Twinkle twinkle, little bat: Beastly bedtime stories for all kinds of kids

Pan Macmillan, 2018. ISBN 9781760557263
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Short stories. Once upon a time, there were 9 beastly bedtime stories. Stories with vampires and bats, and a sleepover of doom: of a pirate dance party and a zoo in a room. There were bears who were scared, and three bags of wool. Kids who ate pasta till their tummies were full. And if things go splat in the night... hold tight. The dreamo-machino will help you sleep deep.
We are frequently asked for scary stories in the library and I am not sure this will fit the bill. Featuring short stories from some of Australia's most successful authors including Andy Griffiths, Morris Gleitzman, R. A. Spratt and Judith Rossell - there are 9 included in the anthology, this book is filled to the brim with stories bursting with humour and terrifying twists. These stories are sure to have the children shaking in their beds - with laughter not fear!
Each story is beautifully written which you would expect from these successful writers. I particularly enjoyed Andy Griffith's choose your own adventure - this genre of books is becoming more and more popular with our children. At the end of the book each author is featured with a short biography and all are asked the question "What are your favourite beastly bedtime stories?" I always love these insights into an author.
This book will be great to hand to teachers when they ask for something short to read to their students.
Suitable for children aged 7 and up. A welcome addition to the short story collection.
Kathryn Schumacher