In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories (An I Can Read Book)

Skeletons, pirate ghosts, and haunted graveyards fill this beginner-reader collection of seven traditional scary folktales. Aimed at kids ages four to eight, it proved that early readers could handle a good scare, wrapped in Dirk Zimmer's gleefully creepy illustrations. Part of the beloved "I Can Read" series, it introduced a new generation to campfire-style storytelling. Alvin Schwartz, later famous for Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, built his spooky reputation right here.