Review by Frank Plowright

Anthony Horowitz had been writing children’s novels for around a decade before Groosham Grange earned him his first award in 1988. It’s difficult to read it now and not see several similarities to Harry Potter, which was published a few years later.

At twelve David Eliot isn’t meeting family expectations at school. In fact he’s been expelled, so it’s timely that a letter arrives suggesting David attend Groosham Grange, a private school. His father rapidly agrees, and shortly afterwards David finds himself on a special train where he’s in a carriage with Jill and Jeffrey, also heading to the school, which turns out to be a spooky gothic construction on a mountain in the middle of a lake. On arrival the headmaster has David sign his name in blood, and the pupils already present seem to know things they’re not telling David, although there are clever clues for more astute readers. Monsieur Leloup, for instance, is never present during a full moon.

Clément Lefèvre’s charming illustrations sell this version of Groosham Grange from the first page. His people ooze character even before the spooky sorts emerging later, and he emphasises the cold nature of the school via illustrations showing a small David in vast surroundings. It’s down to him that a mysterious tone is constant, but what’s shown never exceeds levels ensuring the adaptation is suitable for all ages.

Taking his cue from the novel, Maxe L’Hermenier perpetuates the mystery as David explores his surroundings, although there are considerable leaps forward in time over a school year. The explanations also come in rather a rush over the final few pages, which are more concerned with setting up Return to Groosham Grange (as yet not adapted). However, that’s not going to be as obvious to young readers, who’ll find all their questions answered.

It’s good natured, it’s funny, and most of all Groosham Grange is exceptionally well drawn. That all adds up to a treat.