I love Tim Burton, always have. Well… okay, when I was a kid his movies did kind of terrify me. But hear me out! I have an appreciate for all that makes Tim Burton’s style so recognizable and frankly, iconic. It’s dark, gothic, creepy, a little unnatural, a little grotesque, and yet totally epic. It’s perfect for those kids—and adults—who see themselves as “strange and unusual.” So, for all those kids who appreciate Tim Burton (earlier than I did) we think they’ll appreciate these reads too. As everyone’s favorite bio-exorcist says, it’s showtime.
Equal parts sinister and whimsical, Falling to Fairyland is perfect for any kid (or adult) who loves Tim Burton’s ability to mix the creepy and the mischievous. Cricket is a changeling boy who must embark on a magic quest of self-discovery through a Grimm-inspired Fairyland with the help of a cursed knight from the human world. It’s dark and funny and full of style, in a perfect coming-of-age journey!
Trying to navigate the bureaucracy of an otherworldly waiting room, and unsure where a soul should go between the living and the Afterlife a la Beetlejuice? Just as Adam and Barbara must remain haunting their house for 125 years before fully moving on in the afterlife, the same happens to a badger in The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest. The titular character is Clare, an undead fox who chose to help usher souls to the Afterlife instead crossing over himself.
Corpses, skeletons, undead things—oh my! While the characters of Skeletown are bright, bold, and the opposite color scheme of the cast of Corpse Bride, fans of this Tim Burton classic will love the Día de los Muertos-inspired characters in this series. They’re more silly than scary, and this rambunctious romp cleverly features only two words: Hola. ¡Adiós! But a complete story! Enjoy!
Ok this one pulls on my heartstrings a little, and is perfect for fans of Frankenweenie! Young Victor Frankenstein just wants his dog back! While Victor figures out how to revive Sparky using electricity, Rex Dexter is not only dealing with a dead pet chicken, but wild animals all hounding him for answers. So, if pets, and even wild animals, hovering somewhere between this world and the next are your thing, start this series!
This one is for fans of Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure – or just fans of madcap adventure! The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science is a zany, high energy, totally weird (in the best way) mystery. Can the Porch sisters save their town?? I think Pee-Wee and the Porch sisters, and of course Millicent Quibb herself, would all agree that learning to embrace what makes you stand out is awesome.
It took me an embarrassingly long time to actually watch The Nightmare Before Christmas, but when I finally did, I see why it’s a beloved classic. And a story that’s sure to become a classic read? The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night. After fleeing an orphanage, young Eve is saved by the fabled Pumpkin King and swept away to Hallowell Valley—home to witches, vampires, ghosts, goblins, etc. It’s a cozy, cute story about found family, friends, and figuring out your place in the world (or undead world).
