Allen & Unwin The Monstrous Child book Fiction English Paperback 304 pages

Francesca Simon's first novel for 12+ readers is a darkly funny look at life through the eyes of Hel, teenager and Queen of the Dead.

'Before you reject me, before you hate me, remember: I never asked to be Hel's queen.'But being a normal teenager wasn't an option either. Now she's stuck ruling the underworld. For eternity. She doesn't want your pity. But she does demand that you listen. It's only fair you hear her side of the story... It didn't have to be like this.

Francesca Simon is universally known for the staggeringly popular Horrid Henry series. These books and CDs have sold over 20 million copies in the UK alone and are published in 27 countries. Horrid Henry and the Abominable Snowman won the Children's Book of the the Year award in 2008 at the British Book Awards. She lives in North London with her family.