Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A seasoned collector of tales, Goode ( Diane Goode's American Christmas ; Diane Goode's Book of Silly Stories & Songs ) offers another worthwhile volume--even if its selections don't qualify as truly ``scary.'' Goode's impressive art contains some shadows and a detached eyeball or two--and depicts creatures somewhat more menacing than those found in Marc Brown's Scared Silly! (reviewed below). The stories, however, are rather tame, and the book will be appreciated more for its rich multicultural flavor than for its fright value. Longer and more sophisticated than the entries Brown gathers, Goode's tales draw on Native American, African American, English, Estonian and Italian folklore traditions. A smattering of poems and songs (including the perennial favorite, ``The Worms Crawl In,'' guaranteed to make anyone squirm) round out this rousing collection. All ages. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-4-An appealing collection of 18 stories, poems, and songs that are mildly frightening, funny, and sometimes weird-just what is requested every Halloween. Among the offerings are traditional selections such as ``The Conjure Wives,'' ``Mr. Miacca,'' and ``The Green Ribbon''; lesser-known folktales such as ``The Man Who Was Afraid of Nothing'' (Native American), ``The Mermaid'' (African American) and ``The Goblins at the Bathhouse'' (Estonian); and a rousing dose of creepy verse and songs, including ``The Worms Crawl In'' and Myra Cohn Livingston's ``House at the Corner.'' Goode's full-color delightfully gruesome illustrations are scattered throughout the volume like ghosts in a haunted house. Cleverly composed, they feature animated facial expressions, pointed noses and chins, bulging eyes, and clawing hands. A fine addition for storytellers, teachers, and young patrons who want a book that's ``really scary, but not too scary.''-Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NY (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
Continuing with the same format she used in her volumes of American folktales and silly stories, Goode has compiled a collection of brief stories featuring ghosts, goblins, and other scary creatures from around the world. A few songs and poems have been added for good measure in this welcome addition to the Halloween or storytelling shelves. 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.
