Stitch: Reimagining Frankenstein

by Pádraig Kenny

“In a lightning-storm of beautiful writing, Pádraig Kenny brings his extraordinary cast of characters to perfect, charming life. A marvelously delicate parable of friendship and compassion, Stitch is witty, elegant, and profound.” —Jonathan Stroud

In a Frankenstein-inspired adventure, Stitch and his friend Henry Oaf were brought to life by the genius Professor Hardacre. But when his wicked nephew takes over the laboratory, they soon discover that the new professor's sights are set on Henry as his next experiment. Can Stitch and Henry escape his clutches and make their way in a world they were never built for—and that may only ever see them as monsters? Literary yet accessible, warmhearted yet chillingly gothic, this beautiful novel, described by the London Times as “exceptional,” explores themes of life and death, friendship and acceptance, all through a page-turning adventure about what it means to be human.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Horror, Retellings, Childrens, Gothic, Victor Frankenstein

208 pages, Hardcover

Published July 22, 2025

About the author

Pádraig Kenny is an Irish writer who hails from Newbridge in County Kildare.

His debut novel Tin was published in 2018 and was Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month. It has been nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal and several other awards.

His second novel Pog was published in April 2019 and was Independent Bookseller's Book of the Month.

His third novel The Monsters of Rookhaven was published in September 2020 by Pan Macmillan. It won the Honour Award for Fiction in the 2021 KPMG Children's Books Ireland awards and was Waterstones Children's Book of the Month in October 2021, and has been nominated for the Carnegie Medal. It has also been optioned by Dream Logic Studios with the intention of adapting it into an animated movie. The sequel, The Shadows of Rookhaven, was published in 2021. The Shadows of Rookhaven won the KPMG Children's Books Ireland Honour Award for Fiction in 2022.

His fifth novel "Stitch" was published by Walker Books in 2024. It was Times Children's Book of the Month in January 2024. This was followed by "After" in 2025.

Reviews

[Marta Demianiuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mądra i wzruszająca, a do tego w sam raz na spooky sezon.

Autor wykorzystując wątki zaczerpnięte z “Frankensteina” w ciekawy sposób porusza temat różnorodności, oceniania po wyglądacie, ale także śmierci i radzenia sobie ze stratą bliskiej osoby. A robi to w sposób bardzo delikatny, z wrażliwością na wiek młodych czytających osób. Zakochałam się w mądrości Zrostka 💙.

[Kirsty Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to begin with this book because my goodness, what difficult topics it addresses, but does so in the most compassionate and empathetic way. This book is not what I was expecting. Kenny has created a tale with familiar (yet tweaked) fantastic characters that challenges and deals with the themes of loss/grief, family/friendship, hatred and acceptance in such a poignant and accessible way for all audiences. For this reason this book is dark and emotional for reasons other than the fact that it’s a middle grade horror. Definitely one to pre-read before giving to a younger audience, but perfect for parents/adults looking for a way to discuss/explain some of these important issues.

[akacya ❦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

2025 reads: 222/300

i received a complimentary finished copy from the publisher as part of their influencer program. i am leaving this review voluntarily.

content warnings: death, fire, ableism

in this frankenstein-inspired middle grade novel, stitch discovers the good and the bad of the outside world as he searches for his friend henry. he’s joined by alice, a girl who has been shunned by others for her differences, and together they explore what it means to be a monster vs. a human.

this was such a sweet book! i really didn’t know what to expect besides being like frankenstein, but i loved how this book used that element to explore themes of empathy and humanity. stitch has been “awake” for over a year, but has never left the castle he resides in until his friend, henry, runs away. unfortunately, it doesn’t take stitch too long to realize that other people were not raised with the same principles as he was, that everyone is different and that’s okay. i loved seeing stitch explore more of the outside world and even prove some rude people wrong. i recommend this book to MG readers who like frankenstein!

[Joanne Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant tale about how being a good person far outweighs appearance.
Loveable characters and strong themes make this a must-read for all ages.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an utterly delightful book that was a joy to read. It is aimed at an audience of approximately nine years plus, and will be enjoyed by children, young people and adults alike.

For my full review please visit my blog at:

https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first english book ! It was Incredible !

[DaNae · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle and empathetic Frankenstein retelling. Maybe a little too on the nose with the message at times. Stitch as a character is endearing.

[Méabh McDonnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect dream of a book! Stitch is Frankenstein as you’ve never read it and how you will always remember it afterwards. A remarkable achievement by Padraig Kenny and a beautiful book.

