Hide and Don't Seek: A Book Review
If you are looking for a collection of original short stories that will elicit chills, laughs, and screams, then you might want to check out Hide and Don't Seek: And Other Very Scary Stories by Anica Mrose Rissi. This book is a contemporary twist on the classic genre of horror stories for children, inspired by the likes of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. In this article, we will review the book and tell you why you should read it, how to get it, and answer some frequently asked questions about it.
What is Hide and Don't Seek?
Hide and Don't Seek is a book of 20 spooky stories that range from mildly unsettling to downright terrifying. Each story is about 10 pages long, with atmospheric illustrations by Carolina Godina. The stories feature a variety of characters, settings, and situations, such as:
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A game of hide-and-seek that goes on far too long...
A look-alike doll that makes itself right at home...
A school talent-show act that leaves the audience aghast...
A summer at camp that takes a turn for the braaaains...
And many more!
A summary of the book
The book starts with a warning from an unnamed narrator, who invites the reader to turn the page if they are feeling brave. Then, the reader is plunged into a series of stories that will keep them up past their bedtimes, looking over their shoulders to see what goes bump in the night. Some of the stories are told in straightforward prose, while others use different formats, such as a dialogue of a play, a rhyme, or a text message. The stories have different tones, from humorous to creepy to shocking, but they all have a twist or a surprise at the end. The book ends with another message from the narrator, who congratulates the reader for making it through the book and warns them to sleep with one eye open.
The author and illustrator of the book
The author of Hide and Don't Seek is Anica Mrose Rissi, who is also the author of several other books for children and young adults, such as The Teacher's Pet, Watch Out for Wolf!, Love, Sophia on the Moon, The Teacher's Pet, Anna, Banana, and Always Forever Maybe. She grew up on an island off the coast of Maine, where she read a lot of books and loved telling stories. She now lives in Princeton, New Jersey, with her dog, Arugula. You can find out more about her on her website: [Anica Mrose Rissi](^4^).
The illustrator of Hide and Don't Seek is Carolina Godina, who is also an illustrator for children's books, magazines, comics, and games. She was born in Mexico City, where she studied graphic design and illustration. She now lives in Barcelona, Spain, with her husband and two cats, Menta and Lila. You can see more of her work on her website: [Carolina Godina].
Why should you read Hide and Don't Seek?
Hide and Don't Seek is a book that will appeal to anyone who loves scary stories, or who wants to try something new and exciting. Here are some of the reasons why you should read this book:
The genre and style of the book
The book belongs to the genre of horror, which is a type of fiction that creates feelings of fear, suspense, and dread in the reader. Horror stories often involve supernatural elements, such as ghosts, monsters, or curses, or realistic threats, such as murderers, diseases, or accidents. Horror stories can also have different subgenres, such as gothic, slasher, zombie, or psychological horror. The book Hide and Don't Seek explores different subgenres of horror, giving the reader a variety of experiences and emotions.
The style of the book is also unique and creative, as it uses different formats and techniques to tell the stories. For example, some of the stories are written in rhyme, which adds a musical and playful tone to the horror. Some of the stories are written in dialogue, which makes the reader feel like they are watching a play or a movie. Some of the stories are written in text messages, which makes the reader feel like they are part of the conversation. The style of the book also matches the mood and theme of each story, making them more effective and engaging.
The themes and messages of the book
The book Hide and Don't Seek also has some deeper themes and messages that go beyond the surface level of horror. Some of the themes and messages are:
The power of imagination and storytelling: Many of the stories show how the characters use their imagination to create or escape from scary situations, or how they tell stories to entertain or frighten others. The book also shows how the reader can use their imagination to enjoy or cope with scary stories.
The consequences of actions and choices: Many of the stories show how the characters face the results of their actions and choices, whether they are good or bad. The book also shows how the reader can learn from the mistakes or successes of the characters.
The importance of friendship and family: Many of the stories show how the characters rely on their friends or family members to help them or protect them from danger, or how they betray or hurt them for selfish reasons. The book also shows how the reader can appreciate or improve their relationships with their friends or family members.
The strengths and weaknesses of the book
The book Hide and Don't Seek has many strengths that make it a great read for horror fans. Some of the strengths are:
The originality and diversity of the stories: The book offers 20 different stories that are not based on any existing works or clichés. The stories also have different characters, settings, and situations that make them interesting and unpredictable.
The humor and wit of the stories: The book balances the horror with humor and wit, making the stories more enjoyable and less depressing. The stories have funny moments, jokes, puns, and references that make the reader laugh or smile.
The illustrations and design of the book: The book has beautiful illustrations by Carolina Godina that enhance the mood and atmosphere of each story. The illustrations are colorful, detailed, and expressive, making the characters and scenes come to life. The book also has a nice design that makes it easy to read and navigate.
