Once They See You: 13 Stories to Shiver and Shock

Josh Allen

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Book cover for Once They See You: 13 Stories to Shiver and Shock
Image for variant 9780823464012
Book cover for Once They See You: 13 Stories to Shiver and Shock
Image for variant 9780823464012

Once They See You: 13 Stories to Shiver and Shock

Once They See You: 13 Stories to Shiver and Shock

Josh Allen

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Description

There's no escaping these deliciously creepy tales of everyday horror, perfect for fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.

Once you open this book, you're doomed . . . Cursed to stay up late, savoring every line of these terrifying stories. Go ahead and try to resist. The Night Things won't let you get far.

Master storyteller Josh Allen, hailed as the "heir-apparent to Alvin Schwartz," brings thirteen nightmare scenarios to life in this page-turning collection. From a shiny abandoned bike, to an innocent classroom icebreaker, to a piano recital that requires unusual sacrifices, there's no end to the shocking twists on everyday reality.

In Allen's wondrous world, which looks an awful like our own, 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 a 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 Only If You Dare.

Named to the Maine Student Book Award Reading List

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.

Critical Reviews

"Dark fates and creepy buildups will appeal strongly to young readers who love to indulge their fears, and the stories are compelling enough to be read in one or two sittings. Fans of Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark will have a great time reading this collection--although, maybe, a hard time falling asleep."--The Horn Book

"Appropriately dark and creepy, from a scatter of blood-smeared pages of music to a class picture of sixth-grade zombies. Best read in daylight."--Booklist

"Allen and Coleman's latest set of horror shorts for middle-grade readers once more strikes the perfect balance for its intended audience--frightening but never overly disturbing.. . . Superbly scary."--Kirkus Reviews

Publishing Information

Publisher: Holiday House
Pub date: 2026-07-28
Length: 192 pages

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