Discover new kitchen selections
$0.99

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Asylum: A story by Ian Lahey, illustrated by Hauke Vagt Kindle Edition

4.7 out of 5 stars 25 ratings

"Didley". That was the name they had chosen for their poor, unwanted child. Left with a strange doctor in an even stranger place Didley discovers the impossible secret at the core of Heahne Asylum. "...an unforgettable tale where physical and personality differences, shunning, acceptance, loneliness, self-esteem, friendship, family, and belonging are all brought to the forefront, then dealt with in a most unconventional manner, resulting in a most surprising outcome for both characters and readers alike." "This story showed that even if you're way different you can always find a place where you're loved and included." Lucy age 9 Winner of the IHIRBP Recommended Read Award.
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

I was inspired by some illustrations by Hauke Vagt to write this short story. When Hauke read it he was inspired by it to create the amazing artwork for this book.
To date we are unsure if the artist inspired the author, the author ispired the artist or if Asylum just inspired itself.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07J1VZRYC
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 3, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 6.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 12 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6 - 12 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 25 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Ian Lahey
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Writing's easy, they said. Just put the words down, don't worry about form, it's just a draft, they said...well, writing IS easy. I mean this bio, for instance, was written in five minutes including the toilet break. Yes, writing's easy for me.

As long as there are no characters involved. Once you create characters they start making requests. They start waking you up at night with ideas. They start having dialogues with other characters while you're trying to have a shower.

You've never really felt the pain of writing until you've witnessed a shouting argument between six angry characters inside your own head. Editing also sucks because then your characters start arguing with you for cutting their scenes out.

So, yeah. I write. Buy my books.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
25 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers praise the book's charming illustrations and excellent story, with one review highlighting it as a wonderful tale of self-acceptance. Customers find the book enjoyable, with one noting it's suitable for both children and adults, and another mentioning it's a perfect subway ride read.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

10 customers mention "Visual quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the visual quality of the book, with its charming illustrations, and one customer describes it as an amazing little illustrated short.

"...of receiving an ARC (advanced reader copy) of this amazing little illustrated short and spooky children's book from Mr. Lahey...." Read more

"...written in an inviting and slightly wicked voice with terrific illustrations perfectly matched to the vibe of the story. A perfect subway ride read." Read more

"surprisingly interesting book with beautiful illustrations and enticing story, I've downloaded the kindle version but looking forward to get my..." Read more

"What a clever story with charming illustrations. This story would be enjoyed by both children and adults alike." Read more

7 customers mention "Story quality"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of self-acceptance, with one describing it as cute and bitter-sweet.

"...It's a wonderful story of self-acceptance and everyone having a place where they belong. We'd highly recommend it for your children :)" Read more

"...Totally worth the read. Terrific, propelling story written in an inviting and slightly wicked voice with terrific illustrations perfectly matched to..." Read more

"surprisingly interesting book with beautiful illustrations and enticing story, I've downloaded the kindle version but looking forward to get my..." Read more

"What a clever story with charming illustrations. This story would be enjoyed by both children and adults alike." Read more

4 customers mention "Book enjoyment"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this children's book, with one mentioning it's suitable for both children and adults, while another notes it's a cute way to talk about differences.

"...This story would be enjoyed by both children and adults alike." Read more

"Wow! I wasn't expecting this ending. Great twist. Great children's book about being different. I won't spoil it with too many details...." Read more

"Cute way to talk about differences amongst us. Loved the pictures." Read more

"Amazing children's book about self-acceptance and having a place for everyone..." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one mentioning it's a perfect subway ride read.

"...Totally worth the read. Terrific, propelling story written in an inviting and slightly wicked voice with terrific illustrations perfectly matched to..." Read more

"surprisingly interesting book with beautiful illustrations and enticing story, I've downloaded the kindle version but looking forward to get my..." Read more

"Excellent, original book..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2018
    My husband and I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC (advanced reader copy) of this amazing little illustrated short and spooky children's book from Mr. Lahey. It's a wonderful story of self-acceptance and everyone having a place where they belong. We'd highly recommend it for your children :)
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2020
    Were The October Country Bradbury's more whimsical fare, this would fit right in. Totally worth the read. Terrific, propelling story written in an inviting and slightly wicked voice with terrific illustrations perfectly matched to the vibe of the story. A perfect subway ride read.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2018
    surprisingly interesting book with beautiful illustrations and enticing story, I've downloaded the kindle version but looking forward to get my hands on a printed version.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2018
    What a clever story with charming illustrations. This story would be enjoyed by both children and adults alike.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2019
    Wow! I wasn't expecting this ending. Great twist. Great children's book about being different. I won't spoil it with too many details. I will be looking for more books by this author.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2019
    ... with an unexpected twist. It also has wonderful illustrations. I have enjoyed this little gem a lot, it's like a breath of fresh air.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2019
    Cute way to talk about differences amongst us. Loved the pictures.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2019
    The art was different and I liked it. This story showed that even if you're way different you can always find a place where you're loved and included. Lucy age 9

Top reviews from other countries

  • Ladyhawk
    5.0 out of 5 stars A hidden gem of a book. Please read this to your kiddies.
    Reviewed in Australia on May 5, 2019
    Review written by a 15 year old and his Mum.
    15yo said the cover looked kinda scary and he wouldn't pick it up to read. He's more of an exploding farts kinda reader. He thought it was really sad that the parents wouldn't accept Didley for who he is but would change him for another child that was more normal. How horrible! He thought the children seemed happy in the asylum and maybe they ought to stay there if life on the outside means they would be picked on again. He thought the pictures and the writing inside looked very good and he understood the meaning of all the words, so it was appropriate for his age.
    I thought the book too was sad when it started and wondered who would like this book. It is so obviously a hard luck story about how tough life can be for children would don't fit the accepted norm.
    BUT
    Something happens.
    Something I didn't expect.
    Something that changed my whole view of the book and made me think, Wow, this author is a genius.
    Mum: I'm going to give it 5 stars (only because it won't let me give ten)
    and I challenge you all to read this to your children.
    It's worth it, I promise you
    * * * * * * * * * *
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Hippochick
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 7, 2020
    Wonderful story ,beautifully written and illustrated.
    A lovely tale of finding your fit in this world.
    Can't wait for the pandemic to be over so I can share it with my Granddaughters share
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book
    Reviewed in Canada on September 7, 2019
    Awesome

    Voluntarily interesting the kids really enjoyed reading this book I would prefer any one to this book it was good
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A cute short story for children (a fairytale? ), beautifully illustrated.
    Reviewed in Canada on April 6, 2019
    Could probably pass as 'baby's first sci-fi steps'.
    Will make a nice bedtime story to fill your kids' imaginations with.
  • jcgruit
    5.0 out of 5 stars Heart-warming story, lovely for children
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 7, 2018
    Beautifully and intriguingly illustrated book with a heart-warming story. If you've ever struggled to find your place in the world or felt different, this is a great story with a lovely twist.

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?