Don't Go In There!

by Veronika Martenova Charles

Published 13 February 2007
Ghostly tales of strange things lurking in forbidden places tie these three stories together. The boys have been warned not to go into a certain room while they are pet-sitting for the neighbor, but, of course, their bravado leads to a session of one-upmanship and the distinct possibility that the cats they are looking after may not be cats at all. Stories from Russia, the United States, and the West Indies are highlighted.

Having been warned to stay away from the high waters of the local creek, the boys’ imaginations run as swiftly as the stream. Before they know it, they have scared themselves silly with stories like The Children with Green Teeth, from Britain; The Deadly Beach, from Hawaii; and The Waterman, from Central Europe.

Having been warned not to open the door for anyone while Mom goes to help a neighbor, the three boys try to outdo each other by telling scary stories about strangers at the door. By the time they have finished, they have scared themselves under the bed. Stories in this book come from Bohemia, the Guyanas, and Peru and are based on the universal theme of not opening the door to strangers.

This time the boys find themselves in cottage country making up spooky tales about staying out of the forest. Tales from the Philippines and Native American legends are told until the boys can almost see strange characters at their dinner table that night.

Cautionary tales from West Virginia, Africa, and Central Europe are related by each boy until they are certain Mothman, Monster, and Ghost are after them. Are they scared? Not enough to admit it, but they certainly are running for home a little faster than usual.

Don't Touch That!

by Veronika Martenova Charles

Published 14 October 2008
All that glitters may not be gold and certainly should not be touched, as the three boys find out when they see something strange at a construction site. While deciding their best course of action, they tell each other stories about strange toys, a mysterious glass bottle, and a dragon. By the time they are finished they are scared, but they know just what they should do. The Far North, Germany, and Italy are featured this time.

Don't Forget!

by Veronika Martenova Charles

Published 14 October 2008
Baba Yaga, The Golden Arm, and Monster Gogo all come out to play with the imaginations of the boys this time. Children around the world all know that they mustn’t forget important things and these generously illustrated tellings from Russia, England, and West Africa drive the point home in a memorable way.

Don't Eat That!

by Veronika Martenova Charles

Published 14 October 2008
In short lines, large type, and text broken into phrases, three more stories are told. Marcos, Leon, and “I” try to out-do each other with warnings against tasting things that may not be safe. Dire consequences and ridiculous outcomes take the boys to new heights of hilarity in these spooky tales from Australia, Italy, and Eastern Europe.

This time a lost dog sparks the theme of strangers and the wisdom in avoiding them. And what a collection of strangers they are! Headless trolls, people with pointy ears and huge eyes, and long-lost “aunties,” who enjoy eating their guests. Stories from Scandinavia, Sierra Leone, and Iraq are highlighted in this universal warning.

Three friends frighten each other with tales of haunted beach houses, sinister cats, and witches in this trio of cautionary stories from Japan and the United States. Beginning readers come away with a satisfying experience and the benefit of good advice!