Product Description

When Jan Pienkowski began a haunting series of paintings and asked Joan Aiken to compose accompanying ghostly stories, the result was bound to be an exceptional book. In this collection of unusual and chilling tales, anything can happen. 8 full-color illustrations. "An intriguing tour de force."--Kirkus Reviews.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3491170 in Books
• Published on: 1994-10-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

From Kirkus Reviews
Eight handsome, ambiguous pictures by one of Britain's most innovative illustrators provide inspiration for the same number of ghost and horror stories by a skilled fantasy writer. A nasty grave-robber is hauled into a grave; a ghost-snatcher gets snatched; a poisonous old aunt, literally scared to death by her callous nephew, returns as a strangling vine; a strong-minded ghost refuses to return to the grave after her dog's bones are composted; and more, lighthearted or disturbing. The pictures are striking: luminous, tantalizing, by turns menacing or mysterious, they speak ``story'' from every anguished line, collage-like form, or boldly stenciled image. The stories are entertaining, with a strong sense of place, good pacing, and use of language (English, not American, and the better for it). But the two never fully mesh; they remain products of separate imaginations. A powerful visual image implies more than words can say; still, once one of these stories is told, the reader is left wondering what the real story was. (Even the jacket reflects this ambiguity, combining the title of one story with the picture from another). However, a little ambiguity is not a bad thing for imaginative young readers. An intriguing tour de force. (Fiction. 10+) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From AudioFile
Shivery, creepy tales allow Denica Fairman to showcase her range of accents as she capably pulls off British, Scottish, Italian, American and Canadian characters. Although she reads some stories with little voicing, most have highly differentiated characters. Some are exceptionally effective, such as Zia Tisna, whose high, quivery voice is thick with the sounds of Sicily, and Aunt Ada, whose officious brogue makes her despicable. Other characters are grating, particularly males, such as the student and the lumbering art historian and insect exterminator, whose voices would better match those of simple-minded cartoon characters. Unfortunately, editing decisions were not always made with the listener in mind. Stories break at odd junctures for side or cassette changes, often close to the end of a story. Forgiving listeners will enjoy the spooky tales, however, and some memorable characterizations. T.B. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

Another great short story collection by Joan Aiken!
I think that adults as well as older children will enjoy these stories. (Well, I know I did!) And a great collection it is too, with some of the tales being very creepy, some humourous, and a couple a bit wistful and sad. The really interesting thing about this book is that the illustrations (very well done and mysterious in themselves) were painted first, with the stories written afterwards to fit the images. A word of warning--if you've ever felt guilty about treating a younger sibling badly when you were a child, DON'T read the last story!