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Stitch Head #5
The Beast of Grubbers Nubbin
He's back! Join Stitch Head, a mad professor's forgotten creation, as he steps out of the shadows into the adventure of an almost-lifetime...The orphans at Castle Grotteskew are running riot ...and getting hungry. With no food in the castle, Stitch Head and Arabella head down to Grubbers Nubbin to see what they can pilfer, but there they encounter a terrifying, savage beast. Could one of Professor Erasmus's creations be on the loose...?
192 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
3 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Guy Bass
72 books48 followersGuy 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 10, 2015
The Beast of Grubbers Nubbin was such a fun read. Not only were the illustrations beautiful but they fit perfectly into place with the story that went on in between. There was so much mystery and intrigue in that first chapter, so many oddly-named yet endearing characters who jumped right off the page. I can definitely say that I will be looking for the other books featuring Stitch Head and his misadventures.
July 6, 2024
What worked:
The main characters were created by Professor Erasmus but these Creations are adorable. Stitch Head is his first creation so he takes on the part of leader. He’s not always confident in what he’s doing but his heart’s always in the right place. Arabella was rescued from a cruel orphanage in the previous book and she’s the only main character who’s human. She has a tendency to take spontaneous action through confrontation and kicking so she’s a stark contrast to Stitch Head. The professor is rarely seen as he’s always in his lab throwing parts together making his next creation. Other Creations making cameo appearances are a glow-in-the-gloom skeleton, a flying eyeball named Dorothea, and Bertram, a dog made of cats.
The book includes subtle humor in various ways. The first chapter is titled “Little Terrors” which describes the one hundred hungry orphans who’ve found refuge in Castle Grotteskew. The title page of each chapter consists of the title (like “One Hundred Suspects”), a subtitle (“Close encounters of the furred kind”), and frequent mad (as in crazy) musings from Professor Erasmus (“Lose your mind, not your potions”). The Creature is a large creation who often speaks through capitalized words and misspellings. He’s convinced he’s an excellent Chief (chef?) and ENTER-TRAINER but his stew full of eyeballs, tentacles, and toes found in the professor’s garbage contradicts that.
The plot is easy to follow for young readers due to its straightforward mystery. Stitch Head and Arabella want to steal food from Grubbers Nubbin to feed the orphans but a beast is now terrorizing the town. It’s introduced without dragging out the anticipation but the characters can’t figure out where it came from. They assume it must be one of the professor’s new Creations but the castle monsters aren’t monstrous and all of them are accounted for. The plot builds to an unforeseen climax in the dark of the night.
What didn’t work as well:
The story may be too simple for more capable readers and the twist regarding the beast may be predictable for them. However, the bizarre characters and humorous dialogue provide plenty of amusement. Also, it’s strange the professor has no idea there are a hundred hungry, screaming kids running around the castle.
The final verdict:
The motley band of Creations are endearing with their positive, helpful attitudes. Short chapters and delightful, gothic illustrations make this book very approachable and enjoyable for young readers. Overall, I recommend you give this book, and the series, a shot.
The main characters were created by Professor Erasmus but these Creations are adorable. Stitch Head is his first creation so he takes on the part of leader. He’s not always confident in what he’s doing but his heart’s always in the right place. Arabella was rescued from a cruel orphanage in the previous book and she’s the only main character who’s human. She has a tendency to take spontaneous action through confrontation and kicking so she’s a stark contrast to Stitch Head. The professor is rarely seen as he’s always in his lab throwing parts together making his next creation. Other Creations making cameo appearances are a glow-in-the-gloom skeleton, a flying eyeball named Dorothea, and Bertram, a dog made of cats.
The book includes subtle humor in various ways. The first chapter is titled “Little Terrors” which describes the one hundred hungry orphans who’ve found refuge in Castle Grotteskew. The title page of each chapter consists of the title (like “One Hundred Suspects”), a subtitle (“Close encounters of the furred kind”), and frequent mad (as in crazy) musings from Professor Erasmus (“Lose your mind, not your potions”). The Creature is a large creation who often speaks through capitalized words and misspellings. He’s convinced he’s an excellent Chief (chef?) and ENTER-TRAINER but his stew full of eyeballs, tentacles, and toes found in the professor’s garbage contradicts that.
The plot is easy to follow for young readers due to its straightforward mystery. Stitch Head and Arabella want to steal food from Grubbers Nubbin to feed the orphans but a beast is now terrorizing the town. It’s introduced without dragging out the anticipation but the characters can’t figure out where it came from. They assume it must be one of the professor’s new Creations but the castle monsters aren’t monstrous and all of them are accounted for. The plot builds to an unforeseen climax in the dark of the night.
What didn’t work as well:
The story may be too simple for more capable readers and the twist regarding the beast may be predictable for them. However, the bizarre characters and humorous dialogue provide plenty of amusement. Also, it’s strange the professor has no idea there are a hundred hungry, screaming kids running around the castle.
The final verdict:
The motley band of Creations are endearing with their positive, helpful attitudes. Short chapters and delightful, gothic illustrations make this book very approachable and enjoyable for young readers. Overall, I recommend you give this book, and the series, a shot.
July 16, 2017
Истински звяр и чудовищенца нарушават идилията
(Цялото ревю е тук: https://knijenpetar.wordpress.com/201...)
