Publication Date: 4 January 2023

The Blurb

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?

The Review

Stitch is a story about identity, friendship, and the pursuit of freedom in a world that struggles to understand or accept differences. Stitch and Henry, far from monstrous, grapple with their unique origins and their place in a society that may never be ready to accept them. Their world is thrown into danger when the Professor passes away, leaving them vulnerable to the desires of his nephew, a man shrouded in ambition and moral ambiguity. Tension, terror, escape, and a quest for a place to call home follow.

Padraig masterfully crafts a haunting, gothic world that draws you into the depths of their mysterious castle and the ominous woods that encircle it. The atmosphere drips with isolation, ensuring neither Stitch nor Henry understand what awaits them beyond its walls.

What makes this story stand out isn’t just the thrilling adventure – it’s the philosophical questions it asks of the characters and the readers along the way. Stitch’s simple questions dive deep into the essence of what it means to be human, exploring themes of acceptance and self-discovery. Stitch and Henry aren’t just artificial creations; they’re everything it means to be a good person with their unwavering friendship, loyalty, ability to forgive, and offer kindness in the face of cruelty.

A beautifully told story of humanity that will linger long in my thoughts.

Great for fans of:

• The Maker Of Monsters by Lorraine Gregory
• Troofriend by Kirsty Applebaum
• Boot: Small Robot, Big Adventure by Shane Hegarty

Stitch asks some simple questions with big answers that, throughout history have sparked philosophical debate. If you’d like to find out more about some of histories biggest thinkers who changed the world, try Great Minds: 2500 Years Of Thinkers and Philosophy by Joan Haig, Joan Lennon and illustrated by Andre Ducci.