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The Wump

Tony DiTerlizzi

From the co-creator of the #1 New York Times bestselling Spiderwick Chronicles series comes a deliciously dark supernatural middle-grade coming-of-age story, with two-color illustrations throughout.

Timothy’s grandpa has a saying: the best way to deal with bullies is to wump ‘em. But Timothy would never hurt a fly—and not just because he genuinely loves bugs. He’s always been a good kid…until a shadowy monster appears and begins feeding on his darkest thoughts. Facing bullies both at home and at school, Timothy cocoons himself in the monster’s shadows, where he is consumed by a desire for revenge. But how much of himself can Timothy give up before he is completely transformed?

Award-winning author-illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi stuns in this creepy, brilliantly illustrated, and poignant reflection of the darkness—and light—inside of all of us.

GenresChildren's BooksAnimalsBugs & SpidersScience Fiction & FantasySpine-Chilling Horror

320 pages

English edition · First published 2026 by Penguin Group · ISBN 9798217004911

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