Ruth Manning-Sanders' 'Book of Ghosts and Goblins' is a charming anthology that brings together twenty-one supernatural folk tales from various cultures. The collection offers a balanced mix of genuinely eerie stories, such as a child-friendly rendition of 'The Headless Horseman,' and more whimsical or even heartwarming narratives like 'The Kindly Ghost.' The book handles sensitive topics like fear and the unknown in a classic folklore style, which is often metaphorical and less directly frightening than modern horror. The emotional arc varies from tale to tale, but generally, they start with a mysterious or slightly unsettling premise and often resolve with a sense of wonder, justice, or a gentle lesson. This book is specifically for children who are beginning to explore spooky themes and have a burgeoning curiosity about different cultures' myths and legends. A parent might reach for this when their child expresses an interest in ghosts or monsters but isn't ready for truly scary content, or when they want to introduce diverse storytelling traditions. Parents should preview stories like 'The Headless Horseman' if their child is particularly sensitive to mild scares, but overall, the tone is appropriate for the stated age range. Younger children (4-7) will enjoy these as read-alouds, focusing on the fantastical elements and the rhythm of the storytelling, while older children (8-11) can read independently and appreciate the cultural nuances and narrative structures.
