Only If You Dare - by Josh Allen

About the Book

"A collection of thirteen short stories showing how horribly wrong food, dating, jobs, and even a bed pillow can be."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Thirteen chilling short stories to keep you up at night--but only if you dare.

You never know what's out to get you. Though you might think you're safe from monsters and menaces, everyday objects can turn against you, too. A mysterious microwave. A threatening board game. A snowman that refuses to melt. Even your own heartbeat has its secrets. Thu-thump. Thu-thump. When you stop to listen, each beat sounds more menacing than the last.

Master storyteller Josh Allen brings thirteen nightmare scenarios to life in this page-turning collection that's perfect for budding horror junkies. In his wondrous world, danger waits behind every doorway . . . even in the most ordinary places. Kids eager for age-appropriate horror will relish every thrill and chill.

Eerie illustrations by award-winning artist Sarah Coleman accompany the stories, packaged in a stunning hardcover edition complete with glow-in-the-dark jacket. Readers will sleep with one eye open!

Don't miss the author and illustrator's other creepy collections: Out to Get You and Once They See You.

Washington, DC Capitol Choices Book List Selection
New York NY Reads Book List Selection

Review Quotes

"With the help of Sarah J. Coleman's macabre black-ink illustrations, Mr. Allen gets the balance just right for children ages 9-12 with stories that are scary but not scarring."--Wall Street Journal

★ "Allen has cemented himself as the heir-apparent of ­Alvin Schwartz; this is the new quick pick for patrons who want more after reading all the classic 'Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.'. . .A chilling anthology of memorable scares that will leave even the biggest ­horror buffs sleeping with the light on."--School Library Journal, Starred Review

"Thirteen illustrated short stories range from eerie to totally terrifying. Each tale stands completely alone, but a strong sense of foreboding, unease, and utterly chilling twists runs through the collection. . . . intrepid tweens and teens who enjoy a thrill will be thoroughly sucked in."--The Horn Book

"Twisty, terrifying, and oh-so fun! Just when you think you're safe, Josh Allen brings on the scares. From monstrous microwaves to carnivorous pillows, you'll never look at life the same way again."--Kim Ventrella, author of The Secret Life of Sam

"Horror fans will enjoy this spine-tingling selection. . . ."--Publishers Weekly

"This delightfully dark and spine-tingling anthology will keep young readers and horror lovers on the edge of their seats."--Booklist

"An excellent offering for young people looking for real scares that don't condescend to them or pander to adult anxieties about what might be 'too scary.' This book will fly off the shelves."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Josh Allen checks under his bed before switching off the light each night. During the day, he teaches creative writing and literature at Brigham Young University-Idaho. His debut book for young readers, Out to Get You, received two starred reviews and was a Junior Library Guild selection. He lives in Idaho with his family.

Sarah Coleman was an early pioneer of hand lettering and has illustrated covers for many renowned books, including the 50th anniversary edition of To Kill a Mockingbird and Newbery Honor-winner Wolf Hollow. Her design clients range from Coca Cola and Starbucks to The New York Times. She lives in the UK.