Seven Strange and Ghostly Tales

Seven Strange and Ghostly Tales is a collection of seven supernatural short stories by Redwall author Brian Jacques, published in 1991 and aimed at young readers. Each tale centers on children who encounter mysterious, supernatural, or unexplainable events. The stories feature diverse settings including museums, graveyards, and ordinary neighborhoods, where seemingly normal situations take unexpected turns. The collection includes tales of mischievous students facing consequences, late-night graveyard dares, and encounters with unusual characters. Characters must navigate encounters with ancient curses, vampires, and other supernatural elements. These stories explore themes of actions and consequences, the price of misbehavior, and the sometimes thin line between ordinary life and the supernatural world.

Readers found this collection creepier and darker than Jacques' Redwall series, with several noting it works well for ages 10-14. Many highlighted "The Lies of Henry Mawdsley" as the standout tale. Liked: - British folklore elements and ghost story traditions - Each story has a moral lesson without being preachy - Builds tension gradually rather than relying on jump scares - Works as read-aloud material for families Disliked: - Some stories drag in the middle sections - Endings can be predictable - Vocabulary may challenge younger readers - A few reviewers found it less engaging than Jacques' other works Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (492 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (21 ratings) "Perfect October reading that stays spooky without going too far" - Goodreads reviewer "The stories stick with you but won't give kids nightmares" - Amazon reviewer "More atmospheric than scary" - LibraryThing review

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury Two boys face supernatural horrors when a sinister carnival arrives in their small town.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman A boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard navigates between the world of the dead and the living while avoiding the man who killed his family.

The Ghost Squad by Sophie Green Three children discover their ability to see ghosts and join a secret organization that investigates paranormal activities.

The Book of Dead Days by Marcus Sedgwick A servant boy helps his master search through dark magic and ancient secrets to escape a deadly bargain with supernatural forces.

The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier Two siblings working as servants in a mansion uncover the connection between a mysterious tree, a ghostly figure, and the family's dark wishes.

🔍 Brian Jacques wrote his first story at age 10, and it was about a bird who cleaned a crocodile's teeth 🏰 Before becoming a famous author, Jacques worked as a docker, truck driver, and even a stand-up comedian in Liverpool 📚 While most know Jacques for his Redwall series, this collection shows his versatility by drawing from his childhood experiences of telling ghost stories in Liverpool 🌙 The book was partly inspired by traditional British ghost stories that Jacques heard as a child, particularly those told during World War II blackouts 🎭 Several of the stories in this collection were originally performed by Jacques as dramatic readings on BBC Radio Merseyside, where he worked as a presenter