Barry Hutchison (Author), Lee Cosgrove (Illustrator) - Night of the Living Ted - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books Book Review

When Lisa Marie and her step-brother Vernon pop into town to get their dad a birthday present, they discover the Create-a-Ted shop is offering free Halloween bears! Making two grisly bears for themselves and choosing an Elvis bear named Bearvis for Dad, they head home. That night the shopkeeper brings the bears to life for nefarious purposes … but Vernon’s bear, Grizz, doesn’t want to be a slave to humans – he wants to rule the world! Converting the shopkeeper’s Stuff-U-Lator into a machine for turning living matter into stuffed bears, he begins to prowl the streets. Can the children and Bearvis save themselves – and the world – from being stuffed?

WARNING: No Teddy Bears were harmed in the making of this book - they were only stuffed!

One of the most asked questions we receive is: what books would you recommend for readers around the ages of six or seven that have a scary element to them but are not ghost stories? This for me would be a good start to answering this question. It is the latest book by Barry Hutchison entitled Night of the Living Ted. The first book in a brand new series, this has already been published by Stripes Publishing and is out in shops now. 

The book has been illustrated by Lee Cosgrove which makes it even more fun and appealing to this particular age group. The illustrations add life to a story that is already brilliant and very enjoyable. The book cover image is especially clever; it really gives the reader the idea of what to expect inside the cover. For me, it captures the essence that you will definitely love it and, if you don't then we will set the teddies on you. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. Only five-star ratings on Amazon PLEASE. 

The magic of this book is that it will appeal to everybody regardless of age. You will laugh all the way through this crazy plotted story that harks back to the early books written by Barry Hutchinson's such as the INVISIBLE FIENDS series. The book is so funny that I found myself laughing on many occasions, especially if you are familiar with "THE KING" (Elvis Presley). The puns come quickly just like the action. The concept of the story revolves around Teddy Bears coming to life and wreaking havoc on their local neighborhood. Stealing, destroying and turning parents into slugs, what more could you want. It will both hook and transport you into the slightly sinister world of the author's childhood fantasies. (I think he might have read too many comics if you ask me!)

This book will provide great family entertainment. However, it also depicts the relationship between step-siblings and the feelings they have between each other. It develops another side to the story which just adds a little element of thinking.

You will never look at a Teddy Bear in the same way again. Those glassy eyes will be staring at you in a sinister way - you might want to watch your games console, just in case .... You'll certainly want the planet to be saved from these cuddly monsters. This is a five-star book full of fun, laughter and much much more .... Just watch your step and remember no teddy bear is to be trusted!

Barry Hutchison - Spectre Collectors: Too Ghoul for School (Nosy Crow) - Book Review (Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books)

Denzel is having no luck with his maths homework. First, it's too difficult, then there's a terrifying mess of smoky black tendrils that wants to kill him, then two teenagers explode through his window holding guns and throwing magic. They are the Spectre Collectors, and spooky is their speciality. Realising that Denzel has a special gift, they sweep him off to their headquarters for training. Tested with awesome weapons and ancient magic, Denzel realises just how little he knows. But there's a serious problem on its way from the Spectral Realm, so Denzel has a lot to learn. FAST.

Spectre Collectors: Too Ghoul for School is the first book in a supernatural adventure series from author, Barry Hutchison. Published 7th September 2017 by Nosy Crow 

This is a very funny book that even adults will find humorous. For me, it was like being transported back to my childhood. If only this type of book had been written when I was younger then what fun I would have had reading it. How fortunate we are now, having so much choice and with so many talented authors gracing our bookshelves. 

Denzel, the main character, is very endearing and might not be classed as your average hero character. However, Smithy (his sidekick) is my favourite character. He is full of sarcastic wit and is very laid back. They make a comedy pair like no other. "What would you rather fight?" Smithy began. 

"Go ON" said Denzel. "A zombie with the brain of an evil genius, or an evil genius with the brain of a zombie?" The questions and the replies will make you laugh and also make you think, this goes on all the way through the book and I really loved this. Interestingly, what would you choose? 

