Valentine Crow and Mr Death is a unique and clever story. The illustrations and the presentation make it an interesting and engaging read. I loved the lessons about life and death, and felt that the story had real heart.

Jenni Spangler does it again.

Another wonderfully crafted novel by a wondefully talented author. The book follows orphan, Valentine Crow, as he begins his apprenticeship from the orphanage - the only issue is that the adminstrator makes an error with their handwriting and he ends up as apprentice to Death himself.

A funny, witty tale (including an excellent joke about not challening Death to a pillow fight!) of a growing friendship and what happens when it all goes wrong. Valentine realises quickly that with his new, developing, power comes great responsibility and sometimes it's not an easy fix.

I really enjoyed Jenni Spangler’s previous book The Vanishing Trick and was highly intrigued about her latest. The colour palette on this cover is beautiful too, so of course I had to give it a go.

Valentine Crow has lived in the Foundling Hospital since he was born but now that he’s 12, he’ll be taking up an apprenticeship -apparently with Death himself! But then his best friend Philomena’s name appears on the list of souls to take and Valentine is desperate to save her. Can he cheat Death?

I don’t know whether it’s because I was reading a galley rather than the finished article but I wanted more illustrations within the book. The style on the cover is gorgeous and I think a few more interesting pieces of art would have been lovely. Usually, a lack of illustrations don’t really bother me in ARCs but as this was such a visual story, it really needed more! (I haven’t seen the finished copy -let me know if it is heavily illustrated!)

The humour reminded me of Terry Pratchett, which was really charming and nostalgic. However, I wanted more of it. I understand that it is possible to overdo comedy in books but this one had nowhere near enough!

Captain Bones was a lovely addition. He really didn’t need to exist but I love that he did. Animals can be constant companions, even defying the boundaries of mortal realms and I really enjoyed that sentiment.

My favourite thing about the book was the library and how it was used in a pretty unique way. The idea of librarians as angels really made me smile and I loved the metaphor of our lives being unfinished books. However, I really wanted a full illustration of it because I did struggle to picture the layout and walk around it, as I like to do in the settings I visit.

It gets pretty philosophical at times too and I appreciated the depths that this silly, whimsical story went to. It has a lot to say about humans, the complexities of their lives and positive ways of dealing with them, which is really great to see in a children’s book.

There is also exploration of the concept of kindred spirits and it came at a time when Valentine is feeling unloved and unwanted. Death cheers him up with an important lesson that things get better when you find your tribe. I love that found family is now a common feature in books of many genres because I don’t remember it being a prominent thing in the books I read as a kid. However, found family celebrate people who have chosen to love each other and every time, it’s so beautiful.

Valentine Crow and Mr Death is a quirky, funny adventure with some unique ideas. I wanted a few more visual aids and perhaps a more cohesive plot because I got lost around halfway through, so I’m sure some younger readers would too. However, I really enjoyed my experience reading it and will be a great October TBR addition.

A fantastic read that I finished in one sitting and that I think kids will love. It was funny and full of vivid descriptions and atmosphere

I've enjoyed a lazy Sunday morning finishing Valentine Crow and Mr Death - LOVED IT! Mr Death is such a heartwarming character ⚰️💀😍 and the illustrated explanations are pure genius. Keeping my fingers crossed for a series! 🤞🏼
#RfP @JenniSpangler1 @simonkids_UK @PrimarySchoolBC

As we all know, spelling matters. Just a small mistake could change the course of your life. And so it did for Valentine Crow, his life was about to take a very unexpected turn indeed. Like all the children at the foundling hospital when they reach the grand age of 12, he was expecting to become an apprentice and hoping to be able to keep in touch with his friend Philomena Sparrow. A new master ‘would be his ticket out of here’ he was sure.

So Valentine’s adventures begin. Embarking on his new profession is a steep learning curve, for he is apprenticed to Death. Riding Death’s horse, collecting souls, learning to use the tools of the trade and visiting a very special library indeed. This entertaining book contains lots of helpful advice for living and dead individuals to work together successfully. There are lots of excellent illustrations – for clarification, for information and for fun! I loved the delicate balance of humour, life and death philosophy, exciting storytelling and supernatural goings on. Like Jenni Spangler’s other books, this book is unique, different and wonderful – I didn’t want it to end.

I loved this book. It's a quirky, unique, gently funny and pacey story and wasn't morbid, despite the subject matter. Fans of light gothic books like Amelia Fang and Goth Girl will enjoy the rich world building and dark humour. The illustrations were perfect too. I particularly enjoyed the phantom/angelic Librarians but then I would...!

