He screamed at the top of his lungs.
Mrs. Weird laughed at him, her skeleton mouth drawn into a twisted snarl, and vanished into the night.
---THE END---
~~~~~
For more adventures in Weirdville, be sure to check out The Doll Maker and House of Horrors, both available now from Evolved Publishing.
Acknowledgements
When I was a kid, I loved reading scary stories. My favorite horror authors were R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike. They inspired me to come up with my own frightening tales to tell my friends. Without those stories, I would’ve never become an author, so thank you for inspiring me.
Many thanks to my editor, Lane Diamond, for being patient and meticulous while reading my manuscripts.
An enormous amount of thanks goes to Noelle Giffin, the extremely talented artist who made the fabulous covers for this series.
Of course, I can’t leave out my family and friends, especially those who’ve been there to listen to me when I’m nagging about writing, or rambling about my newest plot. You’re the best.
But most of all, I’d like to thank the readers. You’re the reason I write—to tell the stories I want to tell to people who want to hear them. I hope you enjoyed this book!
About the Author
Majanka Verstraete begged her Mom to teach her how to read while she was still in kindergarten. By the time she finished fifth grade, she had read through the entire children’s section of her hometown library.
She wrote her first story when she was seven years old, and hasn’t stopped writing since. With an imagination that never sleeps, and hundreds of possible book characters screaming for her attention, writing is more than a passion for her.
She writes about all things supernatural for children of all ages. She’s tried to write contemporary novels before, but something paranormal always manages to crawl in.
Majanka is currently studying for her Master of Laws degree, and hopes one day to be able to combine her passions for law and writing. When she’s not writing, reading or studying, she likes watching “The Vampire Diaries” and “Game of Thrones,” spending time with her friends, or playing “World of Warcraft.”
Find Majanka online at:
Website: http://majankaverstraete.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Majanka-Verstraete/398570476832115
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iheartreads
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/eternalised
What's Next from Majanka Verstraete?
Watch for the continuing adventures in Weirdville, with brand new books coming in 2014.
Also watch for Valentina and the Masked Mummy, in the continuing children’s picture book series Valentina’s Spooky Adventures, due to release in the spring of 2014.
More from Majanka Verstraete
THE DOLL MAKER
(A Weirdville Book)
This spooky (in a fun way) lower grade adventure, perfect for kids 7-10 years old, is now available. For more information about this book, please visit the Evolved Publishing website.
~~~~~
The strange new doll shop has been around for a month or so, but Derek never paid much attention to it before. Now his little sister wants one of those dolls staring at him from the window, the ones that look so human they give him the creeps. Well, what Derek’s sister wants, she gets.
When he tells his friends, Martin and Jamie, about the new doll shop, they want to see for themselves. Although that has ‘bad idea’ written all over it, he takes his friends there. They meet the mysterious doll maker, who reminds Derek of Dr. Frankenstein, and who brainwashes Martin into buying one of those scary dolls.
Derek and Jamie push and pull Martin out of the shop, but something isn’t right with their friend. He’s shivering all over, and he has no memory of what happened in the shop.
With Martin’s condition worsening every day, and Derek’s sister growing more and more obsessed with her new doll, Derek and Jamie have to find out what’s going on, and fast. The doll maker appears to be linked to a bunch of mysterious disappearances, and the last thing Derek wants is his sister, or his friend, being next on the doll maker’s list.
~~~~~
Praise for The Doll Maker:
“I have read The Doll Maker for myself, but am currently reading it for my (almost) 7-year-old son. As an adult, this book wasn’t scary, but an amazingly good read. The plot was different, the building of the story, using the small boys POV to tell the story, the villain… everything was masterly done for me. To my son? He loves it. This book holds many of the things he likes; it’s scary, there are BOYS in it, they have a mystery to solve (yes, he loves Scooby Doo -so does my daughter, and she’s turning 3), and he is so hooked into the story, he’s begging me to keep reading, because he wants to know what happens!” – Sabina's Adventures in Reading
“This book was like stepping back into my childhood and reading Goosebumps under my blanket with a flashlight. A little bit twisted Pinocchio, a little bit Chucky for young kids (I hate to use that analogy but it’s the only one aside from The Doll House movie that I can think that describes that so much!) it was a fun read and a relief in a good way to figure out what happens in the end. I loved that Verstraete captured that R.L. Stine feel with out being too scary and still very enjoyable.” – Lydia “Yay Books!!”
HOUSE OF HORRORS
(A Weirdville Book)
This spooky (in a fun way) lower grade adventure, perfect for kids 7-10 years old, is available as of December 9, 2013, the same day Fright Train released. For more information about this book, please visit the Evolved Publishing website.
~~~~~
When her parents allow her to go to the fair, Jacky is over the moon. The fair is most famous for its haunted mansion, the House of Horrors, and her friend Ben can’t wait to try it out. Her best friend, Cass, is a little more reluctant, but then again, Cass has always been a chicken when it comes to getting scared.
Jacky and Cass are determined to act tough, so when Ben suggests they try out the House of Horrors, the girls tag along, even though the place gives them the chills.
