A Most Peculiar Toy Factory

by Alex Bell, Nan Lawson (Illustrator)

Shadows of teddy bears flit across windows. Dolls whisper behind closed doors. Something has gone very wrong at Hoggle's Happy Toys. But five years after shutting its doors, the toy factory is opening again, and Tess Pipps has found herself a job there. As she and her siblings start their first day of work, they are about to discover what dark secrets are lurking inside the factory's walls ... A creepy mystery adventure packed with Willy Wonka-inspired humour and characters. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens, Fiction, Magic

120 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2019

About the author

Alex Bell signed her first book deal at nineteen and, since then, has written multiple books for both adults and young people. After completing a law degree, she now works for a legal advice charity. Alex lives in Hampshire with her husband, sons and Sphynx cats. She also writes as Alexandra Bell.

Reviews

[Dannii Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a story aimed at children, this began off with quite a dark tone. There was mentions of teddy bear mass murders, whispering dolls, and a haunted toy factory on the first few pages. There was also much sweetness to be found as well, with the introduction of protagonist, Tess, who lived on a farm where “its cows produced all kinds of flavoured milk, from chocolate to strawberry to banana. The farm’s bushes grew sugar mice. And they had lollipop trees and cola-bottle trees and even toffee apple trees!”

This alternating tone of cute whimsy and mild terror continued throughout. I enjoyed how the presence of the two intermingled as well as the inventive nature of the story-line that accompanied them. The final twist ensured this closed with the atmosphere and creepiness, that pervaded throughout this short story, still intact.

[Jamie Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, nicely written, held my 6yo's attention while we read a chapter or 2 a night. Felt it borrowed a bit too heavily from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory though that obviously didn't bother the kid! Mildly scary, just the right level to keep tension for a younger reader.

[Summertime Readaholic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written as a beginner chapter book for the brave at heart although it may be a bit scary for younger readers.

The plot involves magic Teddy Bears that are terrorizing other toys at a toy factory. In addition to a segment where they mention the teddies coming alive in children's homes and stabbing people with forks, there is mention of them killing (and eating) the baby dolls along with generally doing terrible things to the other toys.

Enter the children protagonists to discover all of this and find a way to stop it.

While the plot is not overly complex or involved, the end does leave you hanging a bit, making me think that this may not be a stand alone book. It has a very Problem Child meets Chucky/Dolly Dearest sort of feel and could be traumatic if your young reader has lots of stuffed animals or is easily frightened.

[nahes. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little quick story to read.

[Mary Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrifically creepy and really rather chilling read which had me on the edge of my seat throughout, eager to turn the next page, but worried about what I might discover.
Shadows of teddy bears flit across windows.
Dolls whisper behind closed doors.

Hoggle’s Happy Toy Factory has been closed for five years amid rumours of strange and evil occurrences, until the day that the new owner, Marmaduke J Hoggle, re-opens it. Ten-year old Tess Pips is intent on saving her family farm from closure, so is determined to overcome her reluctance to work there when it becomes apparent that Mr Hoggle will only employ children in his factory.
The build-up of tension and sense of dread which pervades the Pips’ children’s entry into the factory is brilliant. Of course, it is not long before they have reason to be afraid. The sinister goings on in the factory are ominously portrayed, giving the reader that edgy, jumpy feeling that watching a horror movie gives … and the chapter cliff hangers are just perfect for adding to this.
The use of sights, sounds and unexpected twists play a large part in building the creepy atmosphere: doors painted with manically grinning toys.
The clever use of horror fantasy, magical creatures, and an incredibly eerie setting leads the reader on an irresistible path to unravel hidden secrets and make new discoveries … The action is fast-paced and relentless in a good way. So much plot happens in this short story, but I can’t talk about it because I’m too worried about giving away spoilers, and this story needs to be read without knowing what to expect in order to have the full impact it definitely intends to have on the reader.
Tess is a wonderfully strong protagonist who overcomes her fears to protect her siblings and has a very matter-of-fact approach which helps her deal with whatever the factory throws at her … and it sends a lot her way! Can I just say … the ending … oh my … the ending!

[Layla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice story about a toy factory. But be away for a very young child it can be scarey in. Places this book, a little over the top I thought for a child’s book, but a good read for an older child.

[Amy (Golden Books Girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a huge fan of Alex Bell`s middle grade, I was really excited to hear that she had a Barrington Stoke novella coming out and it didn`t disappoint. It`s the story of a girl named Tess who goes to work in a mysterious toy factory with her younger siblings in a bid to save her family`s farm for closure, and the events that unfold there. Tess is a great heroine and I liked how capable she was, as well as the variety of supporting characters around her. The settings were something else I really enjoyed- Tess`s farm sounds SO cool and the toy factory had a creepy yet quaint vibe. The otherworldly additions were fantastic too- this feels very similar to our world, but with magic, and I just like spending time in Alex Bell`s worlds. My favourite thing about this was definitely the ending though- I really hadn`t expected it to end that way and it`s left me hoping there might be a sequel! 4.5/5

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devilish. Deliciously evil. Creepy. Who doesn’t love a good bit of scare and tension?! A ‘haunted’ toy factory, some creepy teddies and siblings who just don’t wanna be there!

[Ik · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 9yo and I loved it.