The Kneebone Boy

Summary: Life in a small town can be pretty boring when everyone avoids you like the plague. But after their father unwittingly sends them to stay with an aunt who’s away on holiday, the Hardscrabble children take off on an adventure that begins in the seedy streets of London and ends in a peculiar sea village where legend has it a monstrous creature lives who is half boy and half animal. . . .

Thoughts: Despite the intentionally creepy vibe this book puts off, it follows more closely in the footsteps of E. Nesbit than A Series of Unfortunate Events. This gives it a comfortable sense of mystery and family that is perfect for a rainy day with a hot cup of something good. I really fell in love with the story and the characters. The plot develops well and certainly ends in a surprise I did not see coming. It's one of those books that should be reread after the first reading to better see the clues dropped. All in all, a really great feel-good kinda story!

Content: Some scenes feel a little creepy in the moment but are later revealed to not have been as dangerous or eery as they appeared. Otherwise, a clean read for all ages!