Sunday, October 26, 2025

Stitch by Padraig Kenny - ESSENTIAL

Stitch
by Padraig Kenny
, 204 pages. Walker (Candlewick), 2024 $18 

Language: G (0 swears) Mature Content: G Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Stitch has counted the days since his awakening. When the old Professor dies, his not-so-nice nephew takes over, and Stitch learns that he and his friend, Henry Oaf, have to escape the castle's safety only to learn that they might only be seen as monsters. 

Beautifully written, this book raises all sorts of questions about what it means to be a person and the importance of being nice. As the character, Alice, tells Stitch, "It doesn't matter what you're made from, it doesn't matter where you came from, all that matters is that you're a good person. With emphasis on person." In a world where fear and contention rule, enter Stitch and Henry. This small book will redefine what a monster is and give the reader a welcome moment to pause and celebrate goodness and friendship. No race is specified, as Henry and Stitch are cobbled together from the dead. 

Michelle in the Middle 

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