Melanie Schubert’s debut novel, Gregory and the Grimbockle, releases on November 9th. Aimed at ages eight and up, it’s a heart-warming tale of adventure that underscores the hidden connections binding us all.
My ten-year-old son and I read this book together and I am so very glad we did.
The adventure begins when Gregory discovers the Grimbockle and his cockroach steed. Revealing a secret world within our own, the lovable Grimbockle takes Gregory along as he carries out an important task. But neither them, nor their worlds will be the same in the end.
While the characters drew me in, it was the focus of their work, exoodles, and the underlying lessons revealed through the characters’ experiences that had the biggest impact on me (and my son too, I believe). This is one of those rare books that embeds itself in your heart. It has changed the way I view the emotional bonds we have with one another.
Truly a delightful tale. My son and I loved this book! And our exoodles grew reading it together! We were honored to have the opportunity to read and review a free advance copy of “Gregory and the Grimbockle”.
One final thought, if you plan to read this book in a classroom setting, I recommend you check out the Gregory and the Grimbockle soundtrack. It would be a great way to transition students when it’s time to read.
The Story
Ten-year-old Gregory is about to find out that the enormous mole stuck straight beneath his nose is not just a mole, but is actually a humpy crumpy portal of skin that hides a creature called the Grimbockle.
What’s more? The Grimbockle is just one of the many strange little creatures called Bockles tending to the mysterious threads that connect all humans from one to the other. It is a very important job and one that has long been carried out with incredible secrecy…
…that is, before tonight.
Author Bio
Melanie Schubert is a scriptwriter and songwriter for the New Zealand performing arts company, Gobsmacked. She lives in a small, cosy apartment with her beloved husband Filip, a shelf of books and a peculiar assortment of Japanese paraphernalia. For as long as she can remember, she has been staring out of windows, losing herself in daydreams, and pursuing her belief that she must carve out and follow her own path in life.
Illustrator Bio
Abigail Kraft is forever nine years old, believes in magic, and likes to draw pictures. She has decided, a childish spirit is her favorite avenue to creativity, so she fills her days with music, family, giggles, daydreams, and animated movies. Then (in true, childish fashion) she cries, grumbles, and sighs her way through unpleasant work, and shows her mom as soon as she’s made something she’s proud of. Most of all, she loves her Creator, who gave her a super fun life and promises her eternity in the most funnest place of all.
Composer Bio
Jared Kraft is a composer for film and media. His passion for music began with experience through listening, moved to expression through piano and eventually arrived at creation through composition. He finds his purpose and inspiration in his perfect Savior, his loving wife, and his wonderful family, and will always value the timeless phenomenon in which organized noise is translated into a universal language.
K.A. Cummins 