[book_matula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dzisiejsza recenzja to spojler, ale i historia, która poruszyła moje serce. „Zrostek” autorstwa Pádraiga Kenny'ego przenosi nas do niezwykłego świata, w którym nauka splata się z filozofią, a pytania o sens życia stają się centralnym motywem. To opowieść o poszukiwaniu własnego miejsca w świecie, bliska młodym ludziom. Napisana prostym, a zarazem poruszającym językiem, przypomina coś na wzór „Frankensteina”, ale jest znacznie bardziej rozwinięta. Książka skierowana jest do młodszych czytelników, szczególnie w wieku 9-14 lat, jednak dorośli również znajdą w niej coś dla siebie. „Zrostek” skłania do refleksji nad ważnymi życiowymi kwestiami, takimi jak sens istnienia, śmierć czy relacje międzyludzkie.
To powieść, która porusza wiele głębokich i uniwersalnych problemów, które mogą dotknąć każdego z nas, np. tożsamość: Kim jesteśmy? Skąd pochodzimy? Jakie jest nasze miejsce w świecie? – to pytania, które zadają sobie zarówno Zrostek, jak i inni bohaterowie. Poszukiwanie odpowiedzi na te pytania stanowi jeden z głównych motywów książki. Zrostek, jako stworzenie pozbawione przeszłości, zadaje fundamentalne pytanie o sens istnienia. Jego rozmyślania o życiu i śmierci prowadzą do głębokich refleksji nad tym, co czyni życie wartościowym. Przyjaźń i relacje międzyludzkie: Relacja między Zrostkiem a Henrykiem to piękna opowieść o przyjaźni, która rodzi się w najbardziej nieoczekiwanych okolicznościach. Pokazuje, że przyjaźń może połączyć osoby zupełnie różne, a jej siła jest w stanie przezwyciężyć wszelkie przeszkody. Powieść stawia również pytania o granice badań naukowych oraz o to, czy wszystko, co jest możliwe, jest również moralnie dopuszczalne. Eksperymenty Profesora nad stworzeniem życia budzą wątpliwości etyczne i skłaniają do refleksji nad odpowiedzialnością naukowców. Wielu bohaterów doświadcza poczucia samotności i odrzucenia, co jest uniwersalnym doświadczeniem, które może dotknąć każdego z nas.
Bohaterowie, których poznacie, są tak różnorodni jak w codziennym życiu, więc każdy znajdzie kogoś, kto jest mu bliski, a może kogoś, kto ma cechy dobrze znane z otoczenia. Tytułowy Zrostek, stworzony przez Profesora, pozbawiony przeszłości, ale obdarzony niezwykłą wrażliwością i dobrocią, jest postacią, która z pewnością wzbudzi waszą sympatię i współczucie. Jego rozmyślania o życiu i śmierci prowadzą do głębokich refleksji nad tym, co czyni życie wartościowym. Zrostek jest postacią, która (jestem przekonana) wzbudzi waszą sympatię, ale i współczucie, stanie się takim jakby przewodnikiem po skomplikowanych zagadnieniach poruszanych w książce. Nie byłoby Zrostka, gdyby nie Profesor – naukowiec zafascynowany tajemnicami życia i śmierci. Podczas czytania z Helenką miałam różne, czasem sprzeczne wrażenia, bo z jednej strony to genialny umysł, z drugiej – człowiek samotny, poszukujący sensu swoich badań. Profesor jest zarówno opiekunem, jak i więźniem swoich eksperymentów. Kolejnym wartym uwagi bohaterem jest Henryk, drugi ze stworzeń Profesora, odmienny od Zrostka zarówno pod względem wyglądu, jak i charakteru. Henryk to postać burzliwa, pełna emocji, które często wymykają się spod kontroli. Jego relacja ze Zrostkiem to fascynująca opowieść o przyjaźni, która rodzi się w najbardziej nieoczekiwanych okolicznościach. Najbardziej urzekł nas sposób, w jaki Henryk się wypowiadał, jego szarmanckość oraz to, jak traktował nowo poznane osoby. Historia z króliczkiem sprawiła, że początkowo Hela nie darzyła go sympatią, lecz z czasem zmieniła zdanie.
Poznacie też Profesora Hardacre to on m. in. jest tym nowo poznanym osobnikiem, więc jakie Henio (nie tylko on) miał przyjemność poznać. Poznacie również Profesora Hardacre'a, który wnosi do życia Zrostka i innych bohaterów niepewność oraz zagrożenia. Hardacre to naukowiec z przeszłości, którego pojawienie się zmusza bohaterów do zmierzenia się z trudnymi pytaniami o tożsamość i lojalność. Alicja, asystentka Profesora, to postać, o której mogłabym pisać bez końca. Jej dobroć podbiła nasze serca. Wiele tłumaczy Zrostkowi, ale niestety jest niedoceniana przez Profesora. Młoda kobieta o wrażliwym sercu, z początku odgrywa rolę drugoplanową, jednak z czasem nabiera coraz większego znaczenia. Alicja staje się dla Zrostka przyjacielem i przewodnikiem w nowym, nieznanym świecie.
Wtrakcie czytania nie spodziewałam się tego, co autor porusza w książce, a są nimi bardzo popularne w dzisiejszym świecie tematy, takie jak: Inność: Zrostek jest outsiderem, który nie pasuje do żadnego schematu. Jego historia to przypomnienie o tym, że każdy z nas jest inny i że różnorodność jest czymś wartościowym. Przyjaźń: może powstać między osobami zupełnie różnymi, a jej siła jest w stanie przezwyciężyć wszelkie przeszkody. Sens życia: co czyni życie wartościowym i co pozostaje po nas, gdy odejdziemy. Zmusza nas czytelników do zastanowienia się nad własnym życiem i jego wartościami oraz trudny temat, czyli Śmierć: Temat śmierci jest obecny w powieści od początku do końca. Zrostek nie ma pojęcia o tym, czym jest śmierć, a jednak jest zafascynowany tym zagadnieniem. Jego pytania o to, co się stanie po śmierci, są uniwersalne i dotyczą każdego z nas.
Cała książka napisana jest prostym, zrozumiałym językiem, dzięki temu jest zrozumiała dla czytelników w każdym wieku, a jednocześnie porusza głębokie tematy co według mnie ważne będzie w wyjaśnieniu naszym dzieciom tych tematów. Skłania do refleksji i zachęca do tego, aby spojrzeć na świat z innej perspektywy. Polecam tę książkę wszystkim, którzy szukają wzruszających historii o przyjaźni i poszukiwaniu własnej tożsamości. Inność i akceptacja: Zrostek, jako istota stworzona w laboratorium, jest outsiderem, który nie pasuje do żadnego schematu. Jego historia to opowieść o trudnościach związanych z byciem innym i poszukiwaniu akceptacji.
Jestem w szoku i mówię to z ręką na sercu. Piękna książka z pięknym przesłaniem. Widząc córkę jak czytałyśmy bądź słuchałyśmy było fantastyczne, bo te tematy zostaną z nią na zawsze. Wiele jej pokazały, uświadomiły. Mimo że znała je z naszych rozmów to miała taki konkretny przykład na konkretnych bohaterach. Warta jest uwagi przez dorosłych, bo większość z nich zapomina o tym, czym jest przyjaźń, że inność nie jest czymś złym, o tym, że każde dobro materialne jest niczym bez rodziny, osób nam bliskim.

