About This Book
Reach for this book when you want to nurture a child's love for wordplay, history, and the delightful side of the macabre. This story is perfect for children who enjoy clever puzzles and eccentric characters, offering a whimsical mystery that balances spooky atmosphere with genuine humor. Through the eyes of Ada Goth, children explore the value of curiosity and the importance of working together to solve problems in a world that celebrates being different. The book follows Ada and her friends as they investigate strange occurrences at a high-stakes literary dog show held at her sprawling, gothic home. Beyond the mystery, the story highlights the strength found in friendship and the joy of creative thinking. It is an excellent choice for independent readers aged 7 to 11 who appreciate detailed illustrations and sharp wit, providing a sophisticated yet accessible reading experience that builds vocabulary through its many literary puns.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
While the tone is whimsical, the "creepy" gothic atmosphere and the mystery of a potential supernatural beast (including eerie howls and large footprints) may cause mild distress for very sensitive readers who are prone to fears of monsters.
Ideal Reader
A 9-year-old reader who loves the 'creepy-cute' aesthetic, enjoys uncovering literary easter eggs, and appreciates books where the illustrations are just as important as the text.
Parent Prep
No specific scenes require previewing. Parents might want to familiarize themselves with basic 19th-century literary figures (like Jane Austen or the Brontës) as the book is packed with parodies that children might ask about. None.
Age Experience
Younger readers (7-8) will be drawn to the gorgeous illustrations and the physical humor of the dogs and the mystery. Older readers (9-11) will better appreciate the clever wordplay, the historical parodies, and the satirical take on competition.
What Makes It Special
Riddell's unique fusion of high-art illustration with middle-grade humor creates a 'collector's item' feel. The book includes a miniature 'pull-out' book at the back, making it a tactile and immersive experience that most digital-first books cannot replicate.
Read plot summary
Ada Goth lives in Ghastly-Gorm Hall, a sprawling estate filled with secrets. In this installment, her father, Lord Goth, is hosting a literary-themed dog show featuring contestants like Sir Walter Splott and Plain Austen. However, strange events begin to plague the competition: eerie howls, giant footprints, and destroyed footwear. Ada teams up with her friends in the Attic Club and the visiting Vicarage sisters (Charlotte, Emily, and Anne) to discover if there is a supernatural beast on the loose or something more human behind the chaos.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Ada's father, Lord Goth, is often busy or distracted. How does Ada find her own ways to be happy and busy at Ghastly-Gorm Hall?
2
The guests at the dog show are all parodies of famous writers. If you were a famous author in this book, what kind of dog would you bring and what would you name it?
3
The Vicarage sisters (Charlotte, Emily, and Anne) help Ada with the mystery. What special skills did each sister bring to the team?
4
Why do you think Lord Goth chose to host a 'literary' dog show instead of a normal one? How does he show his love for books throughout the story?
