Slappy New Year!

Name: Slappy New Year!
ISBN: 9780545161992

by R. L. Stine

Ray loves to scare his younger brother, Brandon, but when a creepy dummy named Slappy comes to life, the pranks turn truly terrifying. Can the brothers survive Slappy's evil schemes and a trip to the

About This Book

In "Slappy New Year!", part of the Goosebumps HorrorLand series, older brother Ray enjoys scaring his timid younger brother, Brandon. Things take a sinister turn when a wooden dummy, Slappy, from HorrorLand's gift shop, seems to come to life, escalating the pranks into genuine threats. The main story follows Ray and Brandon's struggle against Slappy during their New Year's Eve party. This book also includes a secondary plot where the protagonists are drawn into the overarching HorrorLand narrative, meeting characters from other books in a serialized adventure. It's a classic R.L. Stine blend of spooky fun, sibling dynamics, and a touch of humor, perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy a good scare.

"Did You Think Slappy Here Was Talking?" Ray Gordon loves to scare his younger brother, Brandon. It's not hard considering Brandon is terrified of everything—loud noises, roller coasters, and especially the wooden dummy, Slappy, that Ray got from Jonathan Chiller's HorrorLand gift shop. In order to throw his big New Year's Eve party, Ray's parents make him promise to leave Brandon alone. But strange, mean-spirited things keep happening to his little brother, and Slappy always seems to be around for it. Could those words Ray read out loud actually have brought the dummy to life?

Concepts

Fear & Bravery Good vs. Evil Self-Confidence & Identity Honesty & Integrity Empathy & Kindness Anger & Frustration Curiosity & Wonder Sibling Rivalry Peer Pressure Family & Siblings Monsters

Heads up, parents

Scary Scenes

peril_danger

bullying

separation_from_parent

Discussion Prompts

Have you ever played a prank on someone, or had one played on you? How did it feel?

Brandon is scared of many things. What are some things that make you feel scared, and how do you deal with those feelings?

Ray promises his parents he won't scare Brandon, but then strange things start happening. Do you think Ray kept his promise? Why or why not?

If you could visit HorrorLand, which ride or attraction would you want to try first, and which would you avoid?

What do you think makes Slappy so scary? Is it his appearance, his actions, or something else?

External Reviews