[NyxShadow · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Voici un roman à classer dans la catégorie plus jeunesse que YA. Il est accessible dès la 6e et peut même s'inscrire dans le cadre du programme de français avec le thème du merveilleux.
L'auteur nous propose ici une version revisité du mythe du docteur Frankenstein et de sa célèbre créature.

Stitch est un jeune homme qui s'est éveillé il y a environ 500 jours. Son quotidien offre peu de surprise, mais il arrive à s'émerveiller des petites choses. Le docteur, qui lui a "donné la vie" ne lui demande pas grand chose.
Un jour pourtant, c'est le neveu du docteur qui débarque au chateau, accompagné d'une jeune fille. Stitch et son ami Henry, le "premier", vont alors apprendre que le docteur est mort. Mais en plus de devoir appréhender le concept de mort, les deux amis réalisent qu'ils n'ont plus vraiment d'objectif. Ils sont un peu livrés à eux-mêmes. Rapidement, le neveu du docteur veut reprendre les expériences de son oncle, sur Henry même. Ce dernier, refusant par peur, s'enfuit.
Stitch va alors décider de courageusement partir à sa recherche.

Comme dans l'autre série de l'auteur, Les Monstres de Rookhaven, nous allons ici nous pencher sur la figure du monstres, mais aussi et surtout sur ces personnes qui sont mis à l'écart et maltraitées parce que différentes.
On aborde le thème de l'identité, de l'unicité de chaque être mais aussi l'acceptation des autres.
Stitch est une version plus jeunesse, mais propose un héros principal terriblement attachant. Parfois naïf, il n'en demeure pas moins farouchement fidèle et déterminer à découvrir les choses sans déroger à ses principes. Il pense que nous sommes tous différents et que c'est cela qui rend le monde si beau. A travers ses yeux, on se prend à rêver d'un monde plus paisible.
Néanmoins, il reste assez craintif et se méfie des autres. C'est pourtant lui, lui avec son grand cœur et son idéal d'acceptation qui va faire avancer l'histoire et proposer aux différents protagonistes d'avancer dans leur histoire et de s'accepter tels qu'ils sont.

De part le choix de la catégorie, dès la 6e à mon sens, on a un roman relativement naïf, mais aussi un peu candide et rapide. Cela ne m'a pas vraiment dérangé tant j'ai trouvé l'ensemble touchant et cohérent. Si on est un peu éloigné de l'histoire d'origine, où l'on s'interroge moins sur la partie métaphysique/philosophique des expériences du docteur, cela n'empêche pas d'aborder de nombreux thèmes tout aussi importants. Une jolie découverte.

[watermelonreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

#Stitch by Padraig Kenny is a heartwarming tale that dives deep into the essence of friendships and the intricate reasons behind people's behavior, reminding us that perhaps circumstances shape individuals. This novel goes beyond a traditional narrative, delving into the realms of philosophy and identity.

One of the remarkable aspects of "Stitch" is its exploration of the philosophical question of existence. Stitch and Henry, brought to life from the remains of the deceased, ponder their own sense of self, exhibit empathy, and contemplate their place in the world. It's a poignant exploration of the complexities of being different in a world that often fears and ostracizes the unfamiliar.

The metaphorical representation of monsters in the story, with the villagers hating Stitch and Henry due to their uniqueness, provides a thought-provoking reflection on society's inclination to label and reject those who don't fit the mold. "Stitch" beautifully underscores the value of diversity, highlighting how our differences enrich the world we live in.

While the book delves into some darker philosophical territory, it balances this with the characters of Stitch and Henry, who maintain an enduring sense of wonder and curiosity about the world. Their innocent perspective provides a heartwarming contrast to the more somber themes of the narrative.

Ultimately, #Stitch delivers a powerful message about acceptance and the harm of prejudging others based on their differences. In a world that could learn a lot from this story, it reminds us of the importance of embracing diversity and nurturing kindness.

[Wendy Bamber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely loveable characters, this tells the tale of Stitch and Henry, beings created by a professor using the cast off body parts he can find. They are kind and well spoken but destined to lack in confidence, labelled as monsters that they only realise when they come across village folk who see them as different. I think this will be popular with The Wild Robot readers, and although the story came to a conclusion I did sense an opening for a sequel. Perfect age 9+ does deal with death and grief though so you’d need to know your class before you did this as a read aloud.

[emkart_andbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oryginalna wariacja nawiązująca do „Frankensteina”, a jednak zupełnie inna, świeża, ale wciąż w gotyckim klimacie.
W opowieści o Zrostku Autor poruszył skomplikowane do wytłumaczenia i przekazania dziecku wartości, a udało mu się to zrobić w bardzo błyskotliwy sposób.

[Hannah Rials Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frankenstein for kids who like a bit of spook but not too much. Carries through the same questions as Frankenstein with a focus on goodness and individuality. Stitch and his friends are also charming characters.

[TurningPagesClem · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect Middle Grade for everyone who likes spooky but heartwarming stories.
I love Stitch and Henry so much !

[Emma]

Read for staff book club. A Frankenstein-inspired story for a younger audience. Lovable characters with a positive message.

[Kasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zdecydowanie dla czytelników w każdym wieku ❤️

[Cathie (ClassyLibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this book!!!

[Nancy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC not realizing it was a book for kids. But wow- pleasantly surprised and glad I read it! Such a sweet story about friendship, kindness, love. But also about how hard and cruel the world can be. Also hits topics like bullying and how it’s ok and good to be different. Excellent message with a slight creepy undertone. I would have adored this book as a kid. This should be a staple in 7th grade classrooms- every kid should read this as well as most adults. 5 stars from me!

