Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

1. SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK

Written by Alvin Schwartz

Illustrated by Stephen Gammell

Published by Harper Collins Publishers

Publication Date: 1981

ISBN: 0-397-31926-6

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This collection of stories is a favorite among children. Divided into five sections, the stories in this book are a wide range of tales that are spine chilling as well as some humorous tales. All the tales are descriptive and conjure up images of the most ghastly of creatures. Also included are some scary rhymes and games sure to make any ghostly get together memorable.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
While adults may find some of the stories in this collection silly and predicatable, children flock to this book. Stephen Gammel's eerie sketches that illustrate many of the tales help draw children's attention to this collection. Alvin Schwartz's stories are detailed, which is great to aid to allow readers to visualize many of the scary images described. Many traditional favorites are included, such as, "The Big Toe," (Which many readers will recognize as "The Golden Arm.") and "The Hook." Many of these stories have been around for years, and Schwartz's versions of them ensure us that they will live on. The notes at the end of the story collection provide interesting background information about many of the tales.

In a world full of violent and explicit horror films, these stories allow children to experience a good scary story, but without the disturing images that could linger in a child's mind. This book is definately for an older reader, as some of the stories and illustrations could be upsetting to younger readers.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT
From "Children's Books, 1981"
"A fine collection of short tales to chill the bones of young and old with interesting notes for folktale buffs."

5. CONNECTIONS
*Many of the stories in this collection would be a great way to introduce students to elements of storytelling. Students could practice how to tell a great story and how to build suspense and draw the listener in.
*Since several of the stories are short, students could use them as a model to write their own original scary stories.