Bookseller of five years who loves long walks through cemeteries, dark basements, and hiding under the unsuspecting persons bed. Raised on Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, E.A. Poe, and Stephen King, I am happy to share some of my all age favorites here with you.
So until next time...Unpleasant Dreams,
-Kylie
Classically Eerie, Annable has truly outdone himself. Not only are the short stories just so clever and well written but this whole book had me smiling, squirming and ultimately screaming! I can only hope it is to become a series but even then such an excellent stand alone.
My second choice for book of the year! I've been anticipating this book for a hot minute and knew it was going to be just amazing and beautiful. Going through the nature based holidays through the year with some delightful recipes and activities this book is just a great treat and resource that I wish I had growing up. Enjoyable for all ages
I really enjoyed Klassen's telling of this folktale, following Otilla a child runaway who happens upon a magnificently macabre home deep in the woods. Otilla is funny, and out of context a little ruthless, but I love the relationship that develops with her and Skull. In Klassen's notes he mentions happening upon the original story in a library in Alaska, upon later reflection he realized he had remembered the story completely wrong but in a way that he liked more. He talks of how this is how fairytales and folklore should be, made personal for each reader, and it made me love his take on the tale even more.
INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER!
Drawn from real life, here is a bracingly honest illustrated diary of a teenage girl that captures the explosive turmoil and joy of adolescence.
Meet Phoebe.
the Accursed Vampire by Madeline McGrane is a spooky heartwarming tale accompanied by well written representation. Drago, a non-binary vampire child, is sent on another grueling task by a dictating witch to find her missing grimoire. On this journey they learn lessons of self acceptance, standing up for ones self, and that your family are those who you surround yourself with.
Little Witch Hazel a year in the forest by Phoebe Wahl is so darling following pocket sized Hazel in her adventures throughout the seasons. The illustrations are in a beautiful etching style with a simply perfect earthy color scheme. Hazel is helpful and resilient, a wise little creature who is one with the woods. Top ten characters whose lives I wish I was living.
The Queen in the Cave by Júlia Sardà is visually compelling and follows three sisters on their quest down through the forest. Starting with the illustrations, I am just absolutely floored and in love with this style and character design. It's giving classic japanese wood blocking meets where the wild things are meets over the garden wall like I am just really obsessed with this and it compliments the story perfectly. The story is of Franca, Carmella, and Tomasina, three sisters adventuring past their garden gate based on a dream and a feeling. The meaning of the story is a bit ambiguous and can be interpreted in different ways which i really like and appreciate that it can mean something different for everyone.
Nicole Angemi's Anatomy Book : A Catalog of Familiar, Rare, & Unusual Pathologies is all I had hoped for! It started for me a few years back when a friend showed me this amazing and upfront mortician's Instagram, since then I have enjoyed Nicole's content and was thrilled when she announced this title! Not for the weak of heart (or stomach), but definitely for us who can't help but be curious about the human body and the things that can ail or effect it.
I couldn't help but smile upon reading through my ARC for this story. As a person who has always loved the weird and the darker things in life I immediately fell in love with Beatrice and this telling of her and her much lighter sister Roo. Beatrice loves the Dark, and the Dark loves Beatrice. Much like how Roo loves the Light, and vice versa. Neither sister understands the other and why the other just can't like what they like? A fun story of accepting and understanding.
Grady Hendrix's The Final Girl Support Group satiates the horror nerd in me with well written nostalgia and fresh twists and turns. Taking from the great and established slasher films we love, Hendrix gives us interesting character backgrounds that B horror sequels just can't. Following the lead Lynette, a traumatized "Black Christmas" inspired survivor now in her 30's, is once again targeted by an individual with a blood lust for "final girls". I just really love this book, it's just so fun and appropriately gross and squelchy.
The perfect book for those of us that don't know things and did not learn new things during the lockdown. Do you look back on your doomscrolling couch days and wish you had learned how to make a sourdough starter or quilt like everyone else on your tiktok feed? Well this book is perfect! From bread baking to soap making to candle rolling the Little Book of Cottagecore by Emily Kent is truly a great resource for those of us who crave simple pleasures and instruction.
It's finally here! I love Alina's web comics and when she announced this I was just so excited! Emi and Cookie are real monster hunting pros. One night on a stake out when things go awry, Emi must brave the dark and save Cookie from the potential monsters! Fun before bed read with lovable characters.
Cielo is a skilled and fierce little skater whose town just got a new skate park with an intimidating bowl. I love the lesson of this story because of just how true it is to life skating and life : If you fall, get up and try again. Even if you fall a lot. With help from new friends, and newfound determination, Cielo is sure to inspire.
*25th Anniversary Edition*—with an Introduction by the Author!
The Owens sisters confront the challenges of life and love in this bewitching novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Rules of Magic, Magic Lessons, and The Book of Magic.
Garlic & the Vampire by Bree Paulson is perfect for those looking for a nice short story that is cute and spooky but not quite scary. Follow Garlic on her journey to overcome her self doubts and fears and to face off with the mysterious inhibitor of the abandoned castle. A great intro to fall title!
I will say I think I read this title at the perfect time, whereas I have heard from others who kept up with her blog and postings were a bit disappointed and felt the material was recycled. I however love this book, and can honestly say it scared me so much that while reading it in public I had to call my fiance to pick me up because I was afraid to walk home. The way Michelle thoughtfully worked with these victims and their cases along with her own experiences adds just the personal touch that I feel separates a lot of modern day crime discussions. I highly recommend this though, especially if you are unfamiliar with the recently apprehended golden state killer. Great writing paired with very real and terrifying subject matter.
Snapdragon by Kat Leyh follows the story of Snap on her meeting of the witch Jacks and a journey of self discovery. All of these characters are just so good and well developed it fills the heart. Kats art style and color story really compliments this story and I would recommend to any age.
The Ghoul Next Door By Cullen Bunn & Cat Ferris is such a spooky treat with a twist of friendship. As someone who's a sucker for anything witchy I can't recommend this book enough.
Shy Willow by Cat Min is a touching and excellent story of leaving ones comfort zone as you follow little rabbit Willow who overcomes her anxieties and fears to deliver on a very special birthday wish. The illustrations for this story are beautiful and full of whimsy. A must read indeed~