Tales of Terror

Children's Literature

With illustrations as dark and disturbing as the tales themselves, McCurdy hauntingly brings to life six of Poe's most famous tales in this collection of unabridged short stories. Shorter classics include, "The Masque of the Red Death," "The Black Cat," "The Tell Tale Heart," and "The Cask of Amontillado." All are included on a CD attached to the book's back cover. In addition, the collection also includes two longer stories, "The Pit and The Pendulum," and "The Fall of the House of Usher." The illustrator provides a short biography of Poe's life, discussing the sad and disturbing events that inspired his writings. He also provides a brief note before each story, supplying the reader with some history about each tale and an easy-to-read summary of the plot. This collection is a must-have for any high school or junior high school literature class, depending on the reading ability of the students. 2005, Alfred A. Knopf, Ages 12 to 14.
—Kelly Roque

Children's Literature - Sue Reichard

Reluctant readers will love this "Stepping Stones" beginning reader chapter book that provides four very gruesome and captivating tales by the great master of gore. Edgar Allen Poe's classics have been adapted for easy reading and comprehension. The short stories include "The Masque of the Red Death," a frightening tale of a prince's desire to escape the horrible agony of the red death. "The Cask of Amontillado," invites readers into the deep caverns an old family wine cellar and burial chambers where death lies waiting for the unsuspecting wine taster. "The Tell-Tale Heart" keeps readers on the edge of their seats and "The Pit and the Pendulum" is full of suspense and terror and holds readers captive as they wonder what horrible fate is waiting for a prisoner who falls into a pit with the swinging pendulum blade. This book would also be a favorite read-aloud for Halloween or for reading around a campfire.