definitely make a great companion to reading the novel in class!
Stitch Head is a very lovable character. Always trying to do the right thing in hopes of protecting his master. This was a cute story with a great friendship buildup. I highly recommend to anyone with a love for out of the norm characters!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I liked Stitch Head’s motivation for wanting to be noticed by his mad scientist-master. I think some kids will enjoy the dreary, gothic atmosphere and the lighthearted humor. But I don’t see myself continuing this series.
3.75 stars. Gothic beginning, but the vibes quickly turn into sweet story about friendship and looking after one another. If you are not a scares fan, this is not a spooky story.