Alvin Schwartz is a beloved children's author known for his eerie folklore collections, notably Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. His tales combine traditional folklore with chilling illustrations, captivating young readers and thrilling fans of spooky stories.
If you enjoy reading books by Alvin Schwartz then you might also like the following authors:
If Alvin Schwartz got you hooked on scary stories, you'll probably love R.L. Stine. He's best known for his Goosebumps series, quick reads full of creepy twists aimed at younger readers.
Stine keeps the chills fun and exciting, with clever plots and spooky, often humorous, surprises that stick in your imagination.
Chris Priestley crafts creepy, eerie tales that will keep you awake at night, much like Alvin Schwartz.
In his collection, Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror, he weaves unsettling stories within a larger narrative, creating an atmosphere that's spooky and dark without being over-the-top.
There's a classic feel to Priestley's storytelling, perfect if you're searching for a dose of old-school horror.
Mary Downing Hahn delivers ghost stories with emotional depth that resonate long after you finish them. Her book, Wait Till Helen Comes, combines paranormal chills with family drama, striking a balance that Alvin Schwartz fans will appreciate.
Hahn's storytelling stays with you, haunting but also heartfelt.
For readers interested in a richer, atmospheric style of horror, Katherine Arden offers just that. Her middle-grade novel Small Spaces mixes folklore and suspense with characters you genuinely care about.
Arden excels at building a sense of dread and mystery, careful to keep younger readers captivated without overwhelming them.
Neil Gaiman has a knack for crafting fantastical, creepy stories that feel both mythical and modern. His novella Coraline explores unsettling parallel worlds and eerie creatures, diving deep into fears common to childhood.
Fans of Alvin Schwartz will enjoy how Gaiman uses imaginative scares to tell stories that linger and unsettle, yet always enchant.
Roald Dahl is known for his mischievous humor and imaginative storytelling that often combines dark, twisted scenarios with playful charm. His stories feature quirky characters, unexpected twists, and whimsical yet often unsettling events.
Readers who enjoy Alvin Schwartz's blend of spooky and fun stories might appreciate Dahl's book, The Witches, which follows a young boy caught up in a secret convention of witches determined to rid the world of children.
Edward Gorey creates delightfully eerie stories and illustrations with dark humor and a whimsical gothic style. His works often explore macabre themes, but keep a playful and witty tone, making them mysterious but fun to read.
Fans of Alvin Schwartz might enjoy Gorey's The Gashlycrumb Tinies, an alphabet book filled with quirky, gothic illustrations about the unfortunate fates of 26 children.
Adam Gidwitz writes lively tales filled with adventure and spooky elements, woven together with humor and heart. His stories often retell classic fairy tales with darker twists and vivid imagery.
Readers who appreciate Alvin Schwartz's lively narration and creepy tales might enjoy Gidwitz's A Tale Dark and Grimm, which takes Hansel and Gretel on an adventurous journey through scary and exciting episodes.
Jonathan Stroud balances mystery, horror, and humor expertly in his imaginative novels. His pacing is strong, suspenseful yet funny, with supernatural elements that keep readers engaged.
Those who appreciate the spooky yet playful storytelling of Alvin Schwartz might find Stroud's The Screaming Staircase, part of his Lockwood & Co. series, equally entertaining. It follows young paranormal investigators dealing with ghosts and creepy mysteries.
Chris Grabenstein writes engaging mysteries that blend humor, adventure, and light chills into entertaining and captivating stories.
Readers who enjoy Alvin Schwartz's fun, slightly spooky storytelling style will likely enjoy Grabenstein's book, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library, which invites readers into an exciting puzzle-filled adventure set in a magical and mysterious library.
Bruce Coville writes imaginative, playful stories that mix humor with gentle chills. Fans of Alvin Schwartz's spooky storytelling might enjoy Coville's collection called Book of Monsters: Tales to Give You the Creeps.
The stories are fun and suspenseful, perfectly spooky for children who want thrills without nightmares.
If you loved Alvin Schwartz's creepy but playful tales, you'll likely enjoy Paul Jennings. Jennings specializes in quirky and unexpected plots with a humorous twist.
His book Uncanny! gives readers entertaining and strange stories that leave you smiling and a little unsettled at the same time.
Stephen Gammell, the illustrator behind Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, creates visuals that are both eerie and captivating. His illustrations use surreal and creepy imagery, turning simple stories into unforgettable nightmares.
Check out his own illustrated book Mudkin, which highlights his hauntingly beautiful illustration style.
Aaron Reynolds creates stories featuring spooky humor and playful darkness. Just like Alvin Schwartz, Reynolds uses light scares and witty storytelling to entertain young readers.
His popular picture book Creepy Carrots! combines quirky suspense with laughs, making it enjoyable for kids drawn to gently spooky tales.
Dan Poblocki writes slightly darker books filled with gripping suspense and genuine chills. Readers who have grown up with Alvin Schwartz and are ready to step into slightly scarier territory might love Poblocki's The Ghost of Graylock.
It's spooky and atmospheric, ideal for young readers looking for more intense chills.