Monster Tales; Vampires, Werewolves, and Things

UPDATE: See illustration scans and more information about Monster Tales at the-haunted-closet.blogspot.com Like other reviewers, I discovered this book in my grade school library in the late 70s. I remember noticing, aside from the surreal cover, that the size and binding were very similar to two other children's horror anothologies published around the same time... Baleful Beasts and Eerie Creatures and Tales of Terror (Ida Chittum). There was another Elwood anthology called Horror Tales, also the same size and binding. The stories are creepy, the illustrations (black and white) are great. There is one story that depicts in pretty specific detail a character casting a spell to raise demons, which really excited my 3rd grade imagination. Of course I tried to perform the spell myself with the help of a friend. Don't worry---it didn't work, and the experience didn't scar me for life. However, if you are squeamish about such content, consider yourself warned. Why don't they make books like these anymore?

I read this book when I was a child in the 70's--I checked it out of the Buckley Elementary School library over and over...I have been looking for it forever. I couldn't remember the name of the book, just the creepy, haunting stories about the Lamia, the Wendigo, and the Vrkolak and the story about the boy in the woods with the dogs(see how long it's been!). To this day I remember the scary illustrations and the chills I got from reading it and visualizing the stories in my mind! I am glad to finally have found it and intend to buy a copy right away. This is a haunting book and GREAT for kids (and adults) who like scary stuff.

I read this book also in 4th grade in Quail Hollow Elementary and it had lost it's cover, so it was just a Big Black Book. The stories inside were so chilling I have had nightmares to this day about frog men, wendigos boney feet scratching the floor and weird satanic rituals by people I knew. I am 32 now and finally have a title for my fears. Thanks Mr. Elwood for compiling this casket of terrors. I recommend it highly! I hope to find a copy again soon for my children.

Like a previous reviewer, I first read this book when I was younger...in fourth grade, in fact.I have always been a fan of monsters and horror films, so this book of short stories particularly held my interest. Each story is interesting, imaginative, and unique. Although not as explicitly graphic as certain horror novels released today, this is definitely not a "children's book." The stories contain supernatural imagery and suspense that might not sit well with younger (Unfortunately, it appears this book is no longer in print. I recommend purchasing it if you happen upon a copy...I know I will.

I first read Monster Tales when I was 8 years old, since then I had been looking for about 15 years , until I found it again. What a great collection of horror stories for kids. All the stories are quick reads with sufficient chill factors, but one story in particular stood out in my mind all those years. Wendigo's Child by Thomas F. Monteleone is by far worth the price of admission for this dark rollercoaster. Based on the Northwest Mythos of Wendigo(an avenging spirit that is part human-part animal), Wendigo's Child tells the tale of a boy named Marty who uncovers a strange artifact with horrifying results. Creepy illustrations by Franz Altschuler, and wicked introduction by Robert Bloch! If you can find this book ,buy it!