Nonfiction Monday: Read Scary: Stuff that scares your pants off! by Glenn Murphy, illustrated by Mike Phillips

I scooped up this ARC at ALA Midwinter because it looked like one of those gross fact books that kids of all ages and both genders revel in. It turned out to be a lot more than just gross facts, but just as intriguing.

As the title says, this book is all about scary stuff. with photographs, cartoons, and humorous drawings, Glenn Murphy explores the scary stuff that's all around us.


The book looks at all possible fears and phobias, including wildlife, disasters, diseases, and the unknown. It ranges from common but unlikely-to-ever-happen fears like shark attacks, to less well-known fears like alektorophobia (fear of chickens). Murphy deals with various fears both as a scientist and psychologist, debunking the unlikely and just plain wrong, and giving practical and common sense tips on staying safe and dealing with emotional fears.

There are plenty of weird and wacky stories, scary pictures, facts, statistics, and gross foods and disasters to satisfy every factophile in your library.

Verdict: A little different than your usual weird and wacky fact book, this will definitely be popular and is a must have for your Halloween displays!

ISBN: 9781596436336; Published Feburary 2011 by Roaring Brook; ARC received from publisher at ALA Midwinter 2011; Purchased for the library