Review — Scared Witless

Sherry York, Educational Reviewer and Writer, South Padre Island, Texas
Library Media Connection — 3/1/2007

A four-page introduction “Goosebumps, Gasps, and Giggles,” provides readers with basic information about telling “jump stories,” scary stories with an ending that will make the listener jump. The introduction includes general tips as well as book and media resources for more stories. 13 short stories follow. Some of the stories are classic scary stories based on folktales from the United States, Britain, and Europe. Other stories are extended jokes, and a few stories are built around word puns (coffin, coughing). Each story is followed by specific “tips for telling” that story. A section entitled “Story Sources,” with notes about the origins of each story, ends the book. The quirky illustrations will appeal to young readers, and the enthusiasm of this husband and wife storytelling team is contagious. Content of this useful book will encourage would-be storytellers of any age to take the plunge. The specific how-to information provides just enough guidance for first-timers. For librarians with active student storytellers and for media specialists and teachers who wish to encourage student storytellers, this is a handy book.

Title Details: Scared Witless
Author: Martha Hamilton
Author: Mitch Weiss
Interest Level: GR 3-6

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