FICTION

Beneath the Bed and Other Scary Stories

by Max Brallier (text) & illus. by Letizia Rubegni
Scholastic. (Mister Shivers: Bk. 1). Sept. 2019. 64p. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9781338318548.
COPY ISBN
Gr 1-3–Brallier’s offers well-written and rather scary stories based loosely on relatable fears: things lurking under the bed; toys that come to life; noises at the window; and swallowing something that should never be found in one’s stomach. Each short story closes in suspense. Open-ended denouements encourage the imagination to run wild and may even lead readers to write their own conclusions. Framed by an entertaining and intriguing introductory letter from storyteller Mister Shivers, and concluding with a bonus feature showing how to draw a one-eyed bear from one of the tales, these five short stories are reminiscent of Alvin Schwartz’s “Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark.”
VERDICT With darkly charming, detailed, and abundant illustrations, this palm-sized volume is sure to appeal to child fans of the mildly macabre.
Reviewed by Lindsay Persohn, University of South Florida, Tampa , Jan 10, 2020

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