I received a free review copy of Scarum Fair from Boyds Mills Press.Although Scarum Fair is a picture book, I don't think lower elementary grade children will truly enjoy this book. There is some scary imagery that will frighten some children. I do think, however, that upper elementary grade children will devour this book, especially around Halloween. The illustrations remind me of the animation of Tim Burton (Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas), so many students may make a connection there. The poems are clever and include some fairly sophisticated vocabulary that could lead students to explore what the words mean.This book is a little scary, but the rhymes are clever, the illustrations are perfect for the text, and students will love it, especially those drawn to scary stories with touches of humor. Grades 2-5 In this collection of 29 poems, readers start with "The Ghoul at the Gate" that snatches unsuspecting children into the graveyard that is the home of Scarum Fair. Once inside, they are introduced to the various ghouls and monster who populate the fair. Not quite your typical fair, this one features coffin racing and a scary-go-round. The devil's food cake (eaten with a tiny red pitchfork) is famous for setting tongues on fire, but don't look for relief from the i-scream... made with chopped up polar bear and a pinch of penguin beak, it will freeze you from the inside out. Deliciously creepy words, along with illustrations reminiscent of The Nightmare before Christmas, will have Halloween afficianados clamoring for more spooky poetry.
What do You think about Scarum Fair (2010)?
Fabulous! Very surprised Wordsong published this, since it's dark compared to what they usually do.
—MAKEITHAPPEN
kids will love the disgusting nature of this poetry book! Gross, clever, and a bit scary!
—msdolphin13
Wonderfully creepy poems. I especially liked "Dr. Crunch" and "Cat-Hair Stew".
—Shirley
