I’m a big fan of All Hallow’s Read. On Halloween I give out candy but I also have a bowl full of books that kids can pick from if they want one. The first year I did it I expected that most of the kids would be far more focused on snickers than Scary Stories to Tell in The Dark but I was happily surprised at how excited the kids were to get a great book and to talk to me about the scary books that they loved. It was awesome because children skip all the awkward small talk so I get to interact with small people who don’t scare me as much as the big ones. Last year I gave out Ruth Chew books because I loved her when I was a kid. This year I’m doing a Neil Gaiman selection, which is a good fit since he is the king of All Hallow’s Eve:
You can also pick up great bargains at resale shops and indie stores and local bookstores and it’s great fun to relive your childhood favorites. Except when you go looking for books that you loved at a kid and they’re a billion dollars because you’re old and they are out of print. I’m looking at you, Grampa’s Ghost Stories.
What was the best scary book you read as a kid? Or as an adult? I’m looking for good ones. (Whoever recommended The Girl With All The Gifts last time we shared is my new best friend.)
PS. I’m meeting David Tennant tomorrow. Sort of. I’m going to do everything in my power to not lick him on the face or hide under a table. More on that later.