Books like 'Once Upon a Scream'
Readers who enjoyed Once Upon a Scream by Vera Strange also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
horror fantasy monsters/creatures retellings paranormal witches-wizards children
-
The Monster at the End of this Book by Jon Stone
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsMany adults name this book as their favorite Little Golden Book. Generations of kids have interacted with lovable, furry old Grover as he begs the reader not to turn the page—for fear of a monster at the end of the book. “Oh, I am so embarrassed,” he says on the last page . . -
Brothers to the Death by Darren Shan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAfter years of wandering, Larten has finally found his way back to his vampire family and resumed the vigorous, brutal training to become a General. But there are vampires determined to pull Larten into starting a war that could have global implications and casualties. Vampires who will stop at nothing. Vampires who would betray Larten in the most cutting way...Categorized as:
children paranormal retellings action-adventure book children-books fiction historical -
That Monster on the Block by Sue Ganz-Schmitt
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMonster is excited to see what kind of creature will move into Vampire’s old house on the block. He even starts practicing his welcome growl for the new neighbor. But when the moving truck pulls up, it’s not a greedy goblin, an ogre, or a dastardly dragon that steps out... -
The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings by Anna Llenas
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratings"This sensitive book . . . encourages young ones to open up and discuss how they feel, even when their thoughts are confusing... -
-
Haunted House by Jan Pieńkowski
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRevisit — if you dare! — one of the best-loved pop-up books of all time, now more gleefully ghoulish then ever with the addition of several spooky surprises.Come in, Doctor. Yes, it is a quaint old place-chilly, though. . . . The owner of the Haunted House is unwell, and it's not surprising... -
Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsOVER 1 MILLION COPIES SOLD! This classic interactive book that has been helping children chase away nighttime fears for 25 years is perfect for Halloween--and all-year round!Caldecott Award-winner Ed Emberley has created an ingenious way for children to overcome bedtime frights... -
There's a Nightmare in My Closet by Mercer Mayer
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsAt bedtime a boy confronts the nightmare in his closet and finds him not so terrifying after all... -
Don't Push the Button! by Bill Cotter
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAn enhanced eBook guaranteed to cause giggles! There’s only one rule in Larry’s book: don’t push the button. (Seriously, don’t even think about it!) It does look kind of nice though…Okay, quick. No one is looking. — push the button. Uh, oh... -
The Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman, Erica Siverman
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe witch has grown the biggest pumpkin ever, and now she wants to make herself a pumpkin pie for Halloween. But the pumpkin is so big she can't get it off the vine. It's so big the ghost can't move it, either. Neither can the vampire, nor the mummy. It looks as if there'll be no pumpkin pie for Halloween, until along comes the bat with an idea to save the day...Categorized as:
children paranormal witches-wizards audiobook book children-books fiction friendship -
Mothman's Merry Cryptid Christmas by Andrew Shaffer
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA heartwarming picture book for children and adults featuring everyone’s favorite flying cryptid from the New York Times bestselling author of How to Survive a Sharknado Few have seen the West Virginia creature known as Mothman, but everyone agrees nothing good happens when he’s around—there always seems to be an accident or some other mishap. Is he really an unlucky charm? Even he’s unsure... -
The Second Siege by Henry H. Neff
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe Tapestry series continues to weave threads of fantasy, mythology, science fiction, and mystery into a wholly original adventure that appeals to fans of everything from Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings to The X-Men. Genre-blending and fully illustrated, The Tapestry novels have caught the attention of middle-grade and young adult readers alike—and the series is only getting bigger...Categorized as:
children paranormal retellings witches-wizards action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
Rumble of the Coaster Ghost by Troy Cummings
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsStermont's latest monster is a real scream!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina... -
Snap of the Super-Goop: #10 by Troy Cummings
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRip and Nikki think Alexander is going crazy when he keeps seeing monsters they've already defeated, but he has to convince his friends there might be a new monster if he wants to protect the town and notebook. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Spotlight is a division of ABDO... -
Charge of the Lightning Bugs by Troy Cummings, Niloufar Amanzadeh
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsStermont's latest monster is SHOCKING!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina... -
-
Pop of the Bumpy Mummy by Troy Cummings, Niloufar Amanzadeh
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA creepy mummy monster is on the loose in Stermont!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina... -
Chomp of the Meat-Eating Vegetables by Troy Cummings
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAlexander is still on the look-out for monsters. Now he thinks they're at school.... The lunch menu is NOT normal -- instead of good-for-you meals, there's ice cream and pie every day. His whole class is crying. And his friend Rip goes missing... -
Hey, That's My Monster! by Amanda Noll
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen Ethan looks under the bed for his monster, he finds this note instead: "So long, kid. Gotta go. Someone needs me more than you do... -
If I Had a Gryphon by Vikki VanSickle, Cale Atkinson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSam just got a hamster for a pet. She's not really impressed. The hamster isn't very exciting--he mostly eats and sleeps and gets his shavings wet. BORING!After reading a book about mythological creatures, Sam gets some ideas for more exciting pets. But she soon realizes that taking care of these magical beasts might not be as wonderful as she though... -
Encyclopedia of Things That Never Were: Creatures, Places, and People by Michael F. Page
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHardcover sales of more than 70,000 copies have made the Encyclopedia of Things That Never Were a classic illustrated reference to myths and legends from all corners of the world. Here--culled from mythology, literature, and folk tales--is the mystical realm that has populated humanity's imagination for centuries... -
Witches of the Deep by C.N. Crawford, Carlos Quevedo
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFiona and her friends are on the run from the ruthless witch-hunters, seeking refuge in the werewolf city of Dogtown. But sadly for Fiona, no sanctuary awaits them there. Plagued by its inhabitants and her own twisted past, Fiona is searching for one thing: a way out. Her only hope is to complete a series of grueling tasks set forth by a gorgeous—but terrifying—sea-demon...Categorized as:
paranormal retellings witches-wizards action-adventure book coming-of-age dark fiction -
Blaze The Ice Dragon by Adam Blade
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe volcano at Stonewin is frozen over and the lands are blasted with a deadly cold. This is the work of Blaze the Ice Dragon, sent by wicked Wizard Malvel to thwart Tom's quest to save his father...Categorized as:
children paranormal action-adventure book children-books fiction high-fantasy horror -
Day of the Night Crawlers by Troy Cummings
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThis series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina...Categorized as:
children paranormal retellings action-adventure book children-books fiction friendship -
Shadowghast by Thomas Taylor, Tom Booth
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn the third mysterious tale of Eerie-on-Sea, it’s almost Ghastly Night, and the Shadowghast—an ancient spirit in a lantern—lurks in wait for the power to enslave the town...Categorized as:
children paranormal retellings action-adventure audiobook book children-books fiction -
You Can't Come in Here! by P.J. Night, Aly Turner
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPerfect for tweens who love a good scare, don’t miss this all-new series from Simon Spotlight that combines the fun of sleepovers with the thrill of chilling tales. Readers will get more than goosebumps from these stories that infuse modern middle-school life with a helping of horror... -
-
Ten Timid Ghosts by Jennifer O'Connell
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt's Halloween, and ten timid ghosts in a haunted house have a problem: a mean witch is preparing to move in and scare them away, one by one! Young trick-or-treaters learn to count backwards from ten to one as each ghost flies away to the woods after seeing a gleaming skeleton, a bat black as night, a frightening hoot owl, or an enormous rat, just a few of all the witch's tricks... -
Sunset Strip by Rick Gualtieri
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMy name is Sally.For over thirty years I've prowled the night, one of the undead. In that time I've walked amongst you - a wolf in sheep's clothing - doing unspeakable things, killing countless people.Now, on the eve of Armageddon, a chance for redemption presents itself. My past has come looking for me, beckoning me back to the city of my rebirth... -
Attack of the Shadow Smashers by Troy Cummings
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsMonsters, monsters, everywhere!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches. Aimed at 5- to 7-year-olds, this line of books is for children who are just starting to read independently. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina...Categorized as:
children paranormal retellings action-adventure book children-books fiction friendship -
My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.) by Peter Brown
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsBobby has a problem. You see, his teacher is a monster.But when Bobby runs into his teacher outside of school, he learns there is more to her than meets the eye... -
Rokk the Walking Mountain by Adam Blade
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn order to free the Mistress of the Beasts from the spell she is under, Tom travels to a mountain town that has been devastated by a rockslide... -
Stealth the Ghost Panther by Adam Blade
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMalvel's last beast has arrived at King Hugos castle. Stealth, the Ghost Panther traps his victims and turns them evil. Tom must find a way to defeat him and get the final piece of the Amulet that Stealth wears around his neck...Categorized as:
children paranormal action-adventure book children-books fiction high-fantasy horror -
The Secret History of Mermaids and Creatures of the Deep by Ari Berk
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom the loremaster who brought us THE SECRET HISTORY OF GIANTS comes an intriguing new chronicle revealing the mysterious ways of merfolk.Since ancient times, seafarers and coast-dwellers the world over have reported encounters with merpeople. Variously known as Finfolk, Dinny Mara, Nereids, Blue Men, and Merrymaids, merfolk have been the source of both gifts and disasters for humankind... -
Equinus the Spirit Horse by Adam Blade
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFight the Beasts. Fear the magic Equinus the Spirit Horse crashes through the forests of the Forbidden Land, stealing the life force of other creatures...Categorized as:
children paranormal action-adventure book children-books fiction high-fantasy horror -
Rashouk the Cave Troll by Adam Blade
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLurking in the Dead Peaks is Rashouk the Cave Troll. The Ghost Beast smells out his victims' fear ' and turns them to stone. It will take all of Tom's courage to capture Rashouk's piece of the Amulet of Avantia, but failure means never seeing his father again.. -
The Triumph of Death by Jason Henderson
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWithin months of discovering he’s next in a long line of vampire hunters, Alex Van Helsing has already defeated two powerful vampire leaders. Not bad for a fourteen-year-old.But when a newly risen vampire queen threatens the fate of the world, Alex faces his deadliest challenge yet...Categorized as:
children paranormal retellings witches-wizards action-adventure adaptations book comedy -
-
Maurice the Unbeastly by Amy Dixon
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBeasts roar! Beasts destroy! But not Maurice.This frightfully unbeastly tale about staying true to yourself is for everyone who’s just a little bit different. With his melodious voice, fondness for kale, and unfailing politeness, Maurice isn’t quite like other beasts... -
My Monster Burrufu by Alberto Corral
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSeven-year-old Olivia has just moved to a new house—the same house where a lonely monster named Burrufu lives hidden in a secret attic. One night, unable to resist the smell of delicious cookies, Burrufu sneaks out and is discovered by Olivia. The two soon learn that you can find friendship in the most unexpected places... -
Moldilocks and the Three Scares: A Zombie Tale by Lynne Marie
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA zombie-tastic take on a favorite fairy tale! “A horror spoof with a big heart: Lorenzo’s acrylic and colored pencil cartooning offers a warm glow, and readers will cheer for this undead family that finally feels complete.” —Publishers Weekly Forget Goldilocks and the three bears—MOLDILOCKS and the THREE SCARES are here, in a delightful new version of the popular story... -
Brute-Cake: A Branches Book by Troy Cummings
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA brand-new, monster-filled, action-packed, early chapter book series from the bestselling author-illustrator of The Notebook of Doom!Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers...Categorized as:
children paranormal retellings action-adventure book children-books fiction friendship -
The Spaghetti-Slurping Sewer Serpent by Laura Ripes
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSammy Sanders can’t sleep. He is 77 percent sure that a spaghetti-slurping serpent lives in his sewer. Sammy and his sidekicks—his sister, Sally, and their slobbery dog, Stan—set out to discover the truth. What Sammy finds is a surprise in this tongue-twisting mystery featuring the slippery letter S. The bright, fun artwork was created in colored pencil... -
