The Wump by Diterlizzi, Tony

From the co-creator of the #1 New York Times bestselling Spiderwick Chronicles series comes a deliciously dark supernatural middle-grade coming-of-age story, with two-color illustrations throughout.

"Terrifyingly terrific."--Jeff Kinney, New York Times bestselling creator of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

Timothy's grandpa has a saying: the best way to deal with bullies is to wump 'em. But Timothy would never hurt a fly--and not just because he genuinely loves bugs. He's always been a good kid...until a shadowy monster appears and begins feeding on his darkest thoughts. Facing bullies both at home and at school, Timothy cocoons himself in the monster's shadows, where he is consumed by a desire for revenge. But how much of himself can Timothy give up before he is completely transformed?

Award-winning author-illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi stuns in this creepy, brilliantly illustrated, and poignant reflection of the darkness--and light--inside of all of us.

Author: Tony Diterlizzi
Publisher: Dial Books
Published: 09/29/2026
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.70lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.90w x 1.10d
ISBN: 9798217004911
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5
Point Value: 8
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 560094 / Wump


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2026
Publishers Weekly 06/29/2026
School Library Journal 07/01/2026 pg. 83
Booklist 08/01/2026

About the Author
Tony DiTerlizzi is the co-creator of the #1 New York Times bestselling Spiderwick Chronicles series and the bestselling Wondla series, both of which have been adapted into television series. He was awarded a Caldecott Honor for his cinematic version of Howitt's classic The Spider and the Fly. His art has graced the work of J. R. R. Tolkien, Anne McCaffrey, and Greg Bear. He and his wife reside with their pug in Amherst, Massachusetts.