The Grimmelings

Gr 6 Up–Words have power; Ella knows this all too well after unintentionally cursing a boy. Now, with a vengeful kelpie haunting her family and community, she must confront both her past and her present in order to make things right. What unfolds is a story that is as chilling as it is beautifully told, steeped in folklore, family bonds, and the weight of consequences. From the very first page, the writing is both haunting and lyrical, weaving an atmosphere heavy with foreboding. King conjures the landscape with vivid precision; wild waters, shadowed hills, and the spectral figure of the kelpie all feel immediate and alive, pulling readers deep into Ella’s world. Equally compelling is the novel’s attention to characters, both human and animal. Every horse is portrayed with remarkable individuality: some stubborn, others calm, a few quick to spook. These subtle distinctions add layers of realism and heart to the story. At its center is Magpie, Ella’s extraordinary gray horse: larger than life, fiercely protective, and unforgettable. Magpie’s bond with Ella, assumed white, serves as an anchor and shield, a symbol of resilience in the face of fear.