Another author I loved when I was a kid. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz. I do not want to forget the illustrator for these books, Stephen Gammell. The stories, as well as the grotesque pictures included with each story, are examples of nightmares for children. The first time I read the first book, I was scared at first. After the first few stories, I was okay. Then I went from okay, to loving the stories.
Now, I don’t know what other people think of his other book(s), In a Dark, Dark Room. But, to this day, almost thirty years later, there is still that one story that I still think about to this day. The Green Ribbon. If you have not heard of this story, you will now lol. Basically, you are introduced to this girl, Jenny. Jenny meets boy, Alfred. Alfred is curious about the green ribbon around Jenny’s neck. Of course, Jenny does not tell Alfred. They grow up and get married. Alfred still asks Jenny about the green ribbon. She still does not tell him. They get old, she gets sick. In her death bed, she tells Alfred the reason for the green ribbon. She unties it, and her head falls off. Now, I don’t know about you, but this story has always stuck with me like I mentioned earlier.
And then I hear that Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is becoming a movie? Holy moly!!! I am super excited about this one. I squealed at work when someone showed me the announcement on it. I am not even sorry for scaring people thinking I was in trouble lol.
You can follow Alvin Schwartz through the following sites: