Quick Look
- Readers will chuckle at Mr Crump's cartoonishly bad behaviour -- skipping the queue at the bakery, making pigeons into stew and stealing from his neighbour's vegetable patch
- The story takes a charmingly sweet turn when trick-or-treaters discover Mr Crump's cuddly secret, and his life is changed forever
- Encourages empathy and shows young readers that not everyone is what they appear to be
- Reminds us that sometimes a person's actions stem from a difficult past, and that love and kindness can heal old wounds
- Stephanie Leon's distinctive artwork is reminiscent of Tim Burton and creates a beautiful seasonal atmosphere as the story moves from Halloween into Christmas time
Mean old Mr Crump undergoes a surprising change in this heartwarming tale about the power of kindness. A darkly comical picture book with moody, cinematic artwork -- perfect for fans of The Grinch and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Description
Mr Crump doesn't like animals or holidays or cheer of any kind. He takes from others and never says thank you. And he especially detests children.
But the curmudgeonly old man has a secret. He LOVES teddy bears. His house is full of them. When trick-or-treaters accidentally uncover his cuddly collection, Mr Crump begins to feel a glimmer of warmth grow inside him...
Could it be that Mr Crump is not so heartless, after all?
Darkly comic and full of compassion this tale of the power of kindness and capacity for change is brought to life by Stephanie Leon's cinematic artwork. Perfect for fans of The Grinch and The Nightmare Before Christmas, it's sure to melt even the most cantankerous heart.
Author
Pog is an award-winning writer of comics for children and adults, with a background in songwriting and applied Art studies. His picture books include Le Renard Tokela, which won the Prix des Incorruptibles in 2019. Pog lives in Brittany, France.
Stephanie Leon studied literature and worked as a cabinetmaker before becoming a full-time illustrator. She developed her Renaissance-informed art style while working on restoring church doors and moulded ceilings. She is inspired by shadows and old-fashioned things. Stephanie lives in Dordogne, France.
Katy Lockwood-Holmes studied French and Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh. She works in publishing and lives in Edinburgh, UK.
