World of Weird: A Creepy Compendium of True Stories

Ages 9 to 12, Grades 4 to 7

Dr. McCreebor was an explorer and collector of the strange and creepy. This is his notebook – filled with the dark and disturbing stories he has collected on his travels. From shrunken heads to witches’ charms, saints’ blood to graverobbers’ remains, this book is a peek into our grisly past.

In the 21st century, a scientist uncovers their Victorian ancestor’s notebook in a box. This ancestor is Dr. McCreebor – an eminent explorer, philosopher, and collector of the very strange and truly creepy.

Dr. McCreebor's book is filled with the dark and disturbing stories he has collected on his travels around the world. And now, after over 125 years in a dusty attic, Dr. McCreebor’s writings can be read… by only the bravest.

Discover the fascinating stories behind a series of objects, people, and places in every chapter. McCreebor writes from a Victorian perspective – and his descendant isn't afraid to write notes in the margins, bringing the science into the 21st century.

Uncover Artificalia (man-made objects), Naturalia (natural creatures and beings), Spiritualis (the spirit world), ScelereSupplicium (crime and punishment), Scientifica (scientific tools), Magicae (magical objects), and Morteum (skulls, bodies, and more). Steampunk illustrator Celsius Pictor intricately illustrates McCreebor’s sketches, maps, records, and photographs.

From shrunken heads to witches’ charms, saints’ blood to graverobbers’ remains, hangman’s salve to trepanning tools, this book is a peek into our grisly and macabre past.

About the Author

Tom Adams is an award-winning television producer and author. He was born in Yorkshire but now lives in Kent, UK. With a science background, he was inspired to turn his hand to writing children’s books once his eldest son, then 5, started asking questions about how the world worked. He won the Society of Authors/ ALCS Award for Educational Writing for his book Molecule Mayhem.Celsius Pictor is a freelance illustrator and visual artist. He studied Illustration at the School of Arts and Crafts and for 7 years he worked as Art Director in agencies and advertising studios from Spain, Switzerland, France, and the UK. Inspired by the work of old engravers and Max Ernst, Celsius uses collage and digital ink to bring to life a parallel world that mixes the digital, history, mythology, and nature.