The Grimmelings
The Grimmelings by Rachael King, published by Margaret K. McElderry Books on October 28, 2025, is a middle grade fantasy adventure that invites readers into a world of mystery and magic. The story follows thirteen-year-old Ella, who navigates her lonely life near a remote lake, where her family’s horses serve as her only companions. After her father’s mysterious disappearance, Ella’s household, comprised solely of women, faces suspicion from the local community. When a wish for a true friend and a curse on a bully coincide with strange events, Ella finds herself unraveling a deeper mystery involving her family and the arrival of a new boy and a wild horse.
As Ella investigates the unsettling occurrences, she learns that her family is under the shadow of a vengeful kelpie, and she must confront this magical threat to protect her loved ones and her community. The narrative explores themes of friendship, family life, and the power of words, while incorporating elements of fairy tales and multicultural influences. With 288 pages, this edition is presented in English and offers a captivating journey for young readers interested in animals, growing up, and the complexities of life.
Official synopsis Publisher
A girl must unravel the mystery behind disappearances in her community and the arrival of a strange boy and a wild horse in this spellbinding middle grade fantasy adventure perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell and The Whisperwicks.
Thirteen-year-old Ella lives a lonely life near a remote lake where the horses that make up her family’s business are also her only friends. Ever since her father went missing years before, the family household has been made up entirely of women, something that’s viewed with suspicion by their neighbors, who sometimes call them witches.
Ella doesn’t believe in magic, but she does know words have power. She really should have known better than to utter a wish and a joking “curse” on the same day—a wish for a true friend and a curse on the boy bullying her little sister. Before long, the bully goes missing the same strange way her father did, and a strange boy and a beautiful black horse seemingly appear in his place. At first, the new boy seems to be the friend Ella wished for, but he’s pushy, quick to anger, and knows more than he should about her family.
As Ella digs deeper into the mysterious occurrences, she discovers her family is living in the shadow of a vengeful kelpie, and she must break its curse to save not just her family but her entire community.
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