From the author of middle school favorite and frequently challenged Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, Alvin Schwartz’ In A Dark, Dark Room is a collection of seven stories written with a younger elementary school audience in mind. The Foreword sets the stage in describing why scary stories are liked and sets up the premise for the book “when there is no real danger, feeling scared is fun.” And it is fun.


The Zimmer’s illustrations incorporate the important spooky elements of the stories to demonstrate the plot, but are also quite funny. The people have exaggerated features and the scare-factor is more of a surprise twist that can lead to a smile. Repetition of text is used, and text is spaced for anticipation and buildup to find out what happens next when the page is turned.


An ALA Notable Children’s Book as well as winner of several state recognition awards, In A Dark, Dark Room incorporates both traditional folklore as well as song in these stories. “Where The Stories Come From” at the end of the book describes the basis for the adaptation and retelling of the stories and song included in this collection for children. This is definitely a book beginning readers will pick up, enjoy, and remember.