The Ankle Grabber (Creepies) - Hardcover

Grade 1-3 - This is a disappointing series of small books whose stories revolve around childhood fears. In Ankle Grabber,a girl imagines that monsters are lying in wait for her at bedtime. Even after Mom has carefully checked and assured her that all is safe, a trip to the bathroom is filled with hair-raising dread. In Jumble Joan, two boys and a tagalong little sister explore a spooky attic. The boys attempt to frighten their sibling with scary stories, but they only end up scaring themselves. The third title features two cousins on a backyard camping trip. They're telling scary stories, while another child lurks outside the tent trying to eavesdrop and scare them. Unfortunately, these slight tales lack suspense. The exaggerated cartoon monsters seem generic and uninspired, and the endings are both predictable and obvious. Scary stories always hold appeal for young readers, but there are many superior efforts available. - Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
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