Deliciously Gothic, utterly charming, and so full of heart. It's a captivating race against time set against the backdrop of a gloomy Dickensian world where an unexpected friendship blossoms between young Valentine and...Death! It's funny but with moments that are so very touching. I love how Death is portrayed - a fascinating figure who is sometimes out of touch with humans but so often also loving and comforting and reassuring. An incredible thing to pull off.

I love Jenni Spangler's work so I was very excited to read this one and she does NOT disappoint. Her internal art is also something to pore over with eyes wide open in wonder. Such a treat!

Jenni Spangler has found a perfect concoction of dark gothic humour and beautiful heartfelt story in this fantastical adventure into the ether of life, death and human existence. And all brilliantly illustrated!

Genuine early contender for children's book of the year for me!

When twelve-year-old Valentine Crow and his best friend Philomena leave the Foundling Hospital to begin a new chapter of their lives as apprentices, little does Valentine know that h'e's being apprenticed to Death himself. And ends up in an even more impossible situation when Philomena's name pops up on the list of souls to collect, Can he save her?

Valentine Crow and Mr Death is a delightful, whimsical read, reminiscent of Terry Pratchett's Grim Reaper and Neil Gayman's Graveyard Book. The gentle humour and little inserts on the what and how of the after life's practicalities, as well as the job of soul reaper, make the book accessible to any reader and transforms a very big question into a gentle invitation to think about life and friendship. I adored it.

As an aspiring writer in an competitive industry, you hear lots of advice about creating "a standout concept" - something which will make the industry gatekeepers stand to attention. This is understandable as surely readers want exactly the same thing...a book that will grab them from the opening pages and make them forget everything beyond the story.

For me, and hopefully for middle-grade readers too, this is one of those books. Fabulously different, wickedly funny with a daring concept, Valentine Crow and Mr. Death is a book I'm going to be raving about for the forseeable future...

Valentine Crow is finally old enough to leave the Foundling Hospital and start an apprenticeship. But he definitely isn't his expecting his new boss to be Mr. Death. As Death teaches him how to reap souls, Valentine begins to get used to his new life. That is, until he finds out the next on his list of souls to collect is his best friend, Philomena Sparrow. Is there any way he can save his only friend?

With wonderfully unique world-building and sharp, witty writing, this book lives up to its spectacular front cover, weaving an enthralling story that is funny and heartfelt rather than scary. Yes, there are creepy moments and tackling the topic of death is certainly not an easy subject - meaning this story will not be for everyone. But underneath the humour is a story of friendship, love and loss, a beautifully thought-provoking and insightful view of death...and a pain in the backside boss called Linda, because, of course, even Death has a boss.

Valentine is a gorgeously created character - raised in the Foundling Hospital, he is eager-to-please, eager to see the world and extra eager to belong. I love the dynamics between him and Death and how Death endeavours to learn how to look after him. Although Jenni Spangler's representation of what happens after we die is very different to other books, such as The House With Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson, and may also be very different to what young readers believe or have been taught, I did find some true beauty in Spangler's portrayal. Certainly, tackling a subject which can be considered taboo, it's a great way of initiating discussion and I found myself soothed as well as entertained by this novel, with the fear of Death seeping away.

But, if you're worried this novel is going to be too deep, fear not. The cast of hilarious and endearing characters provides laughs aplenty. With two very chatty ghosts, an adorable dog, mysterious librarians and The Never, this is a rollercoaster of entertainment and action which gently tackles the ultimate question: Can we cheat Death? The format of the book is easily accessible and I loved the unusual way the text was broken up with illustrated thoughts and explanations - the kindred spirits page being my favourite. Full of truth and hope, this tale reassured me that our loved ones are never too far away.

This was a darkly funny book. Refreshingly different, witty but kind. When orphaned Valentine Crow is released from his institution into an apprenticeship he is shocked to discover he is bound by contract to work with Death for seven years. Apprehensive about a life with the Grim Reaper and all the creepiness associated with that, including living inside a cold stone crypt, Valentine discovers that Death is compassionate . He witnesses what consequences occur if a life isn't taken on time when he is faced with taking the life of his only friend.
This book is great for fans of Horrible Histories and BBC's Ghosts. The illustrations are really engaging, they add so much to the story (They were very difficult to read in the NetGally formatting on both apps,)
A book that tackles some dark and difficult themes in a kind and compelling way.

A brilliant read - funny and warm despite featurting Mr Death. Loved the little asides sprinkled throughout. My new favourite Jenni Spangler book which I think Year 6 will love.

