The Monster Hunter (Stitch Head 6) by Guy Bass

What worked:

Stitch Head is the mad professor’s first creation although the professor forgets about his “monsters” as soon as he makes them. Stitch Head is like the caretaker guardian of Castle Grotteskew as he sees to the welfare of all creations. As the first creation, he develops a potion to tame all the monstrous beasts Mad Professor Erasmus invents. There are now over three hundred creations in the castle who are the tamest, gentlest creatures you can find. Stitch Head has protected them, and the professor, from all kinds of dangers and challenges in previous books, and this one brings the series to a satisfying conclusion.

There are two main humans in this book who present contrasting characters. Arabelle has been part of the series since the beginning and has been looking for adventure all her life. Stitch Head offered her a home in the castle after her grandmother died so she’s been unwaveringly loyal to him ever since. However, she has a temper and threatens to kick anyone who makes her angry. Even the largest and most fierce-looking creations are terrified of being kicked by her big boots. Dotty Dauntless shares Arabelle’s love of adventure but she comes to Castle Grotteskew looking for a monster to capture. She’s determined and pushy so she often gets what she wants before anyone else knows what’s happening. She fills the role of antagonist when she targets Creature as the monster she’ll haul away. Creature has been a popular character throughout the books so faithful readers will become emotionally involved.

The chapters are very short which will appeal to young or reluctant readers. The abundant black-and-white illustrations enhance the story and help readers visualize the events and characters. The pictures have a Gothic feel which fits perfectly in a story about monsters. Every chapter begins with a quotation although they come from various sources this time. Of course, Mad Professor Erasmus is the author of many of them and they’re often zany. Some of the quotations come from Dotty’s diary and mostly share some of her background story. There are even some words this time from the Creations of Grotteskew.

What didn’t work as well:

There’s a level of silliness to the book that readers must accept. When the story opens, the creations are competing to see who can be the most monstrous, and a tiny, doll-like creation named Ivo wins. The professor’s attitude toward creations is “Why add an arm, when you can add three? And some tentacles and a tail.” This quotation gives you an idea of the mad professor's cast of characters.

The final verdict:

This book ends the charming adventure of Stitch Head, Arabella, and their creation friends. The plot is clear and dramatic and builds to an unexpected conclusion. Readers who enjoy friendly monsters with a bit of humor and suspense will love this book and I recommend you give it a shot.