Books in Black Cats series

This laugh-out-loud comic romp marks Michael Cox's debut on the A&C Black children's list. Captain Codswallop's pirate ship has been stolen by the ruthless highwayman, Dick Turnip. But it seems that Dick is even more incompetent than the captain and his hapless crew. However, the pirates get more than they bargained for when they find themselves head-to-head with the Spanish Armada.

When an exhibit on Ancient Egypt comes to town, the Black Cat Club races to check it out. With its painted caskets and ancient mummies, what better place to find a ghost? Even Mittens the cat sneaks in for a peek. But the club gets more than it bargains for when a 7,000 year-old cat mummy disappears from the museum—and lazy Mittens turns into growling, hissing, dog-chasing terror. Is it just a coincidence? Or has Mittens been struck by . . . the curse of the cat mummy?

Andrew, the Black Cat Club’s youngest member, has a new pen pal. His name is Gordon Dusenbury and he loves baseball and corny jokes—just like Andrew! At first, Andrew loves getting Gordon’s letters. But then strange things start happening. Andrew just doesn’t seem to be Andrew anymore—he’s winning spelling bees, playing mean practical jokes, and he suddenly hates girls, even Alice. It’s time for the Black Cat Club to get on the case—before they lose Andrew forever!School Library Journal calls THE GHOST WHO ATE CHOCOLATE and THE HAUNTED SKATEBOARD "Two books that are sure to satify early chapter-book readers."Booklist raves," Not since Ghostbusters has there been a more intrepid band of investigators on the trail of ectoplasmic phenomena."

Great Green Gobs of Greasy, Grimy Gopher's Guts...Or how about a serving of Monday Mess? Or a nice big plate of Freaky Friday Fried Fish? That's what's served for lunch at Maplewood Elementary. Belinda, Robert, Andrew and Sam want a new menu -- fast!But the Black Cat Club soon learns that you have to be careful what you wish for. The new food is worse -- much worse. Suddenly there are eyeballs in the Chef's Salad and worms in the Pasta Primavera! It's up to the Black Cat Club -- and their ghostly sidekick, Alice -- to get on the case. But is this mealtime mystery more than they can stomach?Monday Mess! Weirdo Wednesday Weiners! Freaky Friday Fried Fish! The Black Cat Club is certain that lunchtime at Maplewood Elementary can’t be worse. But they’re wrong. Suddenly there are eyeballs in the Chef’s Salad and worms in the Pasta Primavera. Someone is ruining the food. But who? And why? The Black Cat Club—and ghostly sidekick Alice—must find out, before they lose their appetites forever!School Library Journal calls The Ghost Who Ate Chocolate and The Haunted Skateboard "Two books that are sure to satisfy early chapter-book readers." In their review of The Curse of the Cat Mummy, School Library Journal raves that "Kids will love this exotic mystery.""Not since Ghostbusters has there been a more intrepid band of investigators on the trail of ectoplasmic phenomena," says Booklist.

'It was never meant to feed the needy; but to serve up grief to the mean and greedy' The unfortunately named Albert Grub (A. Grub) has parents who are obsessed by mini-beasts; there are insects in the fridge, woodlice living in the hall and spiders dwelling in the cupboard under the stairs. But everything changes one day when Albert discovers that his dad is heir to the factory of the legendary Piddler's Porridge. Why is the town's noodle King, and owner of the adjacent factory so keen to get his hands on the Piddler's place? Is he after the legendary Spoon of Doom, believed to be hidden somewhere in the factory? And what can our reluctant hero do to stop him? A mix of quirky characters and outlandish goings on topped with lashings of bugs and porridge, this is a laugh-out-loud comic adventure that will appeal especially to boys.