From Booklist
Gr. 5^-10. The seventeenth book in Kingfisher's Story Library series (all of which have the most matter-of-fact titles), this is an uneven anthology. Ranging from the 1890s through the 1990s, the 18 selections focus on the theme of transformation, which Durant suggests in his introduction is "parallel with the physical and emotional changes of adolescence." Writers from Bram Stoker to Roger Zelazny to Angela Carter are represented by tales of classic gothic horror, contemporary humor, and timeless regret. Despite the collection's theme, only a few stories will capture the young reader; others are wordy, lengthy, and obviously written with an adult audience in mind. The most moving and age-appropriate piece is Durant's own contribution, "Howl," which features a teenage boy who must destroy his only parent, a beloved father who has become a vicious and uncontrollable werewolf. Overall, the format is pedestrian, the illustrations are unimaginative, but this is still a solid subject addition for a school or public library collection.
Holly Koelling
Product Description
CAUTION: Not to be read before bedtime! This nightmarish collection of between 15 and 20 short stories and extracts preys upon the theme of vampires and werewolves. The invigorating mix of classic and contemporary writing from some of the finest authors in the field provides an ideal introduction for children who are beginning to read classic fiction and gothic horror. The brave reader will be amply rewarded with classic tales of blood-craving vampires and modern stories of wicked werewolves, interspersed with shocking-but-true tales to chill the bones and rattle the nerves.