Tokyo Night Parade by J.P. Takahashi, Minako Tomigahara
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSpirited Away meets Where the Wild Things Are by way of yokai mythology in this enchanting picture book by debut author J. P. Takahashi and illustrator Minako Tomigahara. The night parade is about to begin . . . The ground thunders in Tokyo. A gust of wind blows. The pitter patter of paws and claws draws closer. The air is thick with swirling, swooping demons... -
Luna the Moon Wolf by Adam Blade
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAt night, when the Dark Forest comes alive, Luna, the Moon Wolf's spell gets stronger and the wild animals become more vicious. Tom will have to defeat Luna's powerful magic in order to retrieve the next shard...Categorized as:
children paranormal action-adventure book children-books fiction high-fantasy horror -
Nixa the Death Bringer by Adam Blade
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe first book in the fourth series of the exciting adventure stories that are as gripping as a computer game! Great for boys, with a huge collectability factor bolstered by the collectors' cards in the back of the books, and links to an excellent interactive website...Categorized as:
children paranormal action-adventure book children-books fiction high-fantasy horror -
Dracula by Jack Kelly, Bram Stoker
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFor generations, readers have enjoyed classic literature. They have delighted in the romance of Jane Austen, thrilled at the adventures of Jules Verne, and pondered the lessons of Aesop. Introduce young readers to these familiar volumes with Great Illustrated Classics. In this series, literary masterworks have been adapted for young scholars... -
How I Met My Monster by Amanda Noll
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOne night, when Ethan reaches under his bed for a toy truck, he finds this note instead: “Monsters! Meet here for final test.” Ethan is sure his parents are trying to trick him into staying under the covers, until he sees five colorful sets of eyes blinking at him from beneath the bed. Soon, a colorful parade of quirky, squeaky little monsters compete to become Ethan’s monster... -
-
Monster Trouble! by Lane Fredrickson
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNothing frightens Winifred Schnitzel—but she DOES need her sleep, and the neighborhood monsters WON'T let her be! Every night they sneak in, growling and belching and making a ruckus. Winifred constructs clever traps, but nothing stops these crafty creatures...Categorized as:
children paranormal retellings action-adventure book children-books family female-mc -
There's Something in My Attic by Mercer Mayer
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThat nightmare in the attic may look and sound scary, but it's no match for a brave girl with a lasso! Nobody knows better than Mercer Mayer how to turn shivers into smiles, and children no longer need fear things that go bump in the night. Full-color illustrations... -
Peanut Butter and Brains by Joe McGee, Charles Santoso
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPaperback book and Audio CD.Reginald isn't like the other zombies who shuffle through Quirkville, scaring the townspeople and moaning for BRAINSSSSS! The only thing Reginald's stomach rumbles for is sticky peanut butter and sweet jelly. He tries to tell his zombie pals that there's more to life than eating brains, but they're just not interested... -
Frank Was a Monster Who Wanted to Dance by Keith Graves
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrank was a monster who wanted to dance. So he put on his hat, and his shoes made in France...and opened a jar and put ants in his pants! So begins this monstrously funny, deliciously disgusting, horrifyingly hilarious story of a monster who follows his dream. Keith Graves' wacky illustrations and laugh-out-loud text will tickle the funny bone and leave readers clamoring for an encore... -
The Monstore by Tara Lazar, James Burks
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Monstore is a one-stop shop for all your monsterly needs in this enormously funny story that’s full of friendly, kooky creatures.At the back of Frankensweet’s Candy Shoppe, under the last box of sour gumballs, there’s a trapdoor. Knock five times fast, hand over the bag of squirmy worms, and you can crawl inside The Monstore. The Monstore is the place to go for all of your monsterly needs... -
Wilfred by Ryan T. Higgins
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn the tradition of Calvin & Hobbes and Dr. Seuss comes a new story of unlikely friendship.Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a humongous and hairy giant named Wilfred. Whenever people saw him, they ran away, which made life very lonely for Wilfred. That is, until he found himself in a rather unusual town where one brave little boy saw something special in the timid giant...
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.