С много ентусиазъм и респект се приближавам към последната шеста книжка от поредицата за героя от кръпки. Кърпена глава е първият и най-неуспешен експеримент на лудия професор Еразъм Еразмус, затова не е никакво чудовище, а просто съшита от парцали и непотребни части кукла, оживяла ненадейно в тъмното мазе на историята. За сметка на това му се налага да се справя с истински чудовища, превръщайки ги в мили и сладки чудовищенца, но не без помощта на саморъчно забърканите си отвари. Както той, така и те не са хора, затова ще им простим невежеството относно нашия вид. Не можеш да очакваш нещо добро от един луд професор, нито да спреш опърничаво момиче като Арабела, което рита прекрасно и следва своята емоционална свобода. Сега събери накуп сто гладни хлапета и се опитай да ги усмириш! В книжка пет – „Звярът от Кривогреблово“ („Фют“, 2017, с превод на Ирина Борисова Манушева) – е на линия най-голямата напаст от малки чудовищенца, които са съвсем истински деца и са на път да съсипят зловещата идилия на замъка „Гротеск“. Гай Бас отново вкарва своя щекотлив и мрачен хумор, за да поднесе поредната порция приключения. Сега вече има и истински звяр, така че можем поне мъничко да се притесним. ;)
(Продължава в блога: https://knijenpetar.wordpress.com/201...)
(Цялото ревю е тук: https://knijenpetar.wordpress.com/201...)
С много ентусиазъм и респект се приближавам към последната шеста книжка от поредицата за героя от кръпки. Кърпена глава е първият и най-неуспешен експеримент на лудия професор Еразъм Еразмус, затова не е никакво чудовище, а просто съшита от парцали и непотребни части кукла, оживяла ненадейно в тъмното мазе на историята. За сметка на това му се налага да се справя с истински чудовища, превръщайки ги в мили и сладки чудовищенца, но не без помощта на саморъчно забърканите си отвари. Както той, така и те не са хора, затова ще им простим невежеството относно нашия вид. Не можеш да очакваш нещо добро от един луд професор, нито да спреш опърничаво момиче като Арабела, което рита прекрасно и следва своята емоционална свобода. Сега събери накуп сто гладни хлапета и се опитай да ги усмириш! В книжка пет – „Звярът от Кривогреблово“ („Фют“, 2017, с превод на Ирина Борисова Манушева) – е на линия най-голямата напаст от малки чудовищенца, които са съвсем истински деца и са на път да съсипят зловещата идилия на замъка „Гротеск“. Гай Бас отново вкарва своя щекотлив и мрачен хумор, за да поднесе поредната порция приключения. Сега вече има и истински звяр, така че можем поне мъничко да се притесним. ;)
(Продължава в блога: https://knijenpetar.wordpress.com/201...)
November 4, 2024
The copy I received was a digital copy for reviewing purposes. It had some pretty challenging issues with formatting. I’m sure the physical copy is fine. With that being said, here are my honest thoughts and opinions about the actual story.
It was a fun, slightly gross, very funny story with delightful illustrations. The characters were quirky and diverse. It handled some pretty tough issues with a light hand and a touch of humor and compassion. Some of the issues touched upon included not trusting a friend, forgiveness, keeping promises, and bias.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tiger Tales books, and the author for allowing me the chance to read this adventure and share my honest thoughts and opinions with others.
It was a fun, slightly gross, very funny story with delightful illustrations. The characters were quirky and diverse. It handled some pretty tough issues with a light hand and a touch of humor and compassion. Some of the issues touched upon included not trusting a friend, forgiveness, keeping promises, and bias.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tiger Tales books, and the author for allowing me the chance to read this adventure and share my honest thoughts and opinions with others.
June 26, 2018
Tohle bylo nechutné :D a příběhově celkem slabé, autor potřeboval vyřešit ty sirotky, tak s toho vznikl dost neoriginální příběh. Občas to byla sranda, ale oproti ostatním záplaťákovým dobrodružstvím tohle byla vážně slabota.
This was disgusting :D and the story plot was very weak compared to other Stitch head´s adventures. The author needed to solve the issue with all those orphans and what came out was a story without any originality. Some parts were fun but mostly boring. It is a shame.
This was disgusting :D and the story plot was very weak compared to other Stitch head´s adventures. The author needed to solve the issue with all those orphans and what came out was a story without any originality. Some parts were fun but mostly boring. It is a shame.
April 27, 2025
I love Stitch Head and his adventures are always fun. The pictures are clever and perfect for the story. Even though Stitch Head was forgotten by his creator, he is still a caring, wonderful character, so when he finds out about a creature that people are afraid of, he wants to help the creature. These stories are a fantastic introduction to horror for young people.
May 10, 2022
As interesting as usual!
July 31, 2023
First book I read, and I loved it!!!
March 10, 2023
I feel the same about this one as I did the rest of the series. I do prefer these stories without the conflict between the friends though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2017
Možná se mi to jen zdá, ale mezi prvním a pátým Záplaťákem je rozdíl. Sice malý, ale rozdíl tam je. Pátý Záplaťák mi přijde už trochu repetetivní, přináší jen pouze pár nových informací, jinak pokračuje v tom, v čem započal. Rozhodně však zasazením, postavami, humorem a také knižním zpracováním patří k tomu lepšímu, co lze na poli dětské literatury najít. A pořád mě baví číst!
December 23, 2016
Tak tento díl patří mezi ty slabší. Což je škoda. Ale naštěstí to má pořád krásné ilustrace. Pořád vtipné Zápisky šílencovy. Je tam stále ta hra s jazykem. Ale děj byl poněkud nudný.
Třetí a čtvrtý díl jsou pro mě zatím nejlepší.
Třetí a čtvrtý díl jsou pro mě zatím nejlepší.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews