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

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 

BOOKS

Alí el Grande y el error sobre el dinosaurio
by Faruqi, Saadia
BOOKS

Bunny Hop: Ready-to-Read Pre-Level 1
by Hwang, Sarah
BOOKS

Alí el Grande y el fracaso del avion de papel
by Faruqi, Saadia
BOOKS

Alí el Grande y el percance del mercado
by Faruqi, Saadia
BOOKS

Alí el Grande y la sorpresa de la fiesta de Eid
by Faruqi, Saadia
BOOKS

The Shape of Lost Things
by Everett, Sarah
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?