Children's Laureate 2001-2003
Carnegie Medal 1989, 1992
Whitbread Award 1993, 1996
Guardian Fiction Award 1990
Children's Laureate 2001-2003
Carnegie Medal 1989, 1992
Whitbread Award 1993, 1996
Guardian Fiction Award 1990
The portrait of a beautiful girl with tumbling red hair takes on sinister undertones in this unnerving tale from much-loved, multi-award-winning author Anne Fine.
Jess is delighted when she finds the perfect picture to cover up a dirty mark on her bedroom wall. The beautiful portrait of a girl with tumbling red hair is exactly the right size, and she doesn't even have to pay for it!
But when she hangs the painting in her room, Jess is tormented by disturbing nightmares featuring Araminta from the portrait.
Her mum thinks Jess is making it all up, but she's in for a shock when she experiences the power of the painting for herself.
"This is a brilliantly spooky, unsettling, gothic tale which sent shivers down my spine. It may be short in length, at just over 50 pages, but it masterfully encapsulates a deliciously dark, creepy story. I have no doubt it will hold young readers entranced."
Creepy Araminta, a book for solo readers by Anne Fine, illustrated by Emily Jones, was published by Barrington Stoke on 4th June 2026. Available from Amazon in paperback or Kindle editions.