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A review by libreroaming
The Curse of the Campfire Weenies and Other Warped and Creepy Tales by David Lubar
3.0
A good short story collection for kids who are at a Goosebumps scare level but maybe want to get to the jump scare instead of spending too much time on the tension and suspense. Also, spoilers: not all the kids survive their chapters. Some are morality plays, some are an excuse for one twist, a couple are just PG gruesome.
Best of the bunch that include wit, some tension and a story are:
"Tied Up" about a kid in a baseball game with endless extra innings
"Mr. HooHaa!" because clowns are terrifying and any story that reveals the truth is worthwhile
"Touch the Bottom" about what lies beneath the water
"The Unforgiving Tree" with a great Twilight Zone double twist
Some that are clever but not really a full tale are:
"Cat Napped" (cute resolution)
"Mrs. Barunki" (two pages with a funny punchline)
"Forgotten Monsters" (explaining why would ruin the fun)
The rest fall into middling, like how "Head of the Class" and "Mug Shots" rely on the same ending twist, or "Inquire Within" could have been in the top tier if it was a little more character-driven but sacrificed that for brevity's sake. A couple were weak like "Halfway Home" or "Don't Ever Let It Touch the Ground" were not particularly clever or creepy.
Give to those who want instant chills or funny comeuppance to naughty children.
Best of the bunch that include wit, some tension and a story are:
"Tied Up" about a kid in a baseball game with endless extra innings
"Mr. HooHaa!" because clowns are terrifying and any story that reveals the truth is worthwhile
"Touch the Bottom" about what lies beneath the water
"The Unforgiving Tree" with a great Twilight Zone double twist
Some that are clever but not really a full tale are:
"Cat Napped" (cute resolution)
"Mrs. Barunki" (two pages with a funny punchline)
"Forgotten Monsters" (explaining why would ruin the fun)
The rest fall into middling, like how "Head of the Class" and "Mug Shots" rely on the same ending twist, or "Inquire Within" could have been in the top tier if it was a little more character-driven but sacrificed that for brevity's sake. A couple were weak like "Halfway Home" or "Don't Ever Let It Touch the Ground" were not particularly clever or creepy.
Give to those who want instant chills or funny comeuppance to naughty children.