The story has a snappy narrative that will really help reluctant readers engage in the story. It is really easy to read. I found myself so engaged that I ended up reading it in just one sitting. It is written in an all-out action comic book style. Nosy Crow, yet again, have adapted this really well just as they have in so many of their previously published books. Some of the action sequences are 'too cool for school' but will certainly engage your magical socks right off your literal feet. 

The book is very imaginative and has a real punch of a twist later on. It is full of magical mayhem, fire power and some very nasty monsters. I particularly loved the RUBBISH-MONSTER classic caper narrative gold. However, I think I would have loved a little more detail weaved into some parts of the story, but this might be from an older readers perspective. It would also have been interesting to have included more of the amazingly detailed illustrations by Rob Biddulph, who also did My Evil Twin is a Supervillain by David Solomons. He really is a fantastic illustrator.

This is a great start to a new series. It is a gadget, supernatural, monster action-fest that has a fantastic immersive feel which 8-12-year-old readers will love to read, as well as big kids like me. I for one am certainly looking forward to the next book.

About the Author

Barry Hutchison, author of over eighty books for children and teenagers, and adults who never properly grew up. I live in Fort William in the Highlands of Scotland with my wife, two children, and very annoying dog.

As well as books, I also write comics like The Beano, DC Super Hero Girls, Angry Birds and Supermansion.

I also write animation, including all six episodes of Dreamworks TV’s upcoming ‘Kip Van Creepy: Delivery Boy’ and an episode of ‘Supermansion’ starring Bryan Cranston and Chris Pine.

Website:http://barryhutchison.com

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Barry Hutchison (Author) Katie Abey (Illustrator) - Worst Ever School Trip (Beaky Malone Bk2)

It’s been 92 hours since Beaky last told a lie. So far he’s survived two full days of school with only three light beatings, two telling-offs and one wedgie ... but the annual school trip is going to take Beaky’s survival skills to a whole other level – especially as a mix up in the school office means that Beaky and his class are on a trip to Learning Land, an educational theme park aimed at eight-year-olds. And home to cheery-but-creepy Clumso the Clued-up Clown whose job is to dish out fascinating facts to one and all. 

But there is worse to come when Beaky’s partnered with Wayne, a.k.a the school bully, who has a morbid fear of clowns. With Beaky unable to tell a lie and Wayne intent on beating him up, things aren’t looking good. And that’s before they find themselves on the run from a manic clown who’ll seemingly stop at nothing to track them down…

Lock all of your doors and run for cover as "Beaky Malone" is back in January 2017. When this book landed on my doormat, I had a sudden uncontrollable itch to hide it. I'm not sure why, but where could I hide this book? (Natural thought coming through) AND it suddenly came to me . . . . . the moon, that's a far enough away place, right?  

It is all well and good having a great idea at 7am in your underpants, but the first thing is, where do you get a rocket from? I can hear you all scream that NASA has one, but the second thought was, why was I feeling like this? WHY?

I sat down with a cup of tea, just to calm my nerves, but also to marvel at the brilliant book cover produced by Katie Abey.  When all of a sudden, I let rip a RIPLEY mighty fart that shook all of the houses in the street (I don't mind telling you). By fart power alone, the pages turned and I started reading THE BOOK which was a VERY big BIG mistake indeed, as I'm now mentally scarred and it's all Barry Hutchison's fault for bringing Beaky Malone into the reading world. 

Kids - you are going to love this book. Adults - you going to shake uncontrollably as your sense of humour is tested to the limit. Teachers - you are going to scream, run and then hide (this is a natural instinct when you come up against a character like Beaky Malone). Be also aware when you read this book, that you are going to see clowns everywhere; they are going to haunt your nightmares, so be prepared. Clumso the Clued-up Clown will leave you feeling very disturbed indeed. 

This story follows directly from the first book (World's Greatest Liar) in the series. In that book, Beaky is the star of the show. He is a fantastically written character, who is an outrageous liar. As a result, he was shoved into a "truth-telling machine" at Madame Shirley's Marvelous Emporium of Peculiarities. When he emerged, Beaky couldn't tell even the slightest little fib. In fact, he then feels compelled to utter every truth and honest thought that enters his head. This concept carries on throughout the book to great effect and will leave you running for random madness, factual or not. 

