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|cover=0192739301

|website=http://www.here-be-monsters.com

|summary=Crisis! The villainous Snatcher and his gang have trapped young Arthur above ground, preventing him from bringing much-needed supplies to his grandfather. Add to that some excitable boxtrolls, a crew of helpful rats and a wide array of other creatures, and you're set for a rollicking adventure.

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What with the original 2005 issue of the book, the new version which has been shortened for younger readers, the book-of-the-film (which in the way of such things has been re-plotted and is ''inspired'' by this story, rather than merely a filmed version of it) and a whole slew of offshoots including colouring books and resource packs, it's hard to chart the exact history of the story. Not that that will matter much to young readers: they'll be far too busy chortling at the bizarre situations and ridiculous bad guys to care. Add to all that a [http://www.here-be-monsters.com website] which perfectly encapsulates the slightly Dickensian (with a dash of steam punk and swashbuckle or two) setting, and discussions of all the differences between the book and the film it has inspired, and there's enough here to fill the longest of school holidays. The countless and delightful illustrations (all done by the author) will absorb young people, and help less confident readers to gallop though the story. It's daft and funny and weird, and readers, whether or not they've seen the film, will love it.

Another excellent author who takes traditional themes and reworks them is Philip Reeve. Readers who enjoyed this story won't want to miss [[Goblins by Philip Reeve|Goblins]] and the sequels [[Goblins vs Dwarves by Philip Reeve|Goblins vs Dwarves]] and [[Goblin Quest by Philip Reeve|Goblin Quest]]. Giggles galore guaranteed.