Books like 'Rare Beasts'
Readers who enjoyed Rare Beasts by Charles Ogden also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy horror comedy action / adventure humor gothic children animals family
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Kingdom of the Wicked by Derek Landy
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsThe seventh instalment in the biggest, funniest, most thrilling comedy-horror-adventure series in the universe…Magic is a disease.Across the land, normal people are suddenly developing wild and unstable powers. Infected by a rare strain of magic, they are unwittingly endangering their own lives and the lives of the people around them... -
![The City of Dreaming Books by Walter Moers]()
The City of Dreaming Books by Walter Moers
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsIn this new Zamonian adventure, Optimus Yarnspinner, a young writer, inherits from his beloved godfather an unpublished short story by an unknown author. His search for the author’s identity takes him to Bookholm the so-called City of Dreaming Books. On entering its streets, our hero feels as if he has opened the door of a gigantic second-hand bookshop... -
![Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds]()
Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsJasper Rabbit is NOT a little bunny anymore. He’s not afraid of the dark, and he’s definitely not afraid of something as silly as underwear. But when the lights go out, suddenly his new big rabbit underwear glows in the dark. A ghoulish, greenish glow. If Jasper didn’t know any better he’d say his undies were a little, well, creepy... -
![What to Expect When Your Demon Slayer is Expecting by Angie Fox]()
What to Expect When Your Demon Slayer is Expecting by Angie Fox
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThey say you can’t go home again, but demon slayer Lizzie Brown sure is going to try. However, when she rolls into town with her friends in tow, Lizzie finds her mom in the clutches of a demonic entity they accidentally left behind all those years ago. Now, it’s up to Lizzie, her talking dog, and the Red Skull biker witches to make things right... -
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![A Mind Full of Murder by Derek Landy]()
A Mind Full of Murder by Derek Landy
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA bone-shaking new trilogy begins – the latest adventure in the bestselling Skulduggery Pleasant seriesSIX YEARS AGO, THE UNIVERSE ENDED.When it restarted, blinking back into existence, it brought with it a darkness that remains hidden from the mortal population.A week ago – fuelled by unimaginable hatred and unstoppable rage – a masked sorcerer killed one of those mortals. Then he killed another... -
![In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz]()
In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsMore Grimm tales await in the harrowing, hilarious companion to a beloved new classicTake caution ahead—Oversize plant life, eerie amphibious royalty, and fear-inducing creatures abound.Lest you enter with dread.Follow Jack and Jill as they enter startling new landscapes that may (or may not) be scary, bloody, terrifying, and altogether true.Step lively, dear reader . . -
![The Witches by Roald Dahl]()
The Witches by Roald Dahl
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 73 ratingsThis is not a fairy-tale. This is about real witches. Real witches don't ride around on broomsticks. They don't even wear black cloaks and hats. They are vile, cunning, detestable creatures who disguise themselves as nice, ordinary ladies... -
![Midnight by Derek Landy]()
Midnight by Derek Landy
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsSkulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain are back in their most gripping story yet, as book 11, Midnight, picks up where Resurrection left off – and runs.For years, Valkyrie Cain has struggled to keep her loved ones safe from harm, plunging into battle – time and time again – by Skulduggery Pleasant’s side, and always emerging triumphant... -
![Demon Dentist by David Walliams]()
Demon Dentist by David Walliams
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThis New York Times bestseller from David Walliams, the UK’s #1 bestselling children’s author and “the heir to Roald Dahl” (The Spectator), launched his books stateside in a big way!Walliams makes going to the dentist a wacky adventure with his signature humor—this is one dentist appointment you don’t want to miss.Something strange is happening in Alfie's town... -
![The Teacher from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler, Jared Lee]()
The Teacher from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler, Jared Lee
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsOn the first day of school, a boy expects only the worst when he discovers that his new teacher is the "monstrous" Mrs. Green. Spotlight editions are printed on high-quality paper and with reinforced library bindings specifically printed for the library market. Grades PreK-4... -
![The Penultimate Peril by Lemony Snicket]()
The Penultimate Peril by Lemony Snicket
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsDear Reader, If this is the first book you found while searching for a book to read next, then the first thing you should know is that this next-to-last book is what you should put down first. Sadly, this book presents the next-to-last chronicle of the lives of the Baudelaire orphans, and it is next-to-first in its supply of misery, despair, and unpleasantness... -
![The Alchemaster's Apprentice by Walter Moers]()
The Alchemaster's Apprentice by Walter Moers
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhen Echo the Crat's mistress dies, he is compelled to sign a contract with Ghoolion the Alchemaster. This fateful document gives Ghoolion the right to kill Echo at the next full moon and render his fat, which he hopes to brew into an immortality potion. But Ghoolion has not reckoned with Echo's talent for survival and his vast ability to make new friends... -
![Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, Daniel Salmieri]()
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, Daniel Salmieri
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThis scrumptious New York Times bestseller has a whole lot of kick!Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. So if you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Buckets and buckets of tacos. Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is also salsa. And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa . . -
![Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds]()
Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsIn this Caldecott Honor–winning picture book, The Twilight Zone comes to the carrot patch as a rabbit fears his favorite treats are out to get him. Includes audio!Jasper Rabbit loves carrots—especially Crackenhopper Field carrots. He eats them on the way to school.He eats them going to Little League.He eats them walking home.Until the day the carrots start following him.. -
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![The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket]()
The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsDear Reader, If you have just picked up this book, then it is not too late to put it back down. Like the previous books in A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, there is nothing to be found in these pages but misery, despair, and discomfort, and you still have time to choose something else to read... -
![A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher]()
A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 27 ratings2021 LODESTAR AWARD for BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOKFourteen-year-old Mona isn’t like the wizards charged with defending the city. She can’t control lightning or speak to water. Her familiar is a sourdough starter and her magic only works on bread. She has a comfortable life in her aunt’s bakery making gingerbread men dance... -
![Claw of the Werewolf by Tommy Donbavand]()
Claw of the Werewolf by Tommy Donbavand
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMake no bones about it! There’s a headhunt underway — and Luke is closing in on the sixth relic — as the Scream Street series screeches ahead! Luke is just one relic away from opening the doorway back to his own world and taking his parents away from the terrors of Scream Street! But this search threatens to plunge him into the most dangerous adventure yet... -
![Somebody Stop Ivy Pocket by Caleb Krisp]()
Somebody Stop Ivy Pocket by Caleb Krisp
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAre you ready for Ivy Pocket? The wickedly funny, completely unreliable maid of no importance returns—this time as a coffin maker’s daughter—in this action-packed sequel to Anyone but Ivy Pocket. School Library Journal says, “Fans of . . . Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events will love Ivy Pocket’s zany adventures... -
![Fing by David Walliams]()
Fing by David Walliams
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe jaw-achingly funny children’s book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams – a deliciously daft Tall Story of a child who had everything, but still wanted more. Illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross.Meet the Meeks!Myrtle Meek has everything she could possibly want. But everything isn’t enough... -
![Bryony and Roses by T. Kingfisher]()
Bryony and Roses by T. Kingfisher
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsBryony and her sisters have come down in the world. Their merchant father died trying to reclaim his fortune and left them to eke out a living in a village far from their home in the city. But when Bryony is caught in a snowstorm and takes refuge in an abandoned manor, she stumbles into a house full of dark enchantments... -
![Minor Mage by T. Kingfisher]()
Minor Mage by T. Kingfisher
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsOliver was a very minor mage. His familiar reminded him of this several times a day.He only knew three spells, and one of them was to control his allergy to armadillo dander. His attempts to summon elementals resulted in nosebleeds, and there is nothing more embarrassing than having your elemental leave the circle to get you a tissue, pat you comfortingly, and then disappear in a puff of magic... -
![The End by Lemony Snicket]()
The End by Lemony Snicket
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 44 ratingsThe last volume of the fabulously popular A Series of Unfortunate Events series, in which the history of the Baudelaire orphans is brought to its end.You are presumably looking at the back of this book, or the end of the end... -
![The Austere Academy by Lemony Snicket]()
The Austere Academy by Lemony Snicket
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsDear Reader, If you are looking for a story about cheerful youngsters spending a jolly time at boarding school, look elsewhere. Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are intelligent and resourceful children, and you might expect that they would do very well at school. Don't. For the Baudelaires, school turns out to be another miserable episode in their unlucky lives...Categorized as:
children family gothic humor 21st-century action-adventure audiobook boarding-school -
![The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket]()
The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 52 ratingsDear Reader,I'm sorry to say that the book you are holding in your hands is extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe... -
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![Writer of the Purple Rage by Joe R. Lansdale]()
Writer of the Purple Rage by Joe R. Lansdale
