The Ghost of Thomas Kempe (HarperCollins Childrens Classics)
By (Author) Penelope Lively
HarperCollins Publishers
Farshore
1st January 2026
11th September 2025
United Kingdom
Children
Fiction
Childrens / Teenage fiction: Action and adventure stories
Childrens / Teenage fiction: Fantasy
Childrens / Teenage fiction: Classic fiction
Childrens / Teenage fiction: Horror and ghost stories, chillers, or other scary
823.914
Paperback
256
Width 129mm, Height 198mm, Spine 16mm
270g
'A mischievous boy hero and an equally amusing ghoul, Guardian
An iconic ghost story for children from Penelope Lively, one of the modern greats of British fiction.
Just because you can't see them doesn't mean they aren't there
James is fed up. His family has moved to a new cottage with grounds that are great for excavations, and trees that are perfect for climbing and stuff is happening. Stuff that is normally the kind of thing he does. But it's not him who's writing strange things on shopping lists and fences. It's not him who smashes bottles and pours tea in the Vicar's lap. It's a ghost honestly. Thomas Kempe the 17th century apothecary has returned and he wants James to be his apprentice. No one else believes in ghosts. It's up to James to get rid of him. Or he'll have no pocket money or pudding ever again.
The Ghost of Thomas Kempe is a timeless thriller, with a ghostly mystery and all the fun and mischief of being nine years old. Perfect for fans of Eva Ibbotson, Toms Midnight Garden and Helen Cresswells Moondial.
'A mischievous boy hero and an equally amusing ghoul, Guardian
Penelope Lively spent her early childhood in Egypt before coming to England aged twelve. She is an award-winning writer for adults and children, with prizes including the Booker, Whitbread and Carnegie to her name. We are delighted to be publishing A STITCH IN TIME on the Essential Modern Classics list.