Kidsmomo » tony abbott

Kidsmomo Podcast #37: “The Horror, The Horror!”

Kidsmomo — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:58:41 +0000

It seems like we always have to mention food and bad puns — even when we’re talking about scary stories! But there’s also plenty of spine-tingling terror in our latest podcast, all about spooky stuff. Are you frightened by the idea of a duel with the devil, an evil plot to turn children into rodents, and ghosts who move among mortals? Then beware our new podcast!

Download the MP3 (6.1 MB)

Which witch is the worst? You’ll meet her when we reveal our mystery book!
Our dream Halloween costume ideas
Our spooky book picks (The Boneshaker, Dying to Meet You)
Horror recs from two of YOU (The Haunting of Derek Stone and Deep and Dark and Dangerous)

Also, don’t forget: next up, we’re celebrating the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 with a special month-long theme dedicated to books for Potterphiles! So send us a review of a book that you would recommend to a Harry Potter fan, check out our “Beyond Hogwarts” booklist, and watch our review of the new movie. Cheers, mate!

— Karen and Nancy

Copy of The Boneshaker provided to Kidsmomo by the author.

The Haunting of Derek Stone by Tony Abbott

You(th) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:57:28 +0000

Reviewed by: Bethany, Age 10 from Ohio

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

i liked all four because they were exciting and i was always hungry for more.i hope that you will read it and tell me how you like it.i wish you good luck on your book hunt!

i loved this book so much.

Body-Snatching Ghosts? Bring. It. On.

Karen — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:01:56 +0000

Last week, I mentioned that I volunteer regularly at a charity bookstore. But recently, I spent an afternoon helping out at a different bookstore devoted entirely to kids’ stuff. They asked me to join their team of children’s book experts and make recommendations to customers doing holiday gift shopping. I got a printed name tag and everything. It labeled me as a “specialist.” Very legit.

Throughout the day, I suggested various books and series, ranging from Diary of a Wimpy Kid to Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls to The Invention of Hugo Cabret. But there was also plenty of time when my section of the store was empty.

The Haunting of Derek Stone Book 1: City of the Dead, by Tony Abbott

So I decided to skim through City of the Dead, the first book in Tony Abbott’s series The Haunting of Derek Stone. I’ve been meaning to pick it up for a while because I heard good things from a friend of mine. But you know me — between an endless to-read list and my scaredy cat nature, I wasn’t inclined to run out and get the book right away.

And in a sense, that was the right decision. Because this series is freaky. And you know I don’t do well with spooky books! So of course I got the chills reading about how Derek and his family are involved in a horrible train accident and everyone thinks his brother, Ronny, is dead — only for Ronny to reappear soon after, acting really different, mumbling weird stuff, and asking questions about his own life.

Understandably, Derek wants to get to the bottom of things, so he does some investigating, and what he learns is that there’s a reason Ronny isn’t acting like himself — because he’s no longer Ronny! [insert dramatic music and lightning bolt here] Okay, I don’t want to say any more and spoil the story for you, but if you want a hint, just take a look at the title I gave to this post…

And in case you were wondering, once I started reading City of the Dead, I found it very hard to put it down and actually assist customers like I was supposed to. I mean, I did it — I’m no slacker! — but the whole time, I kept my place in the book with my finger and carried it with me as I guided customers around the store. I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I actually started to resent the customers for interrupting my reading time. But can you blame me? I wanted to learn the secret behind Ronny’s strange behavior just as much as Derek did. Wouldn’t you?

Or maybe you’ve already read the Derek Stone books? Leave a comment telling me your thoughts! But for the love of body-snatching ghosts, no spoilers please!

— Karen