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsContaining stories from the dark side, the light side, and all shades in between, this is a masterful collection by one of America's rising storytellers. Storylines include that of a woman who discovers grisly horror on a mountain road, a plastic love doll who becomes liberated, and a baby's diaper that is possessed by aliens... -
![Scream Street: Skull of the Skeleton by Tommy Donbavand]()
Scream Street: Skull of the Skeleton by Tommy Donbavand
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMake no bones about it! There’s a headhunt underway — and Luke is closing in on one of the final relics — as the Scream Street series screeches ahead!None other than the Headless Horseman, the world’s most famous ghost, is appearing at Everwell’s Emporium to launch his new perfume, “Decapitation pour l’Homme... -
![The Triumph of Death by Jason Henderson]()
The Triumph of Death by Jason Henderson
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWithin months of discovering he’s next in a long line of vampire hunters, Alex Van Helsing has already defeated two powerful vampire leaders. Not bad for a fourteen-year-old.But when a newly risen vampire queen threatens the fate of the world, Alex faces his deadliest challenge yet... -
![The Demon Hunter by Kevin Emerson]()
The Demon Hunter by Kevin Emerson
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA compelling, contemporary fantasy with a vampire hero torn between two worlds, and an outsider in both, who seeks to discover the truth about his origins and find out where he truly belongs.A series of gruesome animal/vampire attacks on humans threatens to undermine the vampires' secretive existence... -
![The Little Vampire Moves In by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg]()
The Little Vampire Moves In by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRudolph, the little vampire, has been banished from his family’s vault because of his friendship with humans. He now lives in the basement of Tony’s apartment house. Tony is terrified his parents will find out, and when a neighbour complains about the smell, things look bad . . -
![The Thornthwaite Inheritance by Gareth P. Jones]()
The Thornthwaite Inheritance by Gareth P. Jones
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOvid and Lorelli Thornthwaite have been trying to kill each other for so long that neither twin can remember which act of attempted murder came first. But whoever struck first, trying to take each other's lives is simply what they do... -
![Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball by Laura Ellen Anderson]()
Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball by Laura Ellen Anderson
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA hilarious illustrated middle grade POB series for reluctant readers starring a vampire girl, Amelia Fang... -
![The Little Vampire by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg]()
The Little Vampire by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTony is a nine-year-old horror story addict, so he can hardly believe his luck when a little vampire called Rudolph lands on his windowsill one evening... -
![The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket]()
The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsDear Reader, Like handshakes, house pets, or raw carrots, many things are preferable when not slippery. Unfortunately, in this miserable volume, I am afraid that Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire run into more than their fair share of slipperiness during their harrowing journey up--and down--a range of strange and distressing mountains... -
![The Grim Grotto by Lemony Snicket]()
The Grim Grotto by Lemony Snicket
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsDear Reader, Unless you are a slug, a sea anemone, or mildew, you probably prefer not to be damp. You might also prefer not to read this book, in which the Baudelaire siblings encounter an unpleasant amount of dampness as they descend into the depths of despair, underwater... -
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![The Carnivorous Carnival by Lemony Snicket]()
The Carnivorous Carnival by Lemony Snicket
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 44 ratingsDear reader,The word "carnivorous," which appears in the title of this book, means "meat-eating," and once you have read such a bloodthirsty word, there is no reason to read any further. This carnivorous volume contains such a distressing story that consuming any of its contents would be far more stomach-turning than even the most imbalanced meal... -
![The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket]()
The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket
Rated: 3.99 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsDear Reader,If you have picked up this book with the hope of finding a simple and cheery tale, I'm afraid you have picked up the wrong book altogether. The story may seem cheery at first, when the Baudelaire children spend time in the company of some interesting reptiles and a giddy uncle, but don't be fooled... -
![The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket]()
The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket
Rated: 3.99 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsDear Reader,If you have not read anything about the Baudelaire orphans, then before you read even one more sentence, you should know this: Violet, Klaus, and Sunny are kindhearted and quick-witted; but their lives, I am sorry to say, are filled with bad luck and misery. All of the stories about these three children are unhappy and wretched, and this one may be the worst of them all... -
![The Umbrella Man and Other Stories by Roald Dahl]()
The Umbrella Man and Other Stories by Roald Dahl
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsIs it really possible to invent a machine that does the job of a writer? What is it about the landlady’s house that makes it so hard for her guests to leave? Does Sir Basil Turton value most his wife or one of his priceless sculptures? These compelling tales are a perfect introduction to the adult writing of a storytelling genius...Categorized as:
