Posted in Book reviews by Aashi, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Camp Crypt

The cover of a children's novel: Camp Crypt

You pull off a prank, only meant to teach a boy a lesson, when the boy almost dies. The next thing you know, you are on a bus to a camp for youths who have committed crimes. You have no idea why your parents sent you to this camp, but you know you were not supposed to break someone’s neck.

At this camp, you notice some weird things, like why does the bus driver have horns or the camp director shimmer and glow? You have many ways to escape, others where you die.

Camp Crypt has twelve possible endings. I kept on trying to find a possible ending where everyone lives happily ever after. Whether you read very little or a lot you will still find satisfaction. The book keeps you on your seat and is a thriller.

I would rate the book 5 out of 5 because I thought it was great whether you made it out alive or not.  It was a fun book and I would recommend 9-12-year-olds to read it. Fionna Cosgrove has once again created such a wonderful book about wishes and pranks, vampires and criminals, and most importantly friendship and loyalty.

Camp Crypt is out now! Order a copy direct from the author.


Aashi is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of her book reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in teachers' resources

Haunts and Taunts: a book for Hallowe’en and all the nights of the year!

Haunts and Taunts cover

Boggles and ghaisties,

And four-legged beasties,

And things that go bump

In the night.

This book is another old favourite of mine. It’s out of print, but (like Pancakes and Painted Eggs) is still available at some libraries. Or you could keep an eye out at second hand book shops!

Haunts and Taunts has the subtitle: A book for Hallowe’en and all the nights of the year. It’s full of spooky stories, poems, songs (with sheet music, arranged by Margaret Moore), explanations of customs from a variety of cultures, recipes, craft activities, and scary illustrations by Deborah Niland.

When Hallowe’en is over, you can dip into this book for stories and songs to use around a campfire (or around a candle at the kitchen table when the power is out!), or anytime if you love reading about boggarts, giants, enchantments, fairies and ghosts!

Ask your favourite librarian if they have it at your library.

This book was selected for review from the Editor’s own collection. Her tattered copy is a paperback and the ISBN is 034033452 5.