The greatest demons you'll ever see – all made up by children

Published on: 19 February 2018 Author: Sophie Offord

When our Writer in Residence Taran Matharu launched a "Design a demon" competition for schoolchildren, we didn't know we'd be sent so many brilliantly creepy, freaky monsters. Just take a look at our winner (it won't bite – we think)...

Author Taran Matharu is best known for creating a wonderful fantasy world in his Summoner trilogy of books: full of weird and wonderful imaginary creatures.

Win the Summoner books signed by Taran

So what better competition to celebrate his time as our Writer in Residence than a "Design a demon" challenge?

That's right: before Taran waves goodbye to us, we asked Year 7 and 8 schoolchildren around the country to send in their monstrous creations – judging not only their drawing but also the Top Trump-style rankings they dished out to their characters. Some of you even sent in some rather sensational back stories...

After sifting through dozens of entries, Taran Matharu has now picked a very worthy WINNER.

Meet Slytha the snake demon

We don't blame you for being terrified. Better steer clear of that venom! And those fangs – Slytha can devour an elephant, so we're sorry to say you'll be VERY easy pickings...

This nasty little demon is all down to the imagination of Adam in Year 7 at St Augustine’s High School in London. Congratulations to Adam and his school!

St Augustine's will now get a school visit from Taran and copies of the Summoner trilogy for every child in Adam's year group, thanks to Hodder Children's Books.

But the thrills don't stop there...

We were so impressed with the quality of demons sent to us that we also wanted to draw your attention to some other creatures of the night. Want to know your Magma from your Windeglow? Read on! Forewarned is forearmed...