The book Hide and Don't Seek also has some weaknesses that might make it less appealing for some readers. Some of the weaknesses are:
The scariness and violence of some stories: The book is not for everyone, as some of the stories might be too scary or violent for some readers. Some of the stories have graphic descriptions or images of blood, gore, death, or injury that might disturb or traumatize some readers.
The inconsistency and ambiguity of some stories: The book is not perfect, as some of the stories might be too inconsistent or ambiguous for some readers. Some of the stories have plot holes, contradictions, or loose ends that might confuse or frustrate some readers. Some of the stories have unclear or open endings that might leave some readers unsatisfied or curious.
The length and complexity of some stories: The book is not easy, as some of the stories might be too long or complex for some readers. Some of the stories have too many characters, events, or details that might make them hard to follow or remember. Some of the stories also use advanced vocabulary, grammar, or literary devices that might make them difficult to understand or appreciate.
How to get Hide and Don't Seek?
If you are interested in reading Hide and Don't Seek, you might be wondering how to get it. Here are some of the ways you can get this book:
The formats and prices of the book
The book Hide and Don't Seek is available in different formats and prices, depending on your preference and budget. You can get the book in:
Format
Price
Hardcover
$16.99
Paperback
$7.99
E-book
$4.99
Audiobook
$14.99
The availability and accessibility of the book
The book Hide and Don't Seek is widely available and accessible, thanks to the popularity and reputation of the author and illustrator. You can get the book from:
Online retailers, such as [Amazon], [Barnes & Noble], or [IndieBound].
Local bookstores, libraries, or schools, where you can buy or borrow the book.
Digital platforms, such as [Kindle], [Nook], or [Audible], where you can download or stream the book.
The bonus features and extras of the book
The book Hide and Don't Seek also has some bonus features and extras that make it more fun and valuable. Some of the bonus features and extras are:
A glossary of terms and phrases that might be unfamiliar or confusing to some readers.
A list of sources and inspirations that influenced the author and illustrator in creating the book.
A guide on how to write your own scary stories, with tips and tricks from the author and illustrator.
A sneak peek of the next book by the author and illustrator, which will be another collection of scary stories.
A website where you can find more information, activities, and resources related to the book: [HideAndDontSeek.com].
Conclusion
A summary of the main points
In conclusion, Hide and Don't Seek: And Other Very Scary Stories by Anica Mrose Rissi is a book that will thrill and delight horror fans of all ages. The book is a collection of 20 original short stories that are scary, funny, and surprising. The book has a unique and creative style, with different formats and techniques. The book also has some deeper themes and messages, such as imagination, consequences, and friendship. The book is available in different formats and prices, from online retailers, local bookstores, libraries, schools, or digital platforms. The book also has some bonus features and extras, such as a glossary, a list of sources, a guide on writing scary stories, a sneak peek of the next book, and a website.
A recommendation and rating of the book
We highly recommend this book to anyone who loves scary stories, or who wants to try something new and exciting. We give this book a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on its originality, diversity, humor, wit, illustrations, themes, messages, design, and bonus features. We think this book is a must-read for horror lovers, and a great addition to any bookshelf or library.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Hide and Don't Seek and their answers:
Who is Anica Mrose Rissi?
Anica Mrose Rissi is the author of Hide and Don't Seek and several other books for children and young adults. She is a storyteller who loves to create and share stories that are scary, funny, or both. She grew up on an island off the coast of Maine, and now lives in Princeton, New Jersey, with her dog, Arugula.
How many stories are in Hide and Don't Seek?
Hide and Don't Seek contains 20 stories that are about 10 pages long each. The stories are divided into four sections, each with a different theme: Games Gone Wrong, Things That Go Bump in the Night, Campfire Tales, and The Final Curtain.
What age group is Hide and Don't Seek suitable for?
Hide and Don't Seek is suitable for readers who are 8 years old and above. However, some of the stories might be too scary or violent for younger or sensitive readers, so parental guidance is advised. The book also has some advanced vocabulary and literary devices that might challenge some readers, so a glossary is provided at the end of the book.
Is Hide and Don't Seek scary or funny?
Hide and Don't Seek is both scary and funny. The stories are designed to elicit fear, suspense, and dread in the reader, but they also have humor, wit, and jokes that balance the horror. The stories have different tones, from humorous to creepy to shocking, but they all have a twist or a surprise at the end that will make the reader scream or laugh.
What are some similar books to Hide and Don't Seek?
If you enjoyed Hide and Don't Seek, you might also like these similar books:
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz: A classic collection of folktales and urban legends that are scary, gruesome, and sometimes humorous.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman: A novel about a boy who grows up in a graveyard with the help of ghosts, werewolves, vampires, and other supernatural beings.
Coraline by Neil Gaiman: A novel about a girl who discovers a parallel world behind a secret door in her new home, where everything seems better but is actually worse.
The Witches by Roald Dahl: A novel about a boy who encounters a group of witches who plan to turn all the children in the world into mice.
The Goosebumps Series by R.L. Stine: A series of books that feature different characters and scenarios that involve monsters, magic, curses, and other horrors.
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