The Filth Licker

“the action proceeds at breakneck pace.” Aussie Reviews, Australia

“perfect for those that like their monsters gross rather than gory…Miku and her pals are sassy and modern, as quick with one-liners as they are fast on their feet. This is fright light for ten year olds and older who may never view the monster in the cupboard in quite the same way again.” Inis Magazine, Ireland

“one of the rare horror stories that you can safely hand to younger readers without fear of threats from angry parents, but at the same time is genuinely packed full of spooky stuff. This is a series that is both highly original and wonderfully entertaining”  Spine Chills, Australia

“Cristy Burne’s gripping story of Miku, a feisty young Japanese girl living in England, and her fight against the Takeshita Demons is a fast-paced and hugely entertaining contemporary adventure.” LoveReading4Kids, UK

“Another winning read for readers young or old” Amazon UK

“…inventive, fast-paced horror, combining “School-Camp-in-spooky-woods” with elements of Japanese folklore” BookTrust UK

“…some shocking twists and a fantastically involving story” Amazon UK

“Cristy’s knowledge of Japanese folklore and the supernatural shine through and this is a compulsive read.” Parents in Touch UK

“The story is twisty and turny and told in a great voice and pacey way. I really liked it and think that Ms. Burne’s has created a wonderfully feisty character in Miku and that I am happy to read Miku adventures till the cows come home. The folklore is superbly researched and given a modern twist. I love that we are, without realising it, taught some great bits of mythology and Japanese culture. It never gets preachy and reads very natural. It really is one of my favourite series for younger, confident readers.” My Favourite Book Blog

THE FILTH LICKER is out in the UK and released July 2011 in Australia, with releases also scheduled for the U.S. and a translation to be published in Indonesia.

SNEAK PREVIEW
Every face around the fire was staring at me, their skin flickering in the shadows, their eyes and teeth glowing white.

“And then?” Mr James asked.

“And then…” I willed my voice to stay steady. “When the last story is told, the fire goes out. A new evil is created. And a new, powerful demon comes into being.”

School Camps are supposed to be fun, but Cait’s acting peculiar, Oscar is covered in a festering rash, and there’s a Filth Licker living in the boys’ toilets.
Can Miku save her friends from the evil that is rising?
And what about the Filth Licker? Whose side is he really on?
In the forest, nothing is what it seems…

The Filth Licker is book 2 in the Takeshita Demons series.

Praise for Takeshita Demons:
Selected for the 2010 Booktrust Booked Up program, winner of the Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices Children’s Book Award and featured on the BBC’s Blue Peter in 2011.

“A gripping, superbly written debut novel” – Writeaway

“A pacy horror adventure” – The Sunday Times

“Two young girls being brave and clever without a hint of pink or glitter on the cover? Hooray!” – The Age

“This rollicking ride is totally deserving of the Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices Children’s Book Award” – The West Australian

“an excellent scary story, aimed at children but which can be read by all…somewhere between Roald Dahl, the Brothers Grimm and Grange Hill.” - Amazon UK

“this will become a firm favourite with younger readers. Recommended.” – Amazon UK

“the book is amazing…I hardly put it down” - Chicklish

“A thrilling contemporary adventure wittily shot through with the powerful fantasy stories of the old demons from the Japanese past.” – Julia Eccleshare of LoveReading4Kids

“a fast-paced story full of suspense” – Paper Tigers

Teaching resources
Do you love yokai and Japan? Are you searching for games, activities or cool Japan-related teaching resources? If your answer is YES, you should check out the resources section of my website. Have fun!