As soon as the three of them enter the spooky monstrosity, the ride comes to a screeching halt, and the horror begins.
The lights fade, and a hooded figure appears and tells them they’re stuck in a twisted game of cat and mouse. He will show them their worst fears, and if the kids manage to face down those fears, they’ll have a chance of getting out of the House of Horrors alive. If they don’t, well….
Thirty minutes to go. Thirty minutes to face their nightmares… and the clock is ticking.
VALENTINA AND THE HAUNTED MANSION
(Valentina’s Spooky Adventures – Book 1)
The first children’s picture book in the Valentina’s Spooky Adventures series, suitable for kids 4-8 years old, is now available. For more information on this book, please visit the Evolved Publishing website.
~~~~~
Valentina isn’t thrilled with her parents’ decision to move into an ancient, gigantic mansion in the middle of nowhere—filled with dark, unsettling rooms, and far away from civilization, where they don’t have to worry about hiding who they are. Sure, it may be perfect for a vampire family like hers, but moving here meant leaving her best friends behind.
The new house has some perks, though. Valentina gets to choose her own room, and when she explores the mansion on her own, she discovers a trophy room, a museum room, a music room, and much more.
From the moment Valentina started exploring, however, she’s felt someone watching her. Strange things start to happen all around her: footprints appear in the dust, a disembodied voice sneezes….
…and just because Valentina is a vampire, doesn’t mean she doesn’t get scared like any other little girl.
~~~~~
Praise for Valentina and the Haunted Mansion:
“This is such a cute book with beautiful illustrations. I read this book to my 8 year old [sic] n
iece, well actually my niece read me the book. She loved it and couldn’t wait to turn the page so she could find out what happens next. I have to say she was disappointed because it ended too soon. My niece and I both didn’t want it to end.” -weluvdopey, Reviewer at Amazon
“Valentina and the Haunted Mansion is an adorable children’s book. The story is engaging, and the illustrations are lovely. My eight year old [sic] daughter also read this book, and she really liked it.” - Karen Arrowood
“I loved the story and the illustrations are very well done also. I can tell this one is going to become a fast favourite with my grandchildren at bed time. Will be watching out for the next installment of Valentina’s adventures.” - Book Worm Deb
“I was going to wait to read this with my little ones but the story was so cute and the illustrations too adorable to resist. Valentina is a little vampire who is afraid of monsters and doesn’t want to move into a new house…sounds like any parents child. Kids will be able to relate to her while finding the story fun and exciting. Don’t worry about a young child being scared, this story is not scary and the words the author uses to describe everyday spooks will leave you in hysterics!” - Taterbug78, Reviewer at Amazon
VALENTINA AND THE WHACKADOODLE WITCH
(Valentina’s Spooky Adventures – Book 2)
The second children’s picture book in the Valentina’s Spooky Adventures series, suitable for kids 4-8 years old, is available as of December 9, 2013. For more information on this book, please visit the Evolved Publishing website.
~~~~~
It’s not every day that a witch gets stuck in your chimney, dangling upside down.
When Valentina and her newfound friend Jerry play dress-up in the attic, the Whackadoodle Witch comes crashing down the chimney. She claims to be one of the most powerful witches of all time, but even she can’t free herself without a spell book.
Just one problem: that spell book was snatched by Meanie Muggers, invisible thieves who steal valuable objects and hide them where you’d least expect.
If Valentina and Jerry want to help the witch, they’ll have to search the house from top to bottom. Not an easy task in a house crawling with monsters in all shapes and sizes.
More from Evolved Publishing
COURTNEY SAVES CHRISTMAS
(A Bird Brain Book)
By Emlyn Chand
Illustrated by Noelle Giffin
This special holiday edition of the Bird Brain Books picture book series, suitable for kids 4-8 years old, is now available. For more information on this book, please visit the Evolved Publishing website.
~~~~~
Courtney is a peppy young penguin who just loves exploring, and is overjoyed when she receives a compass from Santa on Christmas morning. She’s so grateful for the gift, in fact, that she just needs to give Santa a great big hug and say “Thank you!” in person. The only problem is she lives in the South Pole, and Santa is all the way on the other side of the globe!
With the aid of her new compass, Courtney sets off on a journey that takes her almost an entire year. By the time she reaches Santa’s workshop, the elves are in a flurry preparing for the upcoming holiday.
Unfortunately, Rudolph is feeling very sick—too sick to guide the sleigh. If Courtney can’t find a way to help, Christmas will be ruined and all the children of the world will be devastated. What’s a little penguin to do?
There’s only one way to find out: join Courtney in her yuletide adventure.
