Tales from Outer Surburbia

Tales from Outer Suburbia (2008) by Shaun Tan. 94 pages.
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-05587-1

Fifteen short stories are enclosed in a large envelope addressed to Paul, Perth, W.A. and postage stamps that have the title of each story.

The book is a visual, engaging wonder. Art includes collage, colorful paintings, and black and white drawings. Strange creatures and surreal, dreamlike atmospherics tantalize the reader. Text varies among the stories, including a newspaper layout, doodles and text on scaps of paper. The stories are quirky and charming. Whimsical read for 9 to 12 year olds.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (1981) by Alven Schwarz and drawings by Stephen Gammell. New York: Scholastic Inc. 87 pages.
ISBN 0-590-43197-8
Nonfiction

Scary, Horror

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, the first book in a series of three, is a collection of short stories (usually one to two pages) that evoke a range of responses - from eerie to creepy, scary to terrifying, spooky to horrifying. Some are written to make you jump; others will give you creepy feelings. A few contain some dark humor. Stories in the beginning of the book are written to be read aloud with suggestions for sound effects and physical actions to go along with the story. Good book for youth who want to be spooked; ages 9 to 13.

The illustrations are high-quality in black and gray watercolor tones evoking a spooky quality.