I chose this book because it reminded a lot about the book Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz. I loved a good scary story and this poetry book kind of reminded me of it. Nothing too too scary but I think just enough to make a few children a bit nervous. ( )

Jack Prelutsky is such a phenomenal children’s poet; I find it hard to believe that he has been banned. This book and its sequel the Headless Horseman Rides Again have both been banned. Why? Because they are scary. And because a while ago a 7-year-old in Ohio had an upset stomach after reading these scary tales (I wish I were making that up). I loved this book. It is along the lines of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, but in poetry form. It does not need to be banned, and I hope all Jack Prelutsky poetry books stay in children’s departments for years to come. ( )

This collection of liightly horrific poems is a clear mimic of the genre pioneered by Edward Gorey, but it isn't quite successful. Prelutsky covers all of the typical horror creatures - from ghosts to ogres - but the poems don't really stand out. His rhymes and themes aren't as carefully wrought as Gorey's (whose immennse effort results in effortless-sounding poems), so they often sound a bit stiff and stilted. Rarely do his characters have much to distinguish them from their counterparts either, so there isn't any "wow" moment as there usually is with Gorey's plethora of troubled children. With a little more time and practice, though, I can see that Prelutsky is on the right path, and in time he may produce a better collection. ( )

A book of scary poems with creepy pictures that go with it.
Themes -- poetry, scary things
Great poetry book for a reader not easily scared. ( )

Perfect for Halloween, these spooky poems are sure to give you goosebumps. The images for each poem are black and white sketches. The images are super creepy. Each creature in the poem is described in horrible detail and the reader is warned to be wary around them. This is another good one to teach rhyme scheme as well as give a playful scare to the reader. ( )