~~~~~
Praise for Courtney Saves Christmas:
“This book is so stinkin’ cute. My kiddos loved it. The illustrations are fun and really captivated my 4 and 5 year old [sic]. I love that Courtney’s adventure began because she wanted to say, ‘thank you.’ What a great message to send during the holidays. I have a feeling this book will be read long after Christmas has come and gone.” - Delphina Reads Too Much
“I love Penguins and I LOVE Courtney! This is such a sweet book about a little penguin, Courtney, who sets off to thank Santa personally for a Christmas gift. She makes the long journey from the South Pole to the North Pole … in fact, it takes 364 days! Yes, she gets to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. With help from Santa, Courtney is able to make a wish that helps save Christmas. This book has such a great message about being thankful and about helping others. I loved the illustrations as well.” - PookyGirl Book Lover
“As with the other Bird Brain Books, Chand doesn’t simplify her word choices. This provides a great opportunity for parents to expand their children’s vocabulary while they also learn life lessons. Courtney’s year-long journey to thank Santa teaches kids about gratitude and her willingness to help when asked also provides a great example. The illustrations are also colorful and cute, sure to keep a child’s attention. If you are looking for a last minute read to close off the holidays, pick this one up.” - Jamie B. Musings
“Courtney is one adorable penguin, that is for sure. Both my girls and I loved reading her story. She really sends a good message too—reminding us all that we should say ‘Thank You’ for the gifts we are given. That is what set her on her journey in the first place, because she wanted to thank Santa. In the end, Courtney gets to be the hero and save the day. It is just a feel good story, through and through. The illustrations are beautifully done and would enthrall children younger than mine (6). My 1st grader was able to read along just fine and we all enjoyed the story together. Courtney Saves Christmas is a keeper in our house for sure!” - Liberty Ann Ireland
DAVEY THE DETECTIVE
(A Bird Brain Book)
By Emlyn Chand
Illustrated by Sarah Shaw
This edition of the Bird Brain Books picture book series, suitable for kids 4-8 years old, is now available. For more information on this book, please visit the Evolved Publishing website.
~~~~~
Davey dubs himself the luckiest crow in the entire world when he finds a wonderful, shiny object. It even has a fantastic name: “paperclip.” Wow!
One dark and dreary day, Davey’s treasure goes missing, and he is beside himself with grief. Luckily, he knows just how he can find out which of the forest animals is to blame for the theft. Inspired by the torn pages of a Sherlock Holmes story that were used to fashion his nest, Davey calls on the help of Sarah the sparrow to investigate the mystery and, hopefully, retrieve his prize.
Together the two birds begin to collect clues. Their trail leads them straight to Mr. Bushtail, a greedy squirrel who keeps a giant store of objects in a hollowed-out tree trunk. When Mr. Bushtail refuses to cooperate, the two birds have no choice but to break into his tree house in search of the truth.
Justice will prevail and treasure will be found in this intriguing tale of mystery.
~~~~~
Praise for Davey the Detective:
“This is a marvelous book. The illustrations are wonderful and perfect for this age group. I say bravo to the pair that made this book possible for children to enjoy. Whether it is read to them or by themselves this is a sweet adorable book. You can’t go wrong with buy it.” –Sharon C. Williams, Author of “Jasper, Amazon Parrot: A Rainforest Adventure”
“With gorgeous, bright illustrations and stories that will certainly engage very young readers, the Bird Brain Book series is a winner. Some stories presented better lessons than others, but they were all worth sharing with your kids. Davey the Detective was one of my favorites in this series. I giggled in a few places, especially near the end when poor Davey realized how wrong he’d been. He was so abashed! A good take on Sherlock Holmes. One of the best things about these books is that they don’t talk down to the kids. There are long, complete sentences with words that may challenge young readers. I love this! It’s a fun way to teach lessons (saying thank you, saying you’re sorry, sharing and more) that will also help your little ones learn painlessly.” –Books in the Hall
“My four-year-old has enjoyed all 4 of the Bird Brain Books we have read so far. She loves the stories and the
illustrations. At 4 she is just starting to read so not ready to read these on her own yet but we love reading them together. Davey the Detective is my favorite of the Bird Brain Books we have read. I love his enthusiasm for solving the mystery of the stolen shiny object even if he does get a little ahead of himself at times. Sarah is a fun sidekick with her endless chatter and bubbly personality. Together they learn to follow clues and to not jump to conclusions, to slow down and listen, and to apologize when the situation calls for it. The two friends stick together until the fantastic shiny object is recovered. This book provides several opportunities to talk to my daughter about different life lessons while not hitting the reader over the head with a moral. The story is enjoyable and not preachy. It flows well and is easy to read in one sitting.” – Library Girl Reads
LARRY THE LONELY
(A Bird Brain Book)
By Emlyn Chand
Illustrated by Noelle Giffin
This special prehistoric edition of the Bird Brain Books picture book series, suitable for kids 4-8 years old, is coming December 2, 2013. For more information on this book, please visit the Evolved Publishing website.
~~~~~
Larry lives on the beautiful island of Mauritius, but he is not happy. He’s never met another dodo bird—not in his entire life—and feels very lonely.
One day, he decides to stop moping around and embark on a journey across the island to find a friend like himself. Along the way, he meets several other animals who take an interest in his mission and offer to help.
Is Larry the very last dodo bird, or might he finally find a friend? There’s only one way to find out: join Larry in his tropical adventure in this prehistoric edition of the color-illustrated Bird Brain Books series for children 4-8 years old.
Weirdville: Fright Train (Lower Grade Spooky Fun Adventure) Page 4