The narrative is clever, witty and infectiously funny for all ages. At times it's edgy, and Beaky Malone's real life observations are right on the mark, giving this book a big thump of reality amongst the slap stick caper inside the pages. Katie adds to this with her brilliant illustrations making this book a recommended read for everyone.  Explosively funny, upbeat, uplifting and delightfully imaginative - what more can a reader ask for? Another book, perhaps?! NO!!!

This is a great way to start the new year.... published by Stripes Publishing on the 12th January 2017. 

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Barry Hutchison - Beaky Malone: Worlds Greatest Liar Blog Tour 2016

Now Beaky can't tell a lie - not even a teeny-weeny one - and a truth-telling Beaky is even worse than Barry Hutchison telling fibs all day. Beaky Malone World’s Greatest Liar was released on 2nd June 2016, published by Stripes Publishing and is set to be a super funny MG read! 
So welcome Barry Hutchison to "Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books." Catch up with cheeky Beaky Malone here in chapter one. 

Chapter 1 – Meet Beaky 

Theo heaved his bag higher on his shoulder and shot me a doubting look. 
“You don’t believe me, do you?” I said. 
He shook his head. “That you’ve been asked to go on an expedition to the North Pole?” he snorted. “No, Beaky, not really.” 
I pulled a wounded face. “That hurts, Theo,” I said. “Considering you’re meant to be my best friend, that really hurts.” I took a deep breath. “But you’re right. I haven’t been asked to go on an expedition to the North Pole.” 
“Knew it,” Theo said. 
“I’ve been asked to lead the expedition.” 
“Oh, right,” Theo replied. “Well, that’s much more believable.” 
“Apology accepted,” I said, as we rounded the corner leading on to our street. Theo lived three doors down from me, and we’d walked to and from school together since Reception class. We’d been the same height when we’d started, but these days he towered above me like a beanpole. 
“I didn’t apologize!” Theo grumbled. 
“You apologized in your mind,” I said. “Trust me. 
I’m moderately psychic.” “Course you are,” 
Theo laughed. “What number am I thinking of?” 
I tapped the side of my head with a finger. “Four.” 
Theo’s eyes widened a little, then he shook his head. “Lucky guess.” 
“I knew you were going to say that,” I told him. He grinned. “You’re such a liar, Beaky.” 
“How dare you, sir!” I said, raising my fists. “Do you know what happened to the last person who called me a liar?” 
“Yeah, nothing,” Theo said. “It was me earlier this morning when you said that eating jam made dogs explode.” “It does!” I protested. 
“I read it in a book.” 
We stopped outside Theo’s house. “Anyway, what about you?” I asked. “What are you up to this weekend?” 
“Well, I can’t compete with visiting the North Pole,” Theo admitted. “So I’ll probably just play Xbox and eat crisps.” 
I nodded. “Usual, then.” 
He vaulted over his gate and into his garden. “Pretty much. Enjoy the snow, Beaky. Watch out for polar bears.” 
“Oh, I’m not doing it,” I said. “They wanted me to wear a jacket, so I said no. I never wear jackets.” 
“You’re wearing one now,” Theo pointed out. 
“This is a waterproof coat,” I said. “They’re two very different things, Theo. Everyone knows that.” 
Theo laughed. “I stand corrected. See you tomorrow, then?” 
“You provide the Xbox, I’ll bring the crisps,” I said. We did our complicated farewell handshake, which neither of us really knew how to do properly, then said our goodbyes. I grinned the rest of the way home. Xbox and crisps. This was going to be a brilliant weekend. 
Or so I thought. 
“So,” said Mum, looking round the dinner table. 
“How did everyone’s day go?” 
Mum was smiling at us far more enthusiastically than usual. That, combined with the fact she’d made us a massive fry-up – which she only did on special occasions – told me something was up. I watched her closely, trying to figure out what it might be, but Mum could be pretty cagey when she wanted to be. 
Dad smiled. “Today, I wrote a song about…” 
He did a drumroll on the table with his fingers. “Toilet paper,” he announced. He dipped a chip in his fried egg and sat back. “I know, I know, I can tell you’re very impressed, but please … no autographs.” 
“Toilet paper? I bet it stinks,” I said, grinning proudly at what was clearly an excellent joke. No one else seemed to get it, though. 
“You take that back, Dylan,” said Mum. “Your dad works very hard writing his silly little tunes to put food on this table.” 
“Silly little tunes?” said Dad, gasping and clutching at his chest. “I’ve never been so insulted!” 
Mum waved a hand dismissively. “You know what I mean.” 
Dad shrugged. “Yeah, fair enough.” 
She had a point, I suppose. Still, I wasn’t convinced Dad worked that hard. The last jingle he’d written had been for a dog-food advert, and just went “Woof, woof, woof, woof, woof, woof,”over and over again. 
“Sorry, Dad,” I said. “I’m sure your song’s great.” Dad shook his head. “Oh, it isn’t. It’s terrible. But thanks, anyway.” 
“What about you, Jodie?” said Mum. 
All eyes went to my sister who was slowly shoving some beans around her plate with her fork. She looked up and tugged an earphone out of her ear. “What?” 
“How was your day?” said Mum. 
“All right,” she shrugged, then she put the earphone back in. 
Mum kept smiling at her, expecting more. It didn’t come. 
“OK, then!” she said, turning to me. “Dylan?” 
“I fought a swan.” 
Mum blinked. Clearly, she hadn’t been expecting that. She glanced across to Dad, who rolled his eyes in response. 
“Right, well. A productive day all round, then,” Mum said. She cleared her throat nervously, then reached over and tugged Jodie’s earphones out. 
“Hey!” 
“I got a bit of good news today,” Mum announced, smiling far too broadly for it to be natural. “Aunt Jas is coming to visit!” 
Dad gasped. 
Jodie groaned. 
I spluttered into my glass, spraying orange juice up both nostrils. It was surprisingly refreshing. 
“What?” asked Dad. “What do you mean, ‘Aunt Jas is coming to visit’?” 
Aunt Jas is my aunt. The clue’s in the name, really. She’s Mum’s sister, and a bit like Mum, only younger, darker-haired and much, much louder. The last time she’d visited had been over a year ago, and we were only now starting to recover from the ordeal. 
Aunt Jas is a little bit … full on. She speaks at 100% volume all the time, and has a way of screaming when she laughs that sounds like fingernails being dragged down a blackboard. She and Mum always manage to rub each other up the wrong way, and are 
constantly trying to outdo one another. Her last visit had ended in them having a full-scale screaming match in the cinema. In front of 200 
people. During the film. 
I doubted Mum was looking forward to the visit, 
but she was doing her best to put a brave face on it. She popped a chip in her mouth and gave a shrug as she chewed. “I mean Jas is coming. For the weekend. Her and Steve and—” 
“Not the kids,” said Dad, his eyes widening in horror. “Please, not the kids.” 
“Of course she’s bringing the kids,” Mum tutted. “What else would she do with them?” “Sell them to the zoo?” muttered Jodie. 
“That’s no way to talk about your cousins,” Mum snapped. She was getting annoyed. Any minute now she’d start tapping her foot. Any minute after that, she’d explode. The tension needed to be defused and fast. Time to deploy some Beaky charm. 
