Kathryn Foxfield on Things That Go Bump and spooky books for kids

As a kid, I was obsessed with the idea of having a sleepover in a furniture showroom. I’d have a midnight feast in one of the dining rooms, jump on the sofas and sleep in the beds. Maybe even have a torchlit game of hide and seek with my friends. Writing Things That Go Bump was a way for me to live out one of my childhood dreams!

Which character was the most fun to write and why? And which one do you feel closest to?

I loved writing Jack because he’s so chaotic and fun. But the character I feel closest to is Olive. She’s so much like I was aged 10. She has a great imagination but she worries about everything. I wish I could give her a hug and tell her it will all turn out all right. 

What message do you hope young readers will take away from the story?

Everyone gets scared and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. Sometimes, sharing your fears with your friends makes them easier to handle. A bit like turning on the light when you’re scared of the dark!

What do you think Olive learns about herself?

Olive learns that people like her just as she is. She realises that she doesn’t need to pretend to be someone she isn’t. 

Can you tell us anything about what the future holds for Olive and her friends?

I like to imagine that they form a monster hunting club and try to rescue other misunderstood creatures. Most likely, it ends in disaster every time. But they have a lot of fun.

Do you have a favourite place to write?

I write all my books sitting at my kitchen table, drinking endless cups of tea. 

Why did you choose to write books for this age group?

I try to write the books that I would have wanted to read when I was a kid. Fun, friendship and monsters are my favourite things.

Which other spooky books for kids would you recommend our subscribers read next?

Jennifer Killick’s books are all brilliant. Gabriel Dylan’s Shiver Point series is awesome, too. 

Copies of our Things That Go Bump pack, including a copy of the book and loads of fun activities to go with it, are now available for individual purchase. Grab a copy while stocks last!

This post includes affiliate links to our bookshop.org page, meaning we receive a small percentage of the sale should you purchase through them. Additionally, a percentage from all sales on the platform goes directly to local UK bookshops which is an initiative we're delighted to support!