The Monsters of Rookhaven

One of the most startlingly original children’s books I’ve read in years. It feels like Pádraig Kenny with Edward Bettison’s mesmerizing illustrations, has created a whole new genre – Piers Torday
A stunning book … a brand new take on the monster story * Eoin Colfer *
A magnificent, shadowy, gothic adventure full of heart, with the best first and final sentences in any book you’ll ever read. * Emma Carroll *

Unique, thrilling and moving … with its timely - yet timeless - message of choosing empathy over fear, The Monsters of Rookhaven is proof that Pádraig Kenny is one of the best children’s writers around

– Shane Hegarty, author of Darkmouth
Confidence, imagination and an ability to pluck the reader’s heartstrings confirm confirm Kenny as a writer of serious talent * Guardian *
A totally absorbing tale … magnificently illustrated by Edward Bettison * Guardian *
A wildly imaginative story … And if the opening sentence is extraordinary, the last line is a triumph * Irish Examiner *
Original and inventive, this fantasy adventure with a touch of the macabre features some of the most unusual monster characters I’ve ever come across in children’s literature. Written with such confidence and delight, it’s the perfect read for fans of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. * Sarah Webb *
Kenny embraces a new Gothic sensibility in this memorable, nuanced novel that pairs real chills with empathy and emotion. He’s certainly a name to watch. * Bookseller *
I loved this quirky tale of family and friendship, set in the Shirley Jackson-esque small town of Rookhaven * Kelly McCaughrain *
Kenny is a thrilling writer who knows how to chill his readers * Telegraph *
The (much) older reader will thrill at how this book subverts hackneyed monster tropes with glee, and how Kenny drops an S-bomb on page one (“sibilance”), crediting readers with the wherewithal to handle a polysyllable. But make no mistake, this is a children’s book, in a big font size, magnificently illustrated by Edward Bettison. * The Guardian *
This is a wonderfully gothic, funny, and spooky tale about all kinds of monsters, from the frightening beasts with sharp teeth and too many eyes to the kind who look just like anybody else. Some of Mirabelle’s family are the kind of creatures you’d be terrified to find under your bed, but Padraig Kenny’s humorous and careful characterization makes each of them feel like an old friend – uncle Bertram’s diary of every human food he’s ever tasted is a funny and sweet glimpse into what monsters might find fascinating about the human world – whilst the evil Malice stalking Rookhaven is straight out of a nightmare * BookTrust *
Full of gruesome charm and heart-wrenching pathos, this story offers a satisfying gothic fantasy at once chilling and affecting. * Publishers Weekly *

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 was a Waterstones Book of the Month and was nominated for the Carnegie, as well as being shortlisted for the Irish Book Award and several regional awards. He is married with four children. The Monsters of Rookhaven is his first novel with Macmillan Children’s Books.

Edward Bettison is a graphic designer and illustrator, born in Hull. After studying Graphic Design at Nottingham Trent University, he moved to London to work in the music industry and then on to publishing. He is known for the intricate detail in his original works, authenticity of vision and bold imagery. He lives in Brighton with his partner Susannah and his 12 year old son Kip.