A Not-So-Scary Story by Barney Saltzberg is a clever, charming, and thoroughly engaging picture book that deserves every bit of its five stars. With a playful approach to the idea of “scary,” the book turns expectations upside down in a way that feels both reassuring and fun for young readers.

Saltzberg’s interactive storytelling style shines, inviting kids to participate as the story unfolds. The pacing is spot-on, building just enough suspense before delivering moments of humor and surprise that keep the tone light and enjoyable. It’s the perfect balance—never truly frightening, but just spooky enough to feel exciting.

The illustrations are bold and expressive, adding to the humor and helping guide readers through the story’s twists and turns. There’s a wonderful sense of personality on every page, making it ideal for animated read-alouds.

What makes this book stand out is its ability to empower kids by showing that “scary” things can be transformed with a little imagination. It’s both comforting and entertaining, making it a go-to choice for storytime.

Overall, A Not-So-Scary Story is a delightful, interactive read that brings laughs, surprises, and just the right touch of spooky fun—an easy five-star favorite.

Cute picture book perfect for little kids. Fun story about being scared and not liking it vs liking it. Not everyone is the same and I love that message.

A Not-So-Scary Story by Barney Saltzburg was a wonderful story. The chargers are cute and relatable to children. It's nice to put some fun into being scared and changing the trajectory . I highly recommend it to all of my fellow educators and parents.

This story was perfect for my toddler. He is starting to understand what scary is. He enjoyed the pictures and the laughs this book offered. Great way to educate that you can make something scary fun.

I just want to be a kid again so I can have stories read to ME! This is the most adorable book .... and it is a "not so scary one!".

Little Mouse cannot fall asleep and wants Big Mouse to tell him a bedtime story. But Big Mouse wants to tell a scary one because he thinks all stories should be that way. So, he starts his story, and Little Mouse adds to it his way. It becomes the cutest bedtime story ever. The ending is the best with the cutest friend to come join them!!! Little Mouse learns that the right amount of "scary" might just be ok.

I now need to read all of Barney Saltzberg's books!!!

THANK YOU, NETGALLEY and BARNEY SALTZBERG for the ARC COPY of THIS BOOK. ALL OPINIONS REMAIN MY OWN.

I enjoyed everything about this book. The bright bold colors and the different colored text held my attention. I think this would be a great story at a school circle time. Then students could talk about what scares them. I highly recommend this book.

First off, Saltzberg has a way with using every part of a book: front cover, back cover, end flaps, and end pages. Check these out with students. You will thank me later. A young mouse is frightened by a noise and awoken. Finding it is dark out, there is concern that falling asleep will be hard. Another mouse grabs a flashlight (of course Saltzberg uses the gutter masterfully here) and a story begins to be shared. Ultimately the two mice share in the story, one making scary suggestions and one brightening the mood until there is another gutter surprise.

I do not like scary stories and my students know it. I will happily share this story when it is in print. In fact, I will be setting it for purchase in my August orders as I am certain it will be very popular for both students who feel as I do and those who like scary stories. I am grateful to Netgalley for access to a virtual version of this story before the publication date in September.

The last page had me laughing out loud. The book was quirky and cute. My daughter really enjoyed it.

A Not-So-Scary Story is a truly heartwarming and clever sequel that masterfully handles the often-daunting concept of "scary stories" for a young audience. Barney Saltzberg captures the perfect balance of anticipation and comfort, making this an ideal choice for little ones who are curious about spooky themes but need a gentle, reassuring approach that won't result in any nightmares. The way the narrative handles the anxiety surrounding unfamiliar tales is both thoughtful and sensitive, proving that children can enjoy a thrill without being overwhelmed by fear.

The dynamic between Big Mouse and Little Mouse continues to shine here just as brightly as in their previous adventures. Their witty, relatable dialogue brings a sense of genuine authenticity to the pages, perfectly reflecting how children often navigate the fine line between excitement and trepidation when exploring new stories. Seeing Little Mouse actively transform the narrative to make it "not-so-scary" is a brilliant touch, offering a wonderful, empowering lesson in creative expression and emotional agency that young readers will surely grasp and appreciate.

Key Highlights of this Picture Book:

* **Gentle, Inviting Atmosphere:** The story provides just enough mild suspense to keep children engaged and turning the pages without causing any genuine fright, making it an excellent candidate for bedtime reading or calm classroom read-alouds where the goal is enjoyment rather than alarm.
* **Empowering Narrative:** Little Mouse’s initiative to soften the scary parts encourages young readers to take control of their own stories and navigate their fears with confidence and humor. It teaches children that they have the power to change how they interpret the world around them.
* **Charming, Expressive Illustrations:** Saltzberg’s signature artistic style brings the mice to life with immense personality, using soft colors and playful lines that keep the mood light and inviting. The visuals are perfectly complemented by a delightful cameo that fans of the first book will undoubtedly recognize and appreciate.
* **Perfectly Snappy Pacing:** The back-and-forth banter is quick and engaging, keeping the story moving at a steady clip that ensures it remains highly interactive and fun for early readers in the 3–6 age range, who will love the rhythmic flow of the text.

This book is an absolute must-read for parents, educators, and librarians looking to celebrate the Halloween season or simply enjoy a cozy night in without resorting to heavy or intense scares. It is a sweet, funny, and deeply comforting addition to the series that celebrates the boundless power of the imagination and the sheer joy of shared storytelling. I give this my highest recommendation for libraries, classrooms, and home bookshelves everywhere—it is a standout title that will be requested again and again by children who want a story that respects their curiosity while keeping them feeling safe and secure.