I blew the juice out of my nostrils and set my glass down on the table. “Well, I think it’ll be nice having them here.” 
Dad and Jodie stared at me in disbelief. Even Mum blinked in surprise. “You’ve told some whoppers in your time, Beaky,” said Jodie. “But that’s got to be the biggest yet.” 
“Stop calling your brother ‘Beaky’,” said Mum. 
“Everyone calls him Beaky.” 
“Well, they shouldn’t,” Mum said, leaning over and giving my hand a comforting squeeze. “It’s not his fault he’s got a massive nose.” 
“I wouldn’t say it’s massive,” I protested. Jodie nodded. “It is. It’s proper massive.” “It’s statuesque,” I said. 
“It’s elephantesque, more like.” 
I flicked my fork, firing a ketchup-coated chip in Jodie’s direction. She ducked at the last moment, and our Great Dane, Destructo, leaped up from the floor and snatched it out of the air. It was a bit like a scene from Jurassic Park, but with a dog instead of a dinosaur, and a chip instead of a screaming tourist. While Destructo isn’t quite as big as a T-rex, his appetite is pretty similar. 
“Hey!” yelled Jodie, snatching up a wobbly fistful of egg. 
Dad held his hands up for calm. “Cut it out, you two,” he cried. “Everyone just calm down. Stop throwing food. Stop going on about Beaky’s massive great nose and let’s deal with the problem at hand.” 
He waited for Jodie to put her egg back on her plate (which she did, much to Destructo’s disappointment), then took a bite of sausage. “Now,” he said, chewing thoughtfully. “When are they coming?” 
“Tonight,” said Mum. 
Now it was Dad’s turn to choke. He seemed to inhale the sausage in one sharp breath. His eyes went wide and he frantically thudded at his chest, coughing and 
spluttering in panic. 
“Stand back, I know the Heimlich manoeuvre,” I announced, leaping up from the table. I didn’t really know the Heimlich, obviously, but I’d seen someone do it on telly once and it didn’t look all that difficult. 
Wrapping my arms round him from behind, I heaved my dad to his feet. It turns out he’s heavier than he looks, though, and I immediately toppled 
backwards, pulling him down with me. We hit the ground with a thud and an oof. The sudden impact launched the lump of sausage high into the air, where it was immediately caught by a delighted Destructo, who had no trouble swallowing 
it at all. 
Jodie leaned over the table and peered down at us. “So, that was the Heimlich, was it?” 
“Advanced Heimlich,” I wheezed as Dad rolled off me. “Just something I invented.” 
“Tonight?” Dad yelped, finally finding his voice. “Why are they coming tonight?” 
“Wasps,” said Mum. 
Jodie, Dad and I all looked at one another. 
“Everyone else heard her say ‘wasps’ there, right?” I asked. 
“They’ve got awasps’ nest,” Mum explained. 
“They’re not bringing it, are they?” I asked. 
Mum tutted. “Don’t be silly, Dylan. It’s in their house. They can’t get anyone to deal with it until Monday.” 
Dad’s face went a funny shade of purple. “Monday? They’re not staying until Monday, are they?” 
“Of course not,” said Mum. Dad seemed to relax a little, but it didn’t last long. “They’re staying till Tuesday.” 
“WHAT?!” 
Mum smirked. “Not really. They’re going home on Sunday.” 
Dad sat down in his seat and shifted uncomfortably. He looked at the rest of his sausage, then pushed the plate away. “I suppose it might not be that bad,” he said. “It’s only a couple of days.” 
“That’s the spirit,” said Mum, but she looked just as ashen-faced as Dad did. “And who knows? It might even be fun,” she added. 
“Fun?” Dad spluttered. He forced a smile. “I mean … fun. Yeah. Fun. You might be right.” 

