Stitch Head!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Today we are looking into an incredible author, Guy Bass, who’s bestselling series “Stitch Head” has been adapted into an animated film that comes out tomorrow! I was even lucky enough to ask him a few questions!

Guy Bass has built a career out of blending humor, imagination, and just the right amount of darkness. The London-born author has written more than thirty children’s books, ranging from the spooky to the downright silly, with series like “Skeleton Keys”, “Spynosaur”, and “Dinkin Dings”; the latter winning the Blue Peter Award for Most Fun Book with Pictures in 2010. Before turning to children’s literature full-time, Bass worked in theatre, wrote plays, and even dabbled in illustration. His creative background shines through in his writing, which often feels theatrical, full of quirky energy, and impossible to pin down to a single style.

Among his many creations, “Stitch Head” has become his signature. First published in 2011, the series introduces readers to the professor’s very first experiment: a patchwork creature who spends his days hidden away in Castle Grotteskew, quietly managing the chaos caused by the professor’s more monstrous inventions. When a traveling freak show tempts Stitch Head with the chance to be seen and celebrated, he embarks on an adventure that wrestles with questions of belonging, identity, and friendship. Illustrated by Pete Williamson, the series has grown into six novels and, more recently, been reimagined as a graphic novel to capture a new generation of readers.

Over the years, “Stitch Head” has earned wide acclaim for its balance of gothic flair, quirky humor, and heart. Readers and critics alike have compared its world to something out of Tim Burton, noting how it manages to be spooky without ever losing its warmth. With more than 260,000 copies sold in the UK and translations into sixteen languages, the books have clearly struck a chord. The upcoming film has also drawn praise in advance screenings, with reviewers highlighting its expressive animation, strong pacing, and musical score that keeps both children and adults engaged.

Now, “Stitch Head” is making the leap from page to screen in a new animated feature set for release tomorrow, October 31st, 2025. Directed and written by Steve Hudson, the film features Asa Butterfield as the voice of Stitch Head, alongside Joel Fry, Rob Brydon, Alison Steadman, Fern Brady, Tia Bannon, and Jamali Maddix. The adaptation is expected to capture the same blend of dark whimsy and heartfelt storytelling that made the books so beloved. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this Halloween may be the perfect moment to discover (or rediscover) the curious charm of “Stitch Head”.

Bonus Questions:

Giancarlo: Who was your favorite author growing up?

 Guy: Roald Dahl – it’s an unoriginal answer but I’m a man of a certain age… Also the comic book writers John Byrne, Chris Claremont, Roy Thomas and Jim Shooter had a profound influence on my love of storytelling.

Giancarlo: Did you have any push back from friends and family on wanting to be a writer?

 Guy: Not a bit – I spent my childhood writing and drawing comics so I don’t think it was a surprise to anyone. My mum was terrified I’d never get a ‘proper job’ but she always encouraged me to get creative with reading and writing so it’s basically all her fault I’m in this happy mess!

Giancarlo: Which of your books are you the most proud of?

 Guy: I’m not sure I’m prouder of one than another. The best feeling is when the words and illustrations and design all come together to make something that feels complete and as it should be. I’m probably fondest of the underdogs, books that have more or less vanished into obscurity like The Legend of Frog.

Giancarlo: What is your favorite aspect of the “Stitch Head” books?

 Guy: The characters’ friendships. At the risk of sounding pretentious, the relationships between Stitch Head, the Creature and Arabella grew fairly organically ‘cause I didn’t have an idea of how the series was going to pan out. I felt lucky to be able to explore their bond as the trio became inseparable.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Guy: I don’t have a sage phrase but I am slowly learning that sacrificing the journey for the sake of the destination is recipe for enjoying neither.

Check out his work: https://www.guybass.com/

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again soon!

-Giancarlo