Hide and Don't Seek: And Other Very Scary Stories

Twenty different entries, with atmospheric illustrations, create new yet classic-feeling tales for younger readers... Ideal for any younger reader looking for bite-sized horror.

In this collection of 20 brief offerings that nod affectionately to scary-story tropes, Rissi (Nobody Knows but You) puts an enjoyably spooky spin on mundane and traditionally pleasurable childhood experiences, while occasional art by Godina maintains the eerie atmosphere. Using straightforward prose and employing a mix of narrative forms--letters home, verse, text messages, a dog's point of view, and a play, among others--Rissi turns such topics as a friendly game of hide-and-seek between siblings ("Hide and Don't Seek"), a summer camp session ("Truly Delicious"), a long-kept confidence ("The Secret"), and a Christmas gift ("Beatrice") toward the anxious and uncertain. "The Best Teacher at Pleasant Hill Oak Elementary," meanwhile, provides a refreshing twist on the "unusual teacher" idea. Though some stories succeed better than others, and several end abruptly, the sheer variety of creepy concepts, unsettling moments interspersed with humor, and gotcha twists will appeal to younger middle grade readers who are ready for a gateway into horror fiction--and a book to read around the campfire. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8-12. Agent: Michael Bourret, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Aug.)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4-6--When it comes to scary stories, this title delivers. Young readers will find tales of hair-raising animals, monsters, dreams, crows, ghosts, dolls, black cats, a strange summer camp, worms, vampires, things under the bed, murders, superstitions, and disappearances--all the makings of a modern-day classic. Some stories are updated versions of familiar scary tales while others feel quite new altogether. This book also features stories in diverse formats like prose, poetry, letters, a play, and even an eerie text message thread. The variety of text types is likely to appeal to a wide range of readers. Rissi also features diverse characters in these spine-chilling tales, with ethnically diverse names as well as a main character whose father has two mothers. A note to readers at the start of the book reminds us why we read scary stories, and how they can help kids rehearse their own navigation of the scary stuff of real life. VERDICT Like Alvin Schwartz's "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark," this title shows promise of being read and retold again and again by this generation's thrill-seekers.--Lindsay Persohn, Univ. of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.