*Frights & Delights from Penguin Kids* is a delightful literary sampler—a curated collection of eerie, imaginative, and spine-tingling excerpts and stories perfectly tailored for readers aged 7 to 12. Assembled from some of the most engaging voices in contemporary middle grade fiction, this volume serves both as an invitation and a gateway into realms of mild peril, magical curiosity, and gleeful fright.

What makes this anthology so effective is its tonal balance. Each featured story or excerpt embraces the spooky with a sense of wonder, ensuring that the chills remain age-appropriate and that every ghostly moment is tempered with humor, heart, or mystery. These tales understand their audience: they entertain, they unsettle just enough, and most importantly, they empower young readers to explore themes of courage, imagination, and resilience.

The breadth of voices—from laugh-out-loud mischievous to quietly haunting—offers something for every temperament. Whether a reader prefers shadowy attics, mischievous monsters, magical mishaps, or enchanted forests, this collection offers a taste of what the broader world of children’s literature has to offer.

The anthology is also a clever introduction to full-length novels and series published under the Penguin Young Readers umbrella. Each excerpt is carefully chosen to intrigue without spoiling, making this a perfect resource for educators, librarians, and parents seeking to match reluctant readers with the stories that might ignite their love of books.

**Final Verdict:**
*Frights & Delights from Penguin Kids* is a charming, spooky, and diverse celebration of middle grade storytelling. It balances atmospheric thrills with creative warmth, offering a safe yet stirring experience for young adventurers of the imagination. A perfect seasonal companion—and an evergreen invitation to read more.

**Rating**: ★★★★☆

Really enjoyed this one! I should have read it so much sooner! But I don’t regret it. This maybe a new obsession! I love the characters, plot, etc.

I love samplers like this because they introduce me to similar titles that I might never consider! My students LOVE scary stories and I wasn't award of some of these titles until I read the excerpts in this anthology sampler. I have one or two of these title in our library at school, but will be adding the others since I know they will be popular. Thanks so much for the collection - it was ready0made reader's advisory!

I enjoy these samplers. They are especially great when trying to decide which book to read next. I had already read the full length versions of several of the titles in this sampler, but I have titles to add to my TBR now. I found myself drawn in to many of these stories and am looking forward to reading the entire novels.

The Frights & Delights from Penguin Teen was spooktacular. I’m really looking forward to The Devouring Wolf. I love the premise and style of writing. I think readers will devour Monsterious: Escape from Grimstone Manner. Chupacarter was hilarious and I enjoyed the adventure into Latinx folklore.

Thank you so much to Penguin Young Readers Group and Netgalley for the opportunity to read the sampler in exchange for honest feedback.

Frights & Delights from Penguin Kids brings us 7 Eerie Reads and Uncanny Adventures for Ages 7-12
by some amazing authors!
If you or someone you know echoes reading R.L. Stine they will go crazy over these new upcoming titles!
Here are seven samples which I enjoy getting to read a little sneak peek.

Los Monstruos: Felice and Wailing Woman by Diana López
The Horrible Bag of Terrible Things by Rob Renzetti
Extra Normal by Kate Alice Marshall (I love her adult fiction)
Chupacarter by George Lopez & Ryan Calejo
Monsterious: Escape From Grimstone Manor by Matt McMann
Tales To Keep You A Night by Dan Poblocki
The Devouring Wolf by Natalie C. Parker
If your child is into Juvenile Fiction/fantasy/horror then these books are right up their alley!
The little bit I read I wished were longer.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the opportunity to read this ahead of its publication date in return for my honest review.