SOLVED. Children’s book about a boy finding somebody’s figurines. [s]

[Ani]

In the story a young boy finds himself in a small workshop, owned by a man who is described from early on, I believe some sort of caretaker who lives/lived in this little shack-like building. I think perhaps the boy breaks in, and inside he finds a collection of models/figurines, all made by hand, all supposed to be little creatures or monsters. I don’t remember if they actually come to life or if he simply imagines that they do, but that seemed to be part of it. Later we meet the character who makes the models and learn about how he makes them, at this point the author goes into great and vivid detail about the glass beads used for eyes and the clay/plasticine limbs and armatures being superglued together. It’s possible the creator reveals their purpose as stop-motion puppets? As in the sort of thing seen in a Ray Harryhausen film.
There’s also some focus on the boy’s bicycle, I seem to remember a scene where he’s cycling to or from the workshop in the dark as he often does and the headlamp on his bike goes out.
I would’ve most likely read this book in school, between 2001-2006, and I believe it was a relatively recent book. I may also have been by a British author and set in the UK. I don’t remember the cover but it was certainly a paperback.
I apologise if I have misremembered any of the details, but after speaking to some friends who also remember parts of this book I’m sure this is all at least mostly accurate.

[Rainbowheart]

Monster Maker?

[Ani]

Thank you! I can’t believe my googling couldn’t turn up such an obvious seeming title.

[Rainbowheart]

Welcome, glad to help out!