The second story in a funny, deliciously dark, three-part series of twisted classics, written in verse by award-winning poet Joseph Coelho.

Joining the family business, animal-lover Bryony proves to be an extraordinary taxidermist, whose tender fingers create displays which comfort, educate and astound. But when Byrony's proud father boasts of her skill, who should come calling but the secretive King of all Mythica. Locking her away, he gives her three horrible tasks ... three impossible tasks! It's only then that a strange, sinister creature emerges from the shadows of the castle, offering Bryony a helping hand... But at what cost?

Frankenstein meets Rumpelstiltkin in this expertly-stitched story about a powerful king, a girl unafraid to stand up for her beliefs, and a monstrous little creature with magic - and greed - in his bones.

About the Author

Joseph Coelho is an award-winning poet, playwright and writer from London. His first poetry collection, Werewolf Club Rules!, won the CLPE Children's Poetry Award, and he has been writing and performing ever since. His picture books include If All the World Were... illustrated by Allison Colpoys and Luna Loves Library Day and Luna Loves Art both illustrated by Fiona Lumbers. His poetry books for children include Overheard in a Tower Block illustrated by Kate Milner and A Year of Nature Poems illustrated by Kelly Louise Judd. The first in the Fairy Tales Gone Bad series is Zombierella. Follow him on Twitter as @Poetryjoe and on Instagram as @josephcoelhoauthor.
Freya Hartas is an award-winning illustrator of children's books. She illustrated Dark Lord: Teenage Years which won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, and she won the Lemniscaat Illustration Award for her first standalone picture book, Little Kong. She also illustrated the Isle of Misfits series and Frankie Frog and the Throaty Croakers. She is the illustrator of the first story in the Fairy Tales Gone Bad series, Zombierella, written by Joseph Coelho. Find her online at freyahartas.co.uk, and on Twitter and Instagram as @FreyaHartas.

Reviews
Featured in The Bookseller's October previews. * The Bookseller *
I would recommend it to people who like freaky stories and excitement. -- Danny (10 years old) * Books Up North *
A wildly wicked twist on the Brothers Grimm classic Rumpelstiltskin, the reader is easily immersed and enthralled in the storyline. * ReadPlus *
This is a funny, clever and very enjoyable verse retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. The story takes Rumpelstiltskin back to its original darkly horrifying roots and adds a smart, likeable heroine who saves the day with a story. The lavish illustrations are warm and fun and a nice counterpoint to the gross and gory content. * BookTrust *
This is a deliciously dark and funny mash-up of fairy tales. -- . * The Week Junior *



Book Information
ISBN 9781406389678
Author Joseph Coelho
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Walker Books Ltd
Publisher Walker Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 415g
Dimensions(mm) 199mm * 130mm * 16mm