Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In his adult-directed foreword to this spirited anthology, Robert Coles muses on what being ``scared'' entails, concluding that as children venture into the unknown they ``learn to take on this world, to get some sense of confidence about it, control over it.'' The mostly lighthearted entries in this volume will certainly assuage rather than feed youngsters' fears of spooks and the like (cf. Florence Parry Heide's ``The Monster in My Closet,'' who ``always tries to scare me / (he does it as a joke). / But tonight I shouted BOO! at him / and he went up in smoke!''). Tempering the potentially frightening endings of a small number of these selections is Brown's typically upbeat art, featuring a bevy of frolicsome kids, amicable ghosts, playful little monsters and benign witches--even the most exotic creatures (such as the chimerical fellow in Ogden Nash's ``The Wendigo'' and Jane Yolen's skeletal ``The Fossilot'') come off as decidedly nonthreatening. Other stellar contributors include Judith Viorst and Jack Prelutsky. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3-A collection of poetry, prose, riddles, rhymes, and other spooky stuff shivery enough to awe a young audience, yet silly enough for them to giggle their apprehensions away. Selections by such well-known authors as Ogden Nash, Jack Prelutsky, and Judith Viorst are included, as well as several original pieces by Brown. While many of the entries can be found elsewhere, as a whole they form a wonderful collection for young fright fans. Brown scores again with his own brand of warm, engaging watercolor art. Each bordered page is home to cackling witches, slithering ghosts, warty dragons, hairy giants, hungry snakes, or snapping sharks. Brilliant colors, attention to detail, and the excellent balance of text and art provide a feast for the eye. The book is indexed by titles as well as by authors. A foreword by child psychiatrist Robert Coles acknowledges for parents and other adults the fears children have about their world, recognizes the need to identify them, and applauds the idea of laughing them away. Every time this book is shared, the results will be the same: ``Read more, please read more.'' That's when you know you have a winner.-Dot Minzer, North Barrington School, Barrington, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Each of over fifty poems, stories, songs, and riddles in the collection is just scary enough to satisfy the preschooler craving a frightening story -- but silly enough that the same child will not be afraid. All are accompanied by Brown's characteristic cheerful ink and watercolor illustrations in which smiling ghosts and furry green monsters cavort. Ind. From HORN BOOK 1994, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
