I grew up absolutely enthralled by the “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” series, written by Alvin Schwartz and showcasing beautifully frightening illustrations by Stephen Gammell. They always felt like penciled cobwebs, spinning nightmares—in the best way possible!
If you can get your hands on that original book series, it’s my favorite thing to read in October. Genuinely so scary, it feels like curling up with a round of tales told by a campfire. The gorgeously eerie artwork of Stephen Gammell gives Alvin Schwartz’ words an atmosphere and life of their own,… Those books are an EXPERIENCE.
Many BCN readers have recognized other nods to the stories retold in those books, in some of the ‘Spooky Space Heater Campfire Kitty Tales’ over the years. Their influence on me was strong and I feel like those books remain the best compilation of American urban legend folklore.
I started gobbling up the Scary Stories series in first grade, but I was a spooky child much like our beloved Iggy in the comic. Use your best judgment to know if you or the kids in your life can handle them… but for the spooky-loving folks who love a good scare out there, these hauntingly lovely books are required reading. Especially this time of year!
Thank you Stephen Gammell, for capturing gorgeous nightmares at the tip of your pencil and sharing them with us!
I grew up absolutely enthralled by the “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” series, written by Alvin Schwartz and showcasing beautifully frightening illustrations by Stephen Gammell. They always felt like penciled cobwebs, spinning nightmares—in the best way possible!
If you can get your hands on that original book series, it’s my favorite thing to read in October. Genuinely so scary, it feels like curling up with a round of tales told by a campfire. The gorgeously eerie artwork of Stephen Gammell gives Alvin Schwartz’ words an atmosphere and life of their own,… Those books are an EXPERIENCE.
Many BCN readers have recognized other nods to the stories retold in those books, in some of the ‘Spooky Space Heater Campfire Kitty Tales’ over the years. Their influence on me was strong and I feel like those books remain the best compilation of American urban legend folklore.
I started gobbling up the Scary Stories series in first grade, but I was a spooky child much like our beloved Iggy in the comic. Use your best judgment to know if you or the kids in your life can handle them… but for the spooky-loving folks who love a good scare out there, these hauntingly lovely books are required reading. Especially this time of year!
Thank you Stephen Gammell, for capturing gorgeous nightmares at the tip of your pencil and sharing them with us!