Module #15:

Scary Stories 

Book Summary: This book contains scary American folktales divided into different themes, such as “THEY EAT YOUR EYES, THEY EAT YOUR NOSE,” and “OTHER DANGERS”.  Although the stories are short, they are well written and suspenseful. The first editions of this title include artwork by Stephen Gammell - a truly gifted artist whose illustrations add depth to each story.  This collection of stories can be enjoyed by all ages.

APA Reference of Book:

Schwartz, A. & Irving, G. (2001). Scary Stories (1st ed.). New York, NY: Random House Audio.

Impressions: As a child, I never read this series. Working at a library, I see these copies get checked-out and checked-in frequently. I finally read this first book in the series and fortunately, I was also lucky to read a copy with the original artwork by Stephen Gammell. This is a collection of folktales that are deliciously creepy and the illustrations give the tale even spookier. Although attempts have been made in censor this book (in fact, newer editions have had the artwork completely redone to more cartoonish and drawn by a different artist), the stories remain the same. Personally, I do not enjoy the new illustrations after looking at the original artwork. The new illustrations do not feel as authentic to the story.

Professional Review:

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, collected by Alvin Schwartz, illustrated by Stephen Gammell. Lippincott, 1981, 111 pp. $8.25. Schwartz has gained a reputation for high quality collections of American folklore. This compilation features ghosts, witches, and haunted houses. Do you remember the story of the teen couple parked by the roadside listening to the news of an escaped murderer who wore a hook where his left hand once was? How about the babysitter who kept getting telephone calls from a scary stranger? These are the tales for which campfires are made. Gammell's haunting illustrations add to the appeal.

Abrahamson, D. (1983). Scary stories to tell in the dark National Council of Teachers of English.

Library Uses: These stories can be read at a Halloween storytime, as well as displayed during Banned Books Week at the Library.