FICTION

In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories

by Alvin SCHWARTZ
illus. by Victor Rivas. 64p.HarperCollins/Harper. Jul. 2017. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780062643384; pap. $3.99. ISBN 9780062643377.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2—Newly illustrated by Rivas, this standard easy reader title will be a charming addition to holiday shelves. Young readers craving something creepy will find much to appreciate in these seven (not too) scary selections. "The Teeth" features characters with ever-larger teeth, while the book's eponymous story uses repetition to reveal a wild-haired green ghost, effectively laid out on a spread. The entries are sufficiently scary for beginning readers who will likely delight in reading and retelling them. Detailed illustrations à la Edward Gorey, paired with a somber palette, depict characters with wide eyes and frightful expressions. A description of the tales' origins rounds out the book.
VERDICT This reillustrated edition of the 1984 collection of scary stories will deliver shivers to a new generation.
Reviewed by Ramarie Beaver, Plano Public Library System, TX , Sep 01, 2017

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BLOGS

Book Review: The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon
by Amanda MacGregor
BOOKS

The Storyteller
by Bonilla, Lindsay
BOOKS

Not a Smiley Guy
by Horvath, Polly
BOOKS

The Blue Pickup
by Tripplett, Natasha
BOOKS

Nana in the Country
by Castillo, Lauren
BOOKS

Peg Gets Crackin’
by Renfro, Jo
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?