As it turned out, though, she wasn’t.

With thanks to Barry Hutchison. 

Beaky Malone is available to purchase here.

Artwork by Katie Abey 

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Barry Hutchison - The 13th Horseman - Book Review

The road to scaring children is definitely not the easiest of paths to take when writing a story. However, in the past, Barry has done a great job with his first five books in the Invisible Fiends series. These have already been published and are doing really well, but now it's time to seek pasture new and green. Welcome to Barry's new sequence of books entitled AFTERWORLDS - I'm not sure how many will be in the series, but I hope it's lots.

The first thing that you will notice about this story is the brilliant book cover - it is absolutely 100% bonkers. This book comes with a warning,it will put a massive grin on your face. In fact my jaw is still hurting now that I come to think of it. This book is essentially a trip back into Barry's mind - plucking out everything that he has enjoyed reading and then crammed it into this book with equal measure. The result is a fight between Pratchett, Gaiman and his childhood memories - which comes out on top I have no idea.

This book is brilliant. However, if Barry's reading this review then we will tell him, for his own sake, that it's a bag of bilge water and not to be read unless supervised by a moral understanding of life coming to end as we know it. It's the funniest book that I've read for a long time. The plot and the characters are both highly imaginative and very awe inspiring. I actually have no idea as to what they story is really about - although it features a flying shed and three horsemen of the apocalypse playing snakes and ladders, drinking tea and eating chocolate! It also includes Drake (not you average heroic young boy) who has no cares in the world. That is until he's told that he's a good candidate for Death and therefore he's the man for the job.

There are a number of fantastic visionary instruments of torture and a transformer-like epic monster who battles it out in the park. This action scene involves a great deal of madness and the characters are very engaging. It has great comedic moments that will leave you chuckling to yourself. 

I hope that this review is grabbing you as potential readers as I think that this is Barry's best work. However, it has me written all over it - a fantasy world that is well written but with a touch of darkness to give it light. In fact I think it is up there with the best of them; just about anyone and everyone will love to read it. It has everything going it for it so don't wait for the world to end, read it now. 

You can follow more of the madness by reading the Diary of the Apocalypse here: http://www.the13thhorseman.com/

Barry Hutchison - The 13th Horseman Book Cover Revealed By David Wyatt

Recently I saw this amazing image for the forthcoming new book written by Barry Hutchison. However, we will all have to wait until March 2012 for it to be released. Although, I have a small synopsis below to tempt you into reading more . . . . . enjoy!

Drake Finn has just met the Horsemen of the Apocalypse but is that really the end of the world? Pratchett meets Python in this dark comic fantasy with plenty of action, perfect for 11+ boys
Drake is surprised to find three horsemen of the apocalypse playing snakes and ladders in his garden shed. He’s even more surprised when they insist that he is one of them. They’re missing a Horseman, having gone through several Deaths and they think that Drake is the boy for the job. At first he’s reluctant to usher in Armageddon but does being in charge of Armageddon have to spell the end of the world?
An apocalyptic blend of riotous comedy, heart-stopping action and a richly imagined fantasy adventure.

Many thanks to David who gave permission for his cover to be shared on this blog. To view other fantastic preliminary sketches for this book please click on the link below to visit Mr Wyatt's blog. http://davidwyatt.posterous.com/the-13th-horseman

PUB DATE!! Video: Barry Talks Doc Mortis - Blog Tour Day 4

Today is the opportunity to finally get your hands on a copy of book four within the Invisible Fiends series - Doc Mortis. However, just before you all rush off to the shops to purchase a copy, Barry has made a video blog examining all things related to Doc Mortis and also to answer some of your recent tweets. 


Doc Mortis is the scariest book that Barry has written so far and therefore, you will soon find yourselves on a nightmare ride of expert medical treatment or not . . . . This is a great series to read so get ready to rush off to the shops.



Kyle wakes up in hospital – which is strange, because he doesn't remember being ill. And that's not all. He's also deliriously flitting in and out of the Darkest Corners, and in the shadow version of the hospital the surfaces aren't clean, and the sharp instruments aren't used for healing.
It's Kyle's most terrifying experience yet, and it's about to get much, much worse.
The doctor will see him now…

Barry Hutchison - Invisible Fiends: Doc Mortis Blog Tour - (The Scariest Ride of your Life)

                               


Commencing on Monday 1st August, Barry Hutchison and the Doc will be spending a fortnight visiting a number of blogs as part of the Invisible Fiends: Doc Mortisblog tour. You can see the full schedule of the stops on the blog tour by clicking on the banner to the right of this page or going directly to http://www.barryhutchison.com/the-doc-mortis-blog-tour/


To see the beginning stages of the schedule please see the outline below. I feel very privileged to have Barry stopping by my blog on the actual publication day. 


I hope that you will follow and tweet about this blog tour. However, be ready for the scariest ride of your live. Do please leave us your comments.


August 2011 – Week 1

Monday, 1^st: Tour kicks-off at Bookzone for Boys  – Running extract no. 1 of the ‘Rise of Doc Mortis’ short story

Tuesday, 2^nd: Serendipity Reviews – Extract No. 2

Wednesday, 3^rd: Sarah’s Reviews  – Extract No. 3

Thursday, 4^th: PUB DATE!! Video: Barry Talks Doc Mortis on Mr. Ripley’s Enchanted Books