children humor 20th-century action-adventure anthologies children-books classics comedy -
![The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett]()
The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 46 ratingsMaurice and the rats have teamed up with a young lad named Keith to implement a clever moneymaking scheme. Upon entering a town, the rats make a general nuisance of themselves -- stealing food and widdling on things -- until the townsfolk become desperate to get rid of them. Then Maurice and Keith appear on the scene and offer to save the day by ridding the town of its infestation for a small fee...Categorized as:
animals children humor 21st-century action-adventure anthropomorphism audiobook book -
![The Weirdies by Michael Buckley, Kate Winslet]()
The Weirdies by Michael Buckley, Kate Winslet
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThis is a very, very sad story. The characters suffer terrible tragedies. People die in unspeakable ways. Only a truly horrible person would be amused by their misfortune.Nevertheless, it is kind of funny.My advice is that you listen to this all by yourself. People can be judgy... -
![Eat Slay Love by Jesse Petersen]()
Eat Slay Love by Jesse Petersen
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThird book in the Living with the Dead series: a heartwarming tale of terror in the middle of the Zombie Apocalypse... -
![The Little Vampire In Danger by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg]()
The Little Vampire In Danger by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratings«Anton überlief es kalt. Langsam schien es brenzlig zu werden.» Antons Eltern sind plötzlich misstrauisch geworden – wegen des Fotos, das der Vater von Anna und Anton gemacht hat. Merkwürdigerweise ist darauf nämlich außer Anton nur das Buch zu sehen, das Anna in der Hand gehalten hat... -
![The Little Vampire Takes a Trip by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg]()
The Little Vampire Takes a Trip by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTony is not at all thrilled by the prospect of a week's vacation on an isolated farm until he convinces his best friend, a little vampire, to come along...Categorized as:
children humor 20th-century action-adventure book children-books comedy female-author -
![The Curse of the Campfire Weenies: And Other Warped and Creepy Tales by David Lubar, Paul Michael Garcia]()
The Curse of the Campfire Weenies: And Other Warped and Creepy Tales by David Lubar, Paul Michael Garcia
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn his third collection of warped and creepy "weenie" tales, David Lubar, critically acclaimed author and master of the macabre, travels deep into the shadowy corners of his mind to deliver thirty-five stories of laughter and terror to tickle your horror bone... -
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![Voice of the Undead by Jason Henderson]()
Voice of the Undead by Jason Henderson
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNow that Alex is in the know about the deadly vampires that live—and hunt—around his boarding school, everything is different. Putting his talents to use, Alex is training with the Polidorium to become a vampire hunter, just like his Van Helsing ancestors. Sure, he’s only fourteen, but c’mon: This runs in his blood.But Alex is wondering if he’ll live long enough to succeed... -
![The Vile Village by Lemony Snicket]()
The Vile Village by Lemony Snicket
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 67 ratingsDear Reader,You have undoubtedly picked up this book by mistake, so please put it down. Nobody in their right mind would read this particular book about the lives of Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire on purpose, because each dismal moment of their stay in the village of V.F.D. has been faithfully and dreadfully recorded in these pages... -
![Conjugal Rites by Paul Magrs]()
Conjugal Rites by Paul Magrs
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe gripping new instalment of the adventures of Brenda and Effie.No matter what she tries to do, trouble has a way of finding Brenda. It's hardly surprising with secrets like hers. When her old adversary Mr Danby starts filling the airwaves with his late night phone in show it can only mean one thing - and sure enough best friend Effie soon finds herself up to her neck in it... -
![The Bride that Time Forgot by Paul Magrs]()
The Bride that Time Forgot by Paul Magrs
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAn outrageous adventure with the most terrifying villain Brenda has ever faced - her best friend, Effie.Something is biting people on the streets of Whitby. In an ordinary town, this would be worrying. Here, it’s disastrous, and only Brenda has guessed why... -
![Once Upon a Midnight Eerie: Book #2 by Gordon McAlpine]()
Once Upon a Midnight Eerie: Book #2 by Gordon McAlpine
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThey’ve just escaped almost certain death—and now they’re facing it again!In The Tell-Tale Start, Edgar and Allan Poe (great-great-great-great-grandnephews of the legendary Edgar Allan Poe) managed to outwit the nefarious Professor P. Pangborn Perry, who was (and is) determined to kill just one of them, in order to prove a mad scientific theory... -
![The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket]()
The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 44 ratingsThere is nothing to be found in the pages of these books but misery and despair. You still have time to choose something else to read. But if you must know what unpleasantries befall the charming and clever Baudelaire children read on...The Hostile Hospital - There are many pleasant things to read about, but this book contains none of them...
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