3 Reasons Why You Should Read Stitch by Pádraig Kenny, illustrated by Steve McCarthy

What’s the book about?

Stitch is not a monster – he’s a creation.

He and his friend Henry Oaf were brought to life by the genius Professor Hardacre, and have spent all their days in a castle deep in the woods, far from humankind. But when the Professor dies and his pompous nephew comes to take over the laboratory, they soon find out that his sights are set not on scientific discovery, but personal glory. And Henry is his next experiment.

Can Stitch and Henry escape his clutches and make their way in a world they were never built for – and may never be ready for them?

Recommended for: 

Ages 9+.

Three reasons to read it: 

1. Pádraig has crafted a unique and exciting spin on the classic Frankenstein tale. Through clever writing and interesting twists, the book highlights the humanity of such creations like Frankstein, Stitch, and Henry Oaf.
2. McCarthy’s illustrations capture the gothic world of Pádraig’s writing sublimely. The descriptions are well-written and the characters are fascinating, and the illustrations add an extra layer that feels straight out of a Tim Burton movie.
3. The book offers a captivating blend of science fiction and fantasy elements. As readers journey through the pages of Stitch, they’ll meet fantastical creatures, magical landscapes and hidden secrets.

Buy a copy of Stitch here.

About the author:

Pádraig Kenny is an Irish writer from County Kildare, now living in Limerick. Previously an arts journalist, a teacher and a librarian’s assistant, he now writes full-time. His first novel Tin and recent The Monsters of Rookhaven were both Waterstones Books of the Month. He has won the Children’s Books Ireland Honour Award for Fiction, been nominated for the Carnegie Medal and been shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards. This is his first book for Walker.

Steve McCarthy is an Irish designer and illustrator. Steve’s first picture book, The Wilderness, won the Honour Award for Illustration at the Children’s Books Ireland Awards. His poetry anthology with Sarah Webb, A Sailor Went to Sea, Sea, Sea, was the 2017 Children’s Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards.