R.I.P. Nanny Tobbins
LONGLISTED: 2025 ARA Historical Novel Prize, Children's and Young Adult Category
A deliciously macabre and unexpectedly funny debut for advanced middle-grade readers, blending tension, mystery and moments of humour with remarkable skill.
– Books+Publishing
When Nanny Tobbins fell off a horse and broke her neck, the grown-ups told nine-year-old Albertine she'd never see her beloved governess again. But it simply isn't true. For every night, when the clock strikes twelve, Nanny returns to the nursery.
Yet in her new ghostly state, Nanny Tobbins quickly causes chaos in the household – and the timing couldn't be more inconvenient. Albertine's stepmother is struggling to settle in, and Papa is much occupied working with Prince Albert on the Great Exhibition.
To make matters worse, the grown-ups don't believe in ghosts at all, leaving Albertine to take the blame for Nanny's unruly antics.
How will Albertine restore peace to her home before the unthinkable occurs?
A quirky and funny middle-grade fantasy title, R.I.P. Nanny Tobbins is perfect for fans of A Girl Called Corpse and Nevermoor.
Yet in her new ghostly state, Nanny Tobbins quickly causes chaos in the household – and the timing couldn't be more inconvenient. Albertine's stepmother is struggling to settle in, and Papa is much occupied working with Prince Albert on the Great Exhibition.
To make matters worse, the grown-ups don't believe in ghosts at all, leaving Albertine to take the blame for Nanny's unruly antics.
How will Albertine restore peace to her home before the unthinkable occurs?
A quirky and funny middle-grade fantasy title, R.I.P. Nanny Tobbins is perfect for fans of A Girl Called Corpse and Nevermoor.
Quirky, mysterious, intriguing and spooky. |
A delightfully fun and deliciously spooky debut! |
Reviews
Books+Publishing: 'Stevens crafts an immersive plot, balancing eerie moments with sharp, unexpected humour.'
Better Reading: 'You’ll laugh, you’ll cheer, you might even cry (ghost tears, obviously). It’s a story about family, even when things get weird.'
The Book Muse: 'There is something special within this novel, as a family rebuilds and comes together, as the things that threaten to tear them apart are carefully mended.'
Lamont Books: 'A funny and quirky ghost story that will be thoroughly enjoyed by those who like a slightly spooky mystery.'
Middle Grade Mavens: 'This was really awesome … I really enjoyed this one.'
Just So Stories: 'It has a little of everything for any discerning reader: the historical aspect, humour, creepiness, family and family changes, friendship and resilience.'
Storylinks: 'This is a story about coping with change, grief and misunderstandings, underpinned by a strong and loving father-daughter relationship … Young readers will enjoy this ghost story with its gentle frisson of horror.'
Book Chats with Aunty Boo: 'I rate it ten out of ten!'
The Blurb: Reviewed by Samantha-Ellen Bound: 'There is so much love and compassion in the pages … a fantastic [book] for quieter or sensitive readers.'
The Bottom Shelf: 'A rare novel that kept me reading past my bedtime.'
Better Reading: 'You’ll laugh, you’ll cheer, you might even cry (ghost tears, obviously). It’s a story about family, even when things get weird.'
The Book Muse: 'There is something special within this novel, as a family rebuilds and comes together, as the things that threaten to tear them apart are carefully mended.'
Lamont Books: 'A funny and quirky ghost story that will be thoroughly enjoyed by those who like a slightly spooky mystery.'
Middle Grade Mavens: 'This was really awesome … I really enjoyed this one.'
Just So Stories: 'It has a little of everything for any discerning reader: the historical aspect, humour, creepiness, family and family changes, friendship and resilience.'
Storylinks: 'This is a story about coping with change, grief and misunderstandings, underpinned by a strong and loving father-daughter relationship … Young readers will enjoy this ghost story with its gentle frisson of horror.'
Book Chats with Aunty Boo: 'I rate it ten out of ten!'
The Blurb: Reviewed by Samantha-Ellen Bound: 'There is so much love and compassion in the pages … a fantastic [book] for quieter or sensitive readers.'
The Bottom Shelf: 'A rare novel that kept me reading past my bedtime.'
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