Full of heart & adventure, with wonderful illustrations by Spangler herself, I cannot recommend this one enough!

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed The Vanishing Trick, by this author, I was really looking forward to this book. It didn't disappoint.
Valentine Crow is orphaned and sent to learn a trade with Death himself.
Death is ultimately a likeable character and there were many amusing moments as he navigates the challenge of having a human apprentice.
Valentine discovers the meaning of friendship when a reaping doesn't exactly go to plan.
A really enjoyable book, good for upper KS2.

I was excited to read Valentine Crow & Mr Death as I loved The Vanishing Trick by the same author, Jenni Spangler.
This is the story of Valentine Crow, a Victorian boy with no parents, who is apprenticed to Death. As he learns the reaper trade, he also discovers what it means to be a young human, trying to navigate life, friendship and emotions.
This book is a perfect read for KS2 readers (the book says 9+ and I would completely agree with that). The first thing that struck me was that it gets straight into the action of the story. For children who are still building up their reading stamina, this is a very important consideration. The next thing that really stood out for me was the character of Death - funny, honest and weirdly human. I adored him, and the relationship he formed with Valentine. The story was pacy but not rushed, with Victorian London brilliantly described. The illustrations and additional information were excellent and really added to the whole story. The plot built well, with moments of humour and tenderness delicately woven together. At times, the description of what happens in death made me emotional but I'm not sure that it is me looking at it through adult eyes. I don't know if it will impact children in the same way but what I do know is that I found how death is depicted here incredibly reassuring and, for such a devastating and complicated thing, beautifully formed.
This is a fantastic, pacy story full of excitement, joy and tenderness, and one I know the children at school will adore as much as I did. I loved it.

Just finished this. Wow! What a story. About friendships and truth and kindred spirits. I absolutely loved it and I hope there's a 2nd one. I want to know what Death, Valentine, and Philomena get up to.

Jenni Spangler is one of my favourite middle grade authors. Her stories are full of intrigue, strange objects and characters who always do the unexpected. Valentine Crow and Mr Death goes ten steps further with a unique, gently funny and thought-provoking tale of a young apprentice who is sent to work for the most surprising of masters! Add the fact that Jenni has illustrated this story herself and we have something absolutely brilliant!

Valentine Crow grew up in a foundling hospital in London. An orphan, he never knew his family. He only dreamed of one day being able to leave and step out into an unknown future. When Mr Death arrives to claim his new apprentice, no one knows what to say. Valentine is signed on for seven years indentured as a junior grim reaper!

Mr Death is not the dark, evil character you might expect. He isn’t the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come from A Christmas Carol or a devil-like man in a Scream mask. Instead, he honestly deals with the worst of life. He shows Valentine how to arrive in someone’s final moments and take their soul to the afterlife. This is a big responsibility and must be treated with respect.

Valentine isn’t sure what to make of this new life but embraces every challenge. His golden pocket watch shows him when and where he needs to go and he soon gets used to living in a mausoleum with his dog, Captain Bones. Mr Death has a lot to learn when it comes to caring for a mortal child but they muddle along together. It’s only when Valentine is called to the death of someone he knows that things start to go very wrong.

Despite all the funny, charming moments in this bizarre relationship, many important questions are raised. What happens after death? Where do souls go? What does it mean to be good? What would your life book say about you? This is a story to be enjoyed but also to be shared carefully. Young readers will have many different beliefs and theories about life and death, as will their families. This aspect of the story shouldn’t be taken lightly. Respect for everyone’s beliefs is key. Adults sharing this story also need to be aware of any bereavements and the questions it may raise about what has happened to loved ones.

Valentine Crow and Mr Death deals with some of the same themes as The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson. It would be interesting to discuss the two stories with children who have read both.

I love the focus on kindred spirits and how there are some people we are inexplicably drawn to in a very special way. This would be a powerful concept for children to think about and discuss.

Valentine Crow and Mr Death is a story not to be missed by lovers of middle grade fiction. It is so different from other stories – full of charm, humour and the best things in life, as well as life’s darkest moments. What happens after Mr Death has come to call is portrayed with positivity and light.

Witty, Weird & Wonderful, Three Words to Describe this Spooky & Quirky Children's Novel.
(Thanks to Net Galley for this Book).

We enjoyed Jenni Spanglers previous book, the vanishing trick, and this has the same sort of Victorian age feel. A bit creepy, slightly dark and such fun. Valentine is apprenticed to Death (who is much nicer than you would expect) and after a good hearted deed goes on a wild adventure to save a friend.. We read it in one sitting, loved it.