Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel

By Author / Illustrator

Guy Bass, Pete Williamson

Genre

Comics & Graphic Novels

Age range(s)

Publisher

Little Tiger Press Group

ISBN

9781788956376

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

01-02-2024

Synopsis

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. Full of monstrous fun, Stitch Head the Graphic Novel is perfect for fans of David Walliams, Amelia Fang and The Nothing to See Here Hotel.

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...?

Find out more in our Q&A with author Guy Bass and illustrator Pete Williamson

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Reviews

Stitch Head lives in Castle Grotteskew with his creator, mad scientist Professor Erasmus. As the Professor continues to experiment with increasingly dangerous ingredients, Stitch Head works hard to keep the Professor safe whilst feeling increasingly ignored and abandoned. When a stranger comes knocking at the Castle door, Stitch Head is torn between the life he knows and the possibility of being unforgettable.

The Stitch Head books were very popular in school when they were first published so I was delighted to see that a graphic novel version has been created. Stitch Head himself is a wonderfully endearing character. When first created, he and the young Erasmus did everything together until it was time for Erasmus to become the next mad professor of Grotteskew and Stich Head was forgotten about. Lonely and unhappy, he is desperate for some affection from his master, inspiring empathy from readers. Despite his neglect, Stitch Head rises to the occasion, saving his master and the Castle, proving that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

There is plenty of humour in Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel, both through the illustrations and the text, but the book also explores the importance of friendship, building trust and not judging others on their appearance. Fulbert Freakfinder, owner of the Travelling Carnival of Unnatural Wonders, makes the sort of sneaky, devious villain who is very easy to dislike whilst Arabella Guff (a girl from the village of Grubbers Nubbin), Creature (another of Erasmus's creations) and Stitch Head make an excellent team.

The excellent, atmospheric illustrations add much to this brilliant story!

144 pages / Ages 8+ / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher