Scary Tales Volume 1: Home Sweet Horror
Written by James Preller
Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno
Published by Feiwel & Friends
Print Price: $5.99 Ebook Price: $4.06
8-year-old Liam Finn's life hasn't been very inspiring lately. His mom died about a year and a half ago, he doesn't get along with his sister very well, and his dad has carted them off to a delapidated old house in upstate New York. They had to move from their hometown of Hopeville because their dad got a new job at a chemical refinery, but it was probably just an excuse for a change of scenery that he hoped would take his mind off his dead wife. Right off the bat, Liam senses that something isn't quite right about their new home. it has an Amityville Horror like facade that reminds him of a face, and then he notices a flash of light in the windows before they even go in. Then he starts to hear strange noises, ghostly moans, and even whispering voices. Liam doesn't tell his dad about all the strange things going on because he figures he won't believe him and also that it will just stress him at his new job. But when Bloody Mary comes a callin in the bathroom mirror, there's only so much a little kid can keep inside.
When I first looked at this book in the store, I thought it was a collection of stories, but it's a short novel. VERY short. It will probably take you less than an hour to read it. But that's part of its charm actually. Short and sweet. Or short and horrific as the case may be. Kids will really enjoy it, and adults will look past the cliches of the horror genre because of the emotional depth brought by the mother's death that casts a background pall over the book. Plus, the book is just plain fun. Iacopo Bruno's black and white woodblockesque art suits the mood well. Definitely read this book if you or your kids want a short treat this Halloween.
Volume 1 also includes a short excerpt from the next book in the Scary Tales series, I Scream, You Scream!
The author and illustrator both have websites you can visit:
www.jamespreller.com
www.iacopobruno.blogspot.com
My Grade: B+
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