The Bone Collector. A Horror Story for Children and Daring Grownups.

"There was a young man named Tom Alley, who enjoyed going on picnics on overcast days, moonbathing on his terrace, and falling asleep upside down, hanging from a pole he had installed for that purpose. One day, after uneasy dreams, he fell down from it and broke his arm."

This unfortunate incident turns out to be only the beginning of Tom's problems. On his way to propose to his girlfriend, Lilly, Tom picks up a bone, which is just the right size for him. Of course, being from out of town, he never heard the refrain, "If you pass by a thing in the shape of a bone, listen well: It is better to leave it alone."

Lilly warns him but Tom will rather keep it. And that's when real trouble begins. For the Bone Collector will come back to get what belongs to him... at all costs.

Half prose, half poetry, this funny and marvelously atmospheric story tells the adventure of the fearless and stubborn Tom and his girlfriend Lilly, who will face incredible odds and discover on their way, that even those who we find eccentric and puzzling, may have something in common with us after all.

For children ages 6 to 11 (and for grown ups too... if they dare).


Old as the wind that roams the earth
Whistling outside on winter nights,
Cracking the twigs, trudging the roads,
Making one miss the morning light,

There’s one that comes and goes alone
Groping and turning every stone.

Clickety-Clickety, Clickety-Clack!
The Bone Collector performs his task.
Clickety-Clickety, Clickety-Clack!
What’s that about? Better not to ask!

Fragment of the Ballad of the Bone Collector


About the Author: Martin Monreal is a freelance writer and translator who has won several prizes for his poetry and fiction. He shares his time between New York and Buenos Aires. He lives with his wife, daughter and many plush toys.