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if Victor Frankenstein had created more than one sapient creature? Would they all be the same, or would the creations become more precise as Victor had time to perfect his experiments? This is the baseline for Irish author Pádraig Kenny’s latest middle grade novel where readers meet Stitch and Henry in a reimagining of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Living in a castle with the Professor, Stitch marks each day on his bedroom wall before following his daily routine. Stitch has never left the castle grounds and has never spoken to another human other than the Professor and Henry. Until one day there is a knock on the door and Stitch’s life is turned upside down. Professor Hardacre (who is the nephew of Stitch and Henry’s Professor), and his assistant Alice have come to visit, but Hardacre’s intentions are questionable. Soon it’s discovered that the Professor has passed away, and Hardacre wants to use Henry (and Stitch) for his own science experiments. As a friendship grows between Stitch and Alice, he begins to question what it means to be human while also learning how cruel people can be to those they see as different. When Henry escapes in the middle of the night, Stitch knows he must leave the castle to find him; Alice, who is finally finding the courage to fight back against Hardacre, joins him in the hunt. Along the way, they encounter some villagers and are chased by the mysterious hooded figure who used to bring supplies to the castle in the middle of the night. But when the villagers decide that Henry and Stitch are monsters to be hunted, Stitch has to find a way to save them all before it’s too late.

Kenny packs a lot of plot into just under 200 pages and doesn’t shy away from some very dark topics (death, bullying, abuse, and unethical science experiments), yet his overall message is about acceptance and how being different shouldn’t be seen as a bad thing. It’ll have more astute readers pondering  what truly defines a person, their body or their personality, right along with Stitch. Of course in Stitch’s case, he’s questioning if he can really be Stitch when his body is made up of pieces from other people. Without giving the plot away, it turns out that the Professor created more beings than just Stitch and Henry. But each creation is unique. Stitch is much more eloquent than Henry, who tends to make up his own words (like “depictorizes” and “scientificacious”), showing how the Professor’s experiment improved with each creation. Most characters cue as White, while Stitch and Henry are described as having grey skin. Alice has a hump on her back that has caused her to be shunned by society. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[whatbooknext · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been 585 days since Stich began living in the castle with his friend Henry and the professor. Actually, it's been 585 days since Stitch began.

He hasn't seen the professor (who gave him life) for a while, but he doesn't like being interrupted when he's working. When the professor's nephew named Professor Hardacre comes to stay, life in the castle drastically changes.

Professor Hardacre does things differently than his uncle and Stitch and Henry aren't keen on him at all. Their professor treated them with respect - seeing them as people in their own right with their own quirks and personalities. Sure, Henry has been locked in his cage for a while, but that's only because he gets excited easily and then tends to break things.

Professor Hardacre has also brought a young assistant with him. Her name is Alice and she understands Stitch and Henry and that they too have feelings. She is a little different herself, and tries to shield them from the insults her employer throws about.

When Hardacre begins doing his own experiments, Stitch and Henry begin to worry. These experiments seem dangerous and it becomes quite clear that Hardacre believes that Henry somehow needs fixing. Stitch tries to reason with this younger professor, but he refuses to listen.

Stitch has always dreamed of being an explorer, like in the book he was given by the old professor. His maker warned against it, trying to explain that the world beyond the castle is quite different than the one they know in the castle. But soon there is no choice and Stitch, Henry and Alice must flee.

Just as he'd been told, it isn't long before they are seen by the outside world, and their differences are just too much for strangers. Stitch cannot comprehend what the problem is. Isn't everyone different in their own way?


What a wonderful story!

I love anything with a Frankenstein flavour and Stitch is definitely that. Sure there are cries of 'Monster!' and flames and pitchforks waving in the air, but Stitch and his friends are kind, friendly and very clever in the empathy and understanding department - with no concept of ugly or different.

I really enjoyed the way the author shows how these two creatures obtained their skills, and that their professor had taught Stitch to be a good 'person'.

Stitch is a great ambassador for acceptance, non judgement and inclusivity within an exciting tale of adventure and discovery.

As Stitch would say - "Everybody is different, and this is what makes the world such a curious and interesting place."

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story for the 7-11 audience that really achieves what it wants. It is imbued with the Frankenstein essence, without ever labouring the fact, and seems all the better for it. Stitch is a Frankensteinian monster, but only in that he is a child constructed out of parts, sewn together a year and a half ago. He's not alone, as someone else in their remote and isolating castle was created the same way. But when a certain Professor's nephew comes calling, it is only going to shock Stitch – the very creator he thought had been tired out and sleeping for almost a year now, is in fact dead. Over the course of the story we are told humans can be monstrous, that looks are nothing to go on when faced with character, and we see in very much revisited form something that could be a cheesy tenth-generation Hammer Franken-reboot, but factors in the (potentially) naive girl, the giant with no sense of his own strength, the fixated scientist, the blind stranger, and everything the Frankenstein story involves (in the mind of those who have never read it, at least) and more.

And that is where I am divided in my opinions over this. No, it is not that I expect all the target readers to know the James Whale film and its following movies, but the fact remains this would be so much easier to deem a classic if it didn't rip off something to what this adult found a bizarrely great and obvious amount. You twig that this beat is open to the story, that it can potentially cover that, and that that character may do the work of someone else in the film, and all comes to pass. And I think it could have twisted things a lot more, without losing the Franken-sense and still feeling fresher.

But as I say, this, to a young reader is fine – to a point. I found the word-play, where one character comes up with uber-falutin' and, well, monstrously long words a bit much. That aside, however, it's four-star fine – the drama is certainly there, and the hero is goodie without being too goodie-goodie – you can see the line he could so easily have crossed into insufferable tweeness and schmaltz, but you can see him carefully avoid it. This then is an adventurous look at an old text, and one layering on the moral of kindness and acceptance, in a thankfully wokeness-free and honourable manner. In several ways, then, it is close enough to being a Whale of a time.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What worked:
Stitch and Henry are loveable, unassuming characters, and Stitch’s goodness is the most special part of the book. People living outside the castle might consider them monsters, but that’s only because of their appearances. Stitch always follows Professor Hardacre’s orders, and one of them is to not let Henry out of his cage. Henry is clumsy and breaks things. The Professor also said he’s not to be disturbed under any circumstances, so Stitch has not disturbed his sleep for 327 days. Stitch tends to take things literally, so there’s confusion when he hears figures of speech. His response to a simple, “How do you do?” is, “How do I do what?” Henry views himself as highly “intellitude” and is gifted with “handsomeness”, and young readers will enjoy his playful vocabulary.
In contrast, the professor’s nephew, Professor Giles Hardacre, is a man of science and sees Henry and Stitch as specimens and materials to be studied. After meeting Henry for the first time, Giles is sure he can fix the Professor’s first creation. This causes Henry to flee the castle, with Stitch and Alice, Giles’ assistant, following later to find him. They find unexpected dangers from The Hooded Man and frightened villagers. Stitch’s kindness and positive outlook guide his choices and change prejudiced minds.
The concept of death confuses Stitch when he learns the Professor will be gone forever, and the concept is discussed throughout the story. The meaning of the word “person” also puzzles Stitch, since he was created from the parts of dead bodies. Is he a person when he wasn’t really born? Friendship and forgiveness are other thoughts readers will encounter through Stitch’s interactions with others. His openness and goodness make everyone a potential friend, and he treats adversaries with respect and understanding. Readers will be surprised when Stitch turns volatile situations into reflective moments of transformation.
What didn’t work as well:
Some more able middle-grade readers may pass on reading this book because it seems too simple. However, the story explores real-life thoughts and emotions with fun and a feel-good story.
The final verdict:
This is a charming story for young readers with several positive messages. I recommend you give it a shot!

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Walker Books for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I haven't made a secret before of my general dislike of adaptations, as I don't always see the point of them. But this isn't an exact like-for-like adaptation, this is its own story that takes elements from the classic Frankenstein. This is also obviously a children's book whereas the original was definitely not.

This has less about the professor and the creation of Frankenstein's monster, and more about what happens when the 'monster' becomes more human. Where is the line between human and non-human, and who are we to decide where it is.

There is such an innocence in this book which is reflected in Mary Shelley's own work. This innocence that we have as children but lose as we get old, which is a shame, as it's nice to have a bit of naivety sometimes. And Stitch is just adorable. He's nothing special as such. He's a creation that should or should not have been created, and he's just trying to find his way through his new life. And Henry...he's less developed than Stitch, more of a creation than a human, but he has human qualities and characteristics that I think qualify him as a sentient being, and not solely an experiment.

For a children's book, it has so much depth, so much heart. It doesn't beat around the bush, it shows humanity in its best and worse forms, and really asks questions of the reader that those of a younger age may not have considered before.

I wonder if in the finished book there will be illustrations. There weren't any in my digital version - not that it promised any - and I think it would really work even better with some illustrations to go alongside it. It would help bring the story to life a bit more, and appeal to the younger end of the reading age.

It is very moving. I wasn't expecting it to be so. Which seems odd, as I found the original moving so of course this would be too. It's sad at times, several times in fact, btu there's also friendship and love and joy and hope - it's about being secure with your differences.

A very enjoyable read, and it's made me want to reread the original Frankenstein now.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I don’t know much about the world, having been in it only a matter of nearly six hundred days or thereabouts, but I have noticed that some people use words such as ‘monster’ or ‘freak’ when they encounter someone they perceive to be different. But as I told a friend of mine once, everybody is different, and this is what makes the world such a curious and interesting place.” (162)

Inspired by FRANKENSTEIN, STITCH will have readers thinking about what makes a person, what makes us human, and the value of differences.

Stitch, like his predecessor and friend Henry Oaf, was a creation of the Professor. He was assembled from dead, no longer “useful,” things. When the Professor dies, his place is taken over by his nephew, Professor Hardacre, who wants to continue his uncle’s experiments and “fix” or improve Henry and Stitch.

Henry runs away, and, with the help of Hardacre’s assistant Alice, Stitch goes out in the world to find him. Alice herself has had a hard life, abandoned by her parents and treated badly because she is physically different. “People. The tend to make the world…not the nicest place. Especially when you’re like me. Especially when you have nothing.” (52)

Stitch, ever the optimist, thinks the best of people, “I like people. I don’t know many, but I like them. I like you especially, Alice. You are pleasant and friendly, and I feel I can trust you.” (53) But as they travel, he finds that people are not always ready to accept him.

But Stitch, with his innate empathy and kindness and wish to make the world better, doesn’t give up on winning them over.

This is an adventure filled with loveable characters, and those are not so loveable, heroes and bullies, that will make readers think about what constitutes a person as well as how we treat those who are different. While coming into the world differently and having distinctive physical traits, Stitch embodies “five of the most important qualities of being human: consciousness, empathy, creativity, resilience, and the pursuit of meaning and purpose.” (Brooks, Dr. Robert. “What Makes Us Human”)

[Katarzyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dziś przychodzę z polecajką książek dla młodszych czytelników, którzy lubią się bać. 😱 Te trzy pozycje od @wydawnictwo_kropka idealnie nadadzą się na #spookyseason 🎃👻 i jesienny czas, 🍂 ale równie dobrze można po nie sięgnąć o każdej porze roku. Dostarczą one nie tylko rozrywki, ale też wiedzy i ważnych przesłań. 👍

Pierwsza książka to "Zrostek", czyli retelling bazujący na klasycznej powieści "Frankenstein". 🧟‍♀️ Jest to historia okraszona nutką grozy, która zmusza do refleksji nad naturą człowieczeństwa i prawdziwym znaczeniem słowa "potwór". 🤔 Zrostek, powstały z połączenia różnych części ludzkich ciał, na pierwszy rzut oka budzi strach, ale tak naprawdę jest szlachetną istotą o wielkim sercu. ❤️ W książce poruszone są uniwersalne i niezwykle aktualne tematy: wykluczenia społecznego, pochopności osądów i nietolerancji. Przesłanie tej niezwykle mądrej lektury wybrzmiewa naprawdę mocno, dlatego będzie cenną lekcją dla młodej osoby. 👌

Kolejna propozycja to cudnie wydany "Atlas zaświatów", który odkrywa tajemnice krain zm@rłych, ☠️ zapisanych niegdyś w wierzeniach ludów z wszystkich zakątków świata. Znajdziemy tu powszechnie znane, ale też i mniej popularne wizje zaświatów. Eksplorację ubogacają piękne ilustracje, 😍 które tworzą niesamowity klimat i pomagają wyobrazić sobie opisywane krainy. Czyż jesienne wieczory 🍂 to nie idealny czas na fascynującą, choć miejscami mroczną podróż przez krainy zm@rłych❓️👻

Ostatnią, ale nie mniej ciekawą od pozostałych propozycją, są "Straszydła". Ten przepiękny album oferuje przyprawiającą o dreszcze podróż przez świat najbardziej znanych postaci z horrorów. 🫣 Szata graficzna książki zachwyca, 🤩 a jej mroczny klimat wprowadza w odpowiedni nastrój. Uwaga - niektóre ilustracje są naprawdę przerażające❗️😱 Narratorem jest tu sam Edgar Allan Poe, który oprowadza nas po galerii potworów i upiorów, przedstawiając kolejno takie legendarne postacie jak Dracula, potwór Frankensteina czy tajemniczy Upiór w Operze. Każdej historii towarzyszy szczegółowy opis. 👌

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stitch didn’t come first. Henry Oaf, his best friend, did. They live in a castle with the Professor, although they haven’t seen him for a while. He asked not to be disturbed while he was resting. That was 328 days ago.

Now Professor Giles Hardacre and his assistant, Alice, have arrived at the castle and things will never be the same.

Stitch, a wannabe explorer who has never left the garden, is learning what he’s made of. Literally and figuratively.

“It doesn’t matter what you’re made from, it doesn’t matter where you came from, all that matters is that you’re a good person.”

Stitch’s story is one of loss and grief but it’s also about self discovery and standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult. Stitch is an absolute sweetheart.

Steve McCarthy’s cover image is what drew me to this book in the first place, with its Tim Burton vibes and bats. I love the bats pictured throughout this book. The chapter heading illustrations are relevant to the chapter’s content and often mean more once you understand the context.

Even if you’ve never read Frankenstein, pop culture osmosis has likely done its thing, so you’ll be both expecting and dreading the townsfolk bearing torches scene. You’ll desperately hope it doesn’t happen, though, because Stitch is the kind of character that you want to throw yourself in front of the flames for.

He wears his heart on his sleeve, he’s loyal to his friends and he is so adorably innocent. The world is new to him and everything he sees is a marvel. He makes you want to see through his eyes.

“I’ll always be your friend, Stitch. Of that you can be certain. Henry Oaf and Stitch. Friends for ever.”

Thank you so much to Walker Books for the opportunity to read this book.

Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com

[books.bintulu · Rating 5 out of 5]

July 2024: Stitch

Stitch was created by The Professor. He is kind, innocent and thoughtful. He has a friend, Henry Oaf and they all live in the castle. One day, the Professor's nephew, who is also a professor, and his assistant Alice, came to check on his uncle. They found out that the Professor was long dead.

The nephew, Professor Hardacre came with a hidden agenda too. He wanted to carry out an expansion from the experiment done by his uncle, targeting Henry Oaf. He tried to trick Stitch to help him but Stitch trusting his conscience, failed the experiment. The next day, Henry left the castle.

Stitch went to search for Henry and it was his first time getting out of the castle vicinity. Alice, who disagrees with Professor Hardacre, follows Stitch. Their adventure to search for Henry and face the outside world then began.

💚💚💚

Stitch's curiosity, tenacity and intelligence will melt your heart as it did to me. Stitch thrives as his conversation with Alice helps him to find answers. Friendship with Alice, Henry Oaf and later with the persons he met along his journey is gold!

There is more than just the storyline that hooked me to the end. This book contains all the values that we want our generations to learn:
💚accepting the differences of others
💚grieving. Stitch was very curious to know where the Professor went after the death and Alice's answer is thoughtful.
💚be brave to speak up. Stitch took the moment to explain to the villagers who he was.
💚be kind and help others. Stitch is always willing to help anyone in need

If you are a fan of Frankenstein and David from A.I. Artificial Intelligence the movie, you gonna love this one. I received this review copy from #Pansing thank you!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: Stitch wakes up, just as he always has done for the past five hundred and eighty-four days he has been waking up.

Premise/plot: Is Stitch a reimagining of Frankenstein? No. Yes. Maybe, a little. Stitch and Henry Oaf are the results of an experiment, though, whether their creator was 'mad' or not could be debated. Stitch is certainly fond of his Creator, Professor Hardacre. Henry is perhaps less so since he's been caged for being too clumsy and prone to breaking things. But the Professor has been "asleep" for many, many, many days. Stitch knows the rule of never waking him, so, he is slightly uncomfortable with how things are but not alarmed. When visitors--the Professor's nephew and a young girl, Alice--arrive, Stitch learns the awful truth. The Professor is more than sleeping. The good news? Henry can come out of his cage at last. The bad news? The nephew--who leans towards being a scientist of the mad, evil sort--is determined to experiment further on HENRY and STITCH. Can these two "monsters" escape the "monster" scientist? And will they find peace in the nearby village? With Alice by their side, these two stand a better chance than Mary Shelley's monster ever did.

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this intriguing read. I definitely came to care for the characters of Henry, Gregor, Stitch, and Alice. There were brief 'inspired-by' moments to the original Frankenstein, however, these were few and far between. The concept of electricity bringing the dead back to life is borrowed, obviously, but the story, the characters, the motivations, etc., everything is original.

I definitely